Xi'an Food Diary: Honest Reviews of Everything We Ate
Every meal documented — from the xiaochao paomo that haunts my dreams to the Hangzhou-priced lamb that felt like a steal. Plus the dishes we could have skipped.
Restaurant by Restaurant
1. 马斌小炒 Ma Bin Xiaochao ❤️
Delicious! Don't add chili — it gets too salty and oily. For two people with southern appetites, one bowl is plenty.
2. 魏氏凉皮 Weishi Liangpi
Decent liangpi, standard flavour. Nothing extraordinary but hits the spot on a hot day.
3. 回民街 Muslim Quarter Street Food
The classic snack street — bustling atmosphere, endless options. Best finds are in the back alleys around Dapiyuan.
4. 子午路张记肉夹馍 Ziwulu Zhangji Roujiamo
Standard roujiamo — probably very authentic, but honestly I prefer the one from my Hangzhou neighbourhood 😅
5. 老吴家油茶麻花 Lao Wu Jia Youcha Mahua
Thick oil tea (油茶) with crispy fried dough twists broken in. Comforting, filling, very local.
6. 东南亚角 Dongnan Yajiao
Southeast Asian-style bites near the Muslim Quarter. Worth a quick stop for variety.
7. 爱华裤带面 Aihua Belt Noodles ❤️❤️
Chewy noodles, perfectly seasoned, the chili oil is fragrant without being overwhelming. My personal Xi'an must-eat. Seriously can't get over how good this was. The biang biang noodle texture is perfect.
8. 综合推荐 Other Picks & Notes
Guo Nan BBQ — Average, but cheap. Fun Xi'an "roaming BBQ" model.
Sajinqiao area — Locals eat here, not on the main Muslim Quarter drag.
Shaanxi Shisan ice cream — Worth trying the weird flavours (oil-splashed chili, huanggui persimmon).
