Eating Habits in Xi’an#

People in Xi’an, a big city in Northwest China with a population around 9.6 million, usually eat three meals a day, but the timing and what they eat can be quite flexible, especially with busy lives. Food here is hearty and often based on wheat because this region traditionally grows a lot of wheat, not as much rice as in Southern China.

Breakfast is usually quick and eaten outside or grabbed on the way to work. Lunch is the main meal for many, often eaten at work canteens, small restaurants, or simple noodle shops. Dinner is typically eaten at home with family, though eating out is also common, especially for social gatherings.

Common Home-Cooked Meals vs. Street Food#

At home in Xi’an, meals are usually simple but delicious. A typical home dinner might have steamed rice or馒头 (mántou - steamed buns) or noodles, with two or three stir-fried dishes. These dishes often include vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, beans, or leafy greens, and meat like pork, chicken, or beef. Soups are also common. Cooking at home is about simple, fresh ingredients and family time.

Street food and small restaurants are huge here. They offer quick, affordable, and tasty options. Think about popular items like Roujiamo (meat burger), Liangpi (cold noodles), or various types of noodles with different toppings. These are often eaten for breakfast or lunch when people are busy. While home cooking is comforting and standard, street food is where you find many of Xi’an’s famous local specialties quickly and easily.

Local Ingredients or Spices People Use#

Because wheat is a staple, you’ll see it in many forms: noodles (lots of different types!), bread like Naan (influenced by Central Asian cuisines), and various buns and pancakes. Lamb and beef are also quite popular here, more so than in many other parts of China, especially influenced by the Hui Muslim community’s cuisine.

Flavor is key in Xi’an food. Common spices and ingredients include cumin (especially with lamb), chili powder, garlic, vinegar (a lot of vinegar!), soy sauce, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns (though not as dominant as in Sichuan province, they add a nice tingle). Fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions are used often as garnish and flavor. Dried red chilies are everywhere, adding heat to many dishes.

Traditional Dishes Eaten During Festivals or Weekends#

Weekends or festivals are times for more elaborate meals, often eaten with family or friends. Popular dishes include different kinds of stews, like lamb stew with bread (羊肉泡馍 - Yangrou Paomo, though this is also a famous restaurant/street food dish). Jiaozi (dumplings) are a must-have for Chinese New Year and sometimes enjoyed on weekends. Hot Pot is also popular for gatherings, where everyone cooks meat and vegetables in a simmering broth at the table. Baozi (steamed buns with fillings) are common for family breakfasts or snacks. Many families might make their own noodles or specialty dishes that take more time.

Popular Snacks or Drinks#

Xi’an has great snacks. Besides the famous Roujiamo and Liangpi which can be meals, there are things like:

• Tanghulu: Candied fruit skewers, especially popular in winter.
• Persimmon Cake (柿子饼 - Shizibing): A sweet local specialty made from persimmons.
• Various pastries and fried items: Sold at small stalls everywhere.

For drinks, tea is always popular. People also drink fruit juices, soy milk (especially for breakfast), and various bottled drinks. Local beers are common with meals.

Cultural Food Taboos or Unique Rituals#

One significant influence on Xi’an’s food culture comes from the large Hui Muslim population. In the Muslim Quarter and many restaurants across the city, you’ll find halal food, meaning no pork and meat prepared according to Islamic rules. While many people in Xi’an eat pork, respecting halal practices is important when choosing where to eat, especially in certain areas.

When eating out, especially street food or in smaller places, it’s common to share dishes. Using chopsticks is the standard way to eat, though spoons are used for soup or dishes with sauce. It’s polite to try a little bit of everything offered, especially in a home setting. When eating Paomo (the lamb or beef bread soup), there’s a unique ritual where you tear the flatbread into small pieces yourself before it’s cooked in the soup – the size of the pieces matters to some!