As the Starting Point of the Silk Road, it was once the imperial capital of 13 ancient dynasties, Xi'an is the best witness of China's long history and time-honored cultures. The city presents the unique amalgamation of stunningly ancient and modern architectures, allowing tourists from all over the world to dive into the richness and distinctiveness of its cultural heritage.
Introduction of Shaanxi Food
Shaanxi has one of the longest and richest culinary histories in China, dating back more than 2,000 years ago. Shaanxi cuisine prefers wheat over rice in terms of its staple foods. When it comes to noodles, Shaanxi style is wider and thicker than noodles from other regions. Flavours are complex and strong, while sugar plays a sparing role in Shaanxi style dishes.
What to Taste?
Rou Jia Mo
Rou Jia Mo is often referred to as the "Chinese burger." The cooking method can be easily imagined for the picture tells it all.
Rou means meat, and mo means bread here. Jia, without doubt, means being stuffed in between.
It originated from northwest China's Shaanxi Province but prevails all across the country, and is just as popular as it was in its hometown.
Yang Rou Pao Mo(A Nice Bowl of Soup with Mutton and Bread Pieces)
Shredded Pancakes in a Mutton or Beef soup are local Muslim delicacy that warms the stomach. The table etiquette is an art in itself as the diner breaks up a flatbread that's mixed into the soup.
Steamed Bread with Spices
The Chinese name for this dish is Lazi Guokui mo. Lazi means spice, Guokui, helmet, and mo, steamed bread.
It is said that the bread was first baked using a helmet by a young man named Dongwa who worked as a construction worker during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). He used his helmet to randomly bake something to eat as he was short of the cooking utensil. The steamed bread has been preserved, the name too. But the helmet has been changed to a pan.
With some home-made spices as a side dish, this is one of the most popular snacks in Shaanxi Province.
Dumplings
Dumplings are a northern speciality in China and famous for its dumpling feasts. Introduced in 1984 by the Xi'an Dumpling Feast Restaurant. the banquet features a selection of 108 dumplings that differ in shape and filling.
Jia San Guan Tang Baozi
Jia San Guan Tang Baozi is a unique Muslim dumpling treat. A filling of ground beef and chopped vegetables is mixed with gravy before the paper-thin dumpling skin is sealed, making these dumplings delightfully juicy.
Buckwheat Noodles
Buckwheat Noodles can be served hot or cold and are delicious with different vegetable toppings and sauces.
Where to taste?
Xi'an cuisine is simple and hearty, you won't leave the hungry. Although the noodles and dumplings are predominant, however, it is still very hard to find good restaurants.
Xi'an Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter is the first place you can sense the city of Xi'an. This old city not only was the origin of the ancient Silk Road but also witnessed the gradual fusion of western and eastern culture and philosophy. Now, the Belt and Road Initiative will extend that diversity.
Pubs and Cafe
Pubs and Café are clustered around Defu Alley, west of Nan Dajie near the Bell Tower. Most of these are set in a quiet neighbourhood and make a great setting to grab a cold beer or a cup of java.
