Traveling allows us to learn new cultures and language, see new traditions and also fulfill our desire to taste new food. Plan your Xian tour? Terracotta Army will be definitely on your travel plan. But one thing equally important and you cannot afford to miss is to have a bite or glimpse of the exotic savouries on the food streets in Xian Muslim Quarter.
Xian Muslim Quarter is easily recognized since it is mainly located behind ( north of ) the massive Drum Tower, not far from Bell Tower in the center of the downtown Xian. The time-hornored Xian Muslim Quarter, also known as “Hui Fang”, literally “Muslim Streets”, has become a well-known Muslim food community which comprises several streets like Beiyuan Men Street, Beiguangji Street, Xiyangshi Street and Dapiyuan Street. It has a rich strong feel of Islamic cultural vibe.
Walking along the stone-paved streets lined with the traditional buildings in Ming and Qing dynasties, you will be bombarded with the exotic food on the both sides of the streets. It is said there are over 300 Muslim local snacks on the Muslim streets that attract hundreds and thousands of visitors everyday flocking here to eat or just have a look.
Just introduce one typical local snack – Liangpi, or “Cold Skin Noodles”. The famous Xi’an Liangpi (cold skin noodles) is my favorite. Cold skin noodles can be made from flour or rice flour. Mixed with soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic water and chili oil one by one. It is an aromatic and delectable savory.
Every time I go to Xian, I would spare me some time strolling along the Muslim streets, getting the sense of the historical Islamic culture and the exotic food. Last November I again walked through the food streets munching my way through all the food stalls! Here I’d like to share some of my pictures taken on my jaunt on that drizzling night.
Drum Tower with inverted inflection in rain. Behind it is Muslim Quarter.
The Muslim Street behind Drum Tower
The aromatic and delectable Liangpi ( Cold Skin Noodles)
Tasty mutton kebab
Eight treasure congee (Lotus seeds, peanuts, black rice, wheat, sesame, raisins , hornthaw and medlar seeds)
The two Muslim ( Hui ) Girls selling spiced chicken slices.
Waiting for Rou Jia Mo, a typical Xian flavor, lauded as Chinese Hamburger or Sandwich
A vendor selling cakes and date drinks
The making of fresh pomegranate drinks
Lining up for bean noodle soup
Spiced bean curb
Chefs are taking a break.
A smart phone distracted vendor
Tip: Hassle-free Xian Guided Tours
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Xian guided tours:
Xi’an Tour
Xi’an Day Tour
Xi’an Tour Packages
Beijing Xi’an Tour
Further Readings
Beijing Xian High Speed Train Experience
Best Time to Visit Xian
How to Visit Xian in Two Days?
Xian Airport Transportation
Xian Railway Station Transportation
Xian Taxi: Xian Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Xian City Layout
Xian’s Top 7 Iconic Landmarks
Where to Stay in Xian
Top 10 Attractions in Xian
Top Things to Do for Kids in Xian
How to Visit Xian on a Budget
The Starbucks in Xian
Top Markets in Xian
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Xian
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Xian
Top 10 Souvenirs in Xian
Xian Tourist Traps, Xian Tourist Scams
How to Visit Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
How to Visit Huaqing Hot Springs in Xi’an
How to visit Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
How to Visit Xi’an City Wall
The Ramparts of Quebec City and Xian City
How to Visit Shaanxi History Museum
How to Visit Xi’an Bell Tower
How to Visit Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Top 10 Photography Spots in Xi’an
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
How to Visit Hanyang Tombs Xi’an
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show in Xian
How to Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Yaodong Cave Dwellings in Xian
How to Visit Mount Huashan
Mt.Huashan Snow Scenes Photos
How to visit Xiyue Temple
Top 10 Hostels in Xian
Top 10 Xian Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Xi’an: An Exotic City with an Undeniable Historical Depth
Best Places to See Autumn Leaves around Xian
Muslim Streets in Muslim Quarter in Xian
Hua Jue Xiang, Huajue Lane at Xian Muslim Quarter
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
Xian City Wall Night View
What to do in Xian after dark
Xian’s Best Street Food
Xian Muslim Quarter Exotic Food
Xian Bar Street
Spring Festival Lantern Exhibit in Xian
Xian Terracotta Army Pictures
How to Visit Maijishan Grottoes from Xian by Train
How to Visit Hukou Waterfall
How to Visit Huangdi Mausoleum
Xian Lhasa Flight Experience (Tips, Photos & Map)
Beijing Xian Flight Experience
Datong Xian High Speed Train
Reviews on Beijing Xian Luoyang Tour
Visit Xian in January (Weather, Wear, & Tips)
Visit Xian in February
How to Visit Xian in March
Visit Xian in October
How to Visit Xian in November
Visit Xian in December
Any questions, just drop a line.