Xi’an is one of China’s best cities for halal food, featuring the famous Muslim Quarter that has served Silk Road travelers for over a millennium. The Hui Muslim community has created an extraordinary halal food scene that rivals any in the world. Compare with halal. Explore halal certification for more information.
Halal Food Accessibility in Xi’an
Xi’an has excellent halal accessibility:
- 500+ halal restaurants in the city
- Muslim Quarter is world-famous
- Hui Muslim community over 1,000 years old
- Street food paradise: Hundreds of stalls
- Silk Road heritage: Historic halal traditions
The Muslim Quarter
Xi’an’s unmissable halal destination:
- Location: Around Drum Tower and Great Mosque
- History: 1,000+ years of Muslim presence
- Atmosphere: Bustling food streets
- Must-visit: For any food lover
Main Streets
- Beiyuanmen: Main food street
- Huajue Xiang: Near Great Mosque
- Xiyang Shi: Local favorite
Must-Try Halal Foods
Roujiamo (Chinese Burger)
Xi’an’s signature dish:
- Chopped lamb or beef in flatbread
- Called “Chinese hamburger”
- Fresh and delicious
- Available everywhere
Yangrou Paomo
Lamb bread soup:
- You tear bread into small pieces
- Served with lamb soup
- Warming and filling
- Local specialty
Biangbiang Noodles
Wide belt noodles:
- Hand-pulled thick noodles
- Spicy oil topping
- Unique character name
- Must-try dish
Lamb Skewers
Street food favorite:
- Cumin-spiced lamb
- Grilled fresh
- Xinjiang style
- Night market essential
Persimmon Cakes
Sweet treat:
- Fried persimmon pastry
- Sweet filling
- Autumn specialty
- Unique to Xi’an
Great Mosque of Xi’an
One of China’s largest and oldest:
- Built 742 AD: Tang Dynasty
- Chinese architecture: Unique design
- Active mosque: Daily prayers
- Tourist attraction: Visitors welcome
- Located in Muslim Quarter
Near Tourist Attractions
Terracotta Warriors
- Very limited halal at site
- Pack food from Muslim Quarter
- Tour buses often stop for lunch (ask for halal)
City Wall
- Muslim Quarter is adjacent
- Easy walk from South Gate
- Eat before or after cycling
Bell and Drum Towers
- In the Muslim Quarter
- Surrounded by halal options
- Perfect location
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Limited halal nearby
- Better to eat in Muslim Quarter
- Taxi 15 minutes
Practical Tips
- Muslim Quarter essential: Don’t miss it
- Evening best: Night market atmosphere
- Cash only: Most street vendors
- Try everything: Sample multiple dishes
- Roujiamo fresh: Eat immediately
- Paomo experience: Learn to tear bread
- Great Mosque visit: Beautiful architecture
- Halal sign: Look for “清真” (Qingzhen)
- Crowded weekends: Go early or late
- Day trip food: Pack for Terracotta Warriors