Xi’an, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, is also a haven for food lovers. From the bustling lanes of Yongxing Fang to the tranquil alleys of Chrysanthemum Garden, Xi’an’s street food scene offers a diverse array of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re craving traditional Han Chinese snacks, authentic Shaanxi noodles, or the unique tastes of local night markets, these top street food spots provide a culinary adventure through the heart of this ancient city. Explore the best of Xi’an’s street food culture and savor the essence of its local cuisine.
Yongxing Fang (永兴坊): Yongxing Fang is a distinctive street dedicated to Xi’an’s intangible cultural heritage cuisine. It features a recreated antique community and, unlike the halal foods of Muslim Street, primarily offers Han Chinese snacks. In addition to street food, Yongxing Fang also includes Shaanbei Building, Guanzhong Building, and Shaannan Building, where you can enjoy banquets with specialties from various parts of Shaanxi, making it possible to experience the flavors of the entire province without leaving Xi’an.
Dongxin Street (东新街): Dongxin Street is a famous night market in Xi’an. It offers a rich variety of street foods with a focus on Shaanxi flavors, while also including snacks from across China. In the evening, the street comes alive with bright lights and crowded eateries, where you can enjoy dishes like crayfish, skewers, and teppanyaki.
Dachajia Alley (大车家巷): Dachajia Alley is a true haven for noodle lovers in Xi’an. It features a wide range of traditional Shaanxi noodle dishes, including Hu County soup noodles, Gaozi noodles, hand-torn noodles, stick noodles, pinched noodle slices, and dumplings. Almost any type of old Shaanxi-style noodle you can think of can be found here.
Furong Street (芙蓉街): Located between Yanta West Road and Hongzhuan South Road, Furong Street is a genuine food street. The 300-meter-long street is lined with about 20 restaurants offering a variety of foods from barbecue and spicy dishes to stir-fries and seafood. The street is bustling with activity from dusk until late into the night.
Chrysanthemum Garden (菊花园): Chrysanthemum Garden is situated on the south side of East Street in the bustling area of Xi’an. It is a tranquil alley in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. Notable eateries here include Xi’an Restaurant, Juewei Duck Neck, Chicken Soup Knife-cut Noodles, Xiao Yang Big Bun, Da Li Beef and Lamb Water Basin, and Lao Ma’s Meatball Spicy Soup. These are must-try dishes.
Sajin Bridge (洒金桥): Sajin Bridge is known for its authentic Xi’an cuisine that only locals are familiar with. This inconspicuous old alley features a row of well-known traditional eateries. The most famous aspect is the night market, where life truly begins at midnight.
Shuncheng Alley (顺城巷): Located beneath the city wall, Shuncheng Alley offers a serene and quiet environment with numerous food spots. Options include Si Ma’s Fried Meat, Eggplant with Dumplings, Organic Vegetables, and Mute Fish. The area also features a mix of hostels, restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and local opera or cross-talk performances, making it worth a visit.
Baliu Scenic Street (灞柳风情街): Baliu Scenic Street is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Fangwei Road and Liuyan Road in Baqiao District. The area combines ancient-style buildings with traditional folk architecture. Baliu Scenic Street consists of Baliu Courtyard, Shaanxi Agricultural and Sideline Product Exhibition Base, and branded dining areas, offering authentic and flavorful Shaanxi cuisine.