Discover Xi'an's legendary Muslim Quarter, China's halal food capital. Experience centuries of authentic Muslim cuisine and vibrant street food culture.
Famous for halal soup dumplings (灌汤包) since 1917, Xi'an culinary icon
Historic restaurant famous for yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread)
Best lamb pita bread sandwiches (肉夹馍) in Xi'an, local favorite
Xi'an's iconic halal food paradise with over 300 restaurants and food stalls. Historic streets lined with authentic Muslim cuisine dating back to Tang Dynasty.
Heart of Muslim Quarter with the Great Mosque of Xi'an. Dense concentration of traditional restaurants and authentic street food vendors.
Use our interactive map to find halal restaurants near your location in Xi'an with real-time directions and reviews.
View on MapXi'an, the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, is home to China's most famous Muslim Quarter and arguably the best halal food scene in the country. With a Muslim population of over 60,000, mostly Hui people, Xi'an's halal cuisine has evolved over 1,300 years since the Silk Road era. The city offers an unparalleled halal dining experience that attracts food lovers from around the world.
Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍): Xi'an's signature dish—tear flatbread into pieces, then simmer in rich lamb soup with vermicelli and meat. A filling, warming meal beloved by locals.
Roujiamo (肉夹馍): Often called "Chinese hamburger," this sandwich features tender braised lamb stuffed in crispy flatbread. The halal version uses lamb or beef instead of pork.
Biangbiang Noodles (Biang Biang 面): Wide, hand-pulled noodles with spicy toppings. The character "biáng" is one of the most complex in Chinese, with 58 strokes.
Jia San Soup Dumplings (灌汤包): Delicate dumplings filled with hot, flavorful soup and meat. A Xi'an breakfast staple since 1917.
The Muslim Quarter (回民街) is a must-visit, located near the Bell Tower in central Xi'an. Easily accessible by metro (Line 2, Zhonglou Station). Most restaurants display halal certificates (清真). Evening (6 PM - 10 PM) is the best time to experience the vibrant street food scene when the quarter comes alive with vendors and performers.
Cash is still widely used in traditional restaurants, though mobile payment is increasingly common. English menus are rare in local eateries, but food is often displayed, making pointing and ordering easy. The Great Mosque of Xi'an, located in the heart of the Muslim Quarter, welcomes visitors and offers prayer facilities.
Xi'an's Muslim community traces its roots to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when Arab and Persian merchants traveled the Silk Road. The Great Mosque, built in 742 AD, is one of China's oldest and largest mosques. The Muslim Quarter's food culture reflects this rich history, blending Chinese cooking techniques with Islamic dietary laws and Middle Eastern spices.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer ideal weather. The Muslim Quarter is magical during Chinese New Year with special decorations and festive dishes. During Ramadan, the area transforms with special iftar offerings and extended hours. Summer evenings are perfect for street food exploration, while winter brings hearty lamb soups and warming dishes.