Muslim Quarter: Xi’an’s Edible Time Machine
Step into Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, where the air smells like cumin-dusted dreams and 1,300 years of history sizzles in woks. This labyrinth of food stalls, tucked behind the Great Mosque, is the Silk Road’s greatest hits album—part Arab spice bazaar, part Chinese chaos, 100% carb-loaded euphoria.
📍Location
🚗How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 (blue line) to Bell Tower Station (钟楼站).Exit through Exit C and walk northwest for 5 minutes toward the Drum Tower (鼓楼). The Muslim Quarter starts just behind the Drum Tower.
By Taxi/Ride-Hailing:
Show this to the driver: “请带我去北院门回民街” (Qǐng dài wǒ qù Beiyuanmen Huímín Jiē). Alternatively, use the English name: “Muslim Quarter near Drum Tower”.
Landmarks:
The entrance arch of the Muslim Quarter faces the Drum Tower (鼓楼). Look for the red lanterns and crowded food stalls.
Why it slaps:
Historical & Cultural Significance
Located near the Bell and Drum Towers, it’s a centuries-old Muslim neighborhood dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
Home to the Hui ethnic minority (Chinese Muslims), blending Islamic culture with Chinese traditions.
Architectural Charm
Traditional Qing Dynasty-style architecture with Arabic calligraphy and lantern-lined streets.
Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an (one of China’s oldest mosques) hidden within the bustling alleys.
Culinary Paradise
A foodie’s dream with over 200+ street food stalls and restaurants.
Famous for halal cuisine (no pork) and authentic Northwestern Chinese flavors.
Top 10 Must-Try Foods
1. Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍)
Xi’an’s iconic dish: crumbled flatbread soaked in lamb soup with tender meat.Tip: Tourists can tear the bread themselves for a hands-on experience.
2. La Niu Rou Jia Mo (腊牛肉夹馍)
Smoked beef version of roujiamo – rich and smoky flavor.
3. Liangpi (凉皮)
Cold, chewy rice noodles with chili oil, vinegar, and garlic – perfect for summer.
4. Suan Tang Shuijiao (酸汤水饺)
Boiled dumplings in a tangy, spicy broth – a local comfort food.
5. Zenggao (甑糕)
Sweet glutinous rice cake layered with dates, beans, and nuts – sold in steaming carts.
6. Huanggui Shizi Bing (黄桂柿子饼) 
Pan-fried persimmon cakes stuffed with sweet fillings like rose or walnut.
7. Babao Meigui Jinggao (八宝玫瑰镜糕)
Colorful steamed rice cakes decorated with rose jam and nuts.
8. Hongliu Kaorou (红柳烤肉)
Skewered lamb grilled over charcoal on red willow sticks – aromatic and juicy.
9. Fengmi Liangzong (蜂蜜凉粽)
Chilled sticky rice dumplings drizzled with honey – a refreshing dessert.
10. Guantangbao (灌汤包）
Delicate Chinese steamed buns with thin, translucent wrappers filled with hot, savory broth and tender meat (commonly pork or crab), requiring careful biting to savor the soup before enjoying the filling.📌Pro tip:
Go hungry, wear stretchy pants, and follow the smoke. The louder the vendor yells, the better the food. (Bonus: The Great Mosque hides at the heart of it all—a serene Ming Dynasty gem where calligraphy and crescent moons collide.)