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Muslim Street, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shannxi Province, China
Perfect place to explore all kinds of local snacks and shop for souveniors
Muslim Street, also known as Muslim Quarter, located in the center of Xian City, the Muslim Street is a fantastic place to wander. All shops and restaurants in the street are operated by Muslims. The stalls flanking the narrow alleys sell almost everything you can imagine. There are even a number of stalls selling parts of aircraft. If you are prepared to bargain you will be amazed at the final prices. A variety of Muslim food and snacks can be tried here, tasty and very cheap, including the locals' favorites, roasted beef, roasted fish, and pancakes. The title "a street for gourmet" is deserved.
Xian Muslim Street, also known as antique street, it is collectively name of many streets in Muslim district which consists of Beiyuan gate, North Guangji street, west Yangshi, Dapiyuan several streets. Local people used to call there for the Muslim lane. It makes distinctive scenery of this ancient city based on the rich Muslim culture and atmosphere. Most streets here are built with bluestone paving, tree-lined road lined with Ming and Qing dynasties style buildings, which is full of Muslim characteristics.
Muslim Street is famous as bite and sups blocks, although now here had become an attraction, but local residents have regarded here as main places to eat snacks, shopping, especially in the summer night market on eating in the shade of more citizens to kill time. In this area, here are many restaurants of halal stall.
The evening of Muslim street is different from the day. Along the street are various kinds of stalls with hanging lights, mainly selling cakes, dried fruit, candied fruit, and snacks. Behind the stall are many local snack restaurants, when those restaurants are filled to capacity, there are not only people crowded within the restaurant, outside of the shop will be filled with tables and chairs either. The smoke of kebab, instant-boiled meat under the bright light permeated the whole street, the bustling crowds are strolling, eating, and barging with vendor when he or she saw the fancy things.
Also if you are tired you can go to take a break in the coach of Drum Tower square, and see kite vendor flying tens of meters long kites on the top of the tall building across the street. Everything here is full of real life atmosphere.
The Muslim Quarter is made up of several streets, including Bei Guangji Street, Bei Yuanmen, Xi Yangshi, Da Piyuan, Hua Jue Alley, and Sa Jin Bridge. Visitors to the street can sample nearly 300 different types of authentic local snacks, each packed with unique flavors and traditions that are truly unforgettable.
1. Dingjia Crispy Meat (定家小酥肉)
A must-visit spot on Muslim Street. This dish, made from beef, is served hot in an oily broth that keeps the meat sizzling and tender. When you eat it, drizzle some chili oil over it for a spicy kick. The meat is juicy and rich with a unique aroma. It’s typically served with rice, pickled vegetables, and sour plum juice for a delightful experience. Due to the large portion and oil content, it’s recommended to share a bowl between two people.
2. Gaojia BBQ Restaurant (高家烤肉馆)
Located in a narrow alley, this local favorite is where you’ll find Xi’an residents enjoying their meals. Look for the bright sign that reads "Gaojia BBQ" and follow the narrow path to the entrance. The restaurant is popular for its grilled meats and skewers, a true taste of Xi'an.
3. Lao Wu Jia Specialty Stir-Fried Dishes (老乌家特色小炒)
This place offers a twist on the traditional lamb or beef paomo (bread soaked in soup). Instead of the usual lamb or beef, the dish is made with diced lamb, tomatoes, and vegetables mixed with pieces of crumbled bread. For those who are not accustomed to the typical northwest paomo, this is a refreshing alternative that offers a new flavor experience.
4. Guoyuan Zhai Lao Mi Jia Paomo (果渊斋老米家泡馍)
Known for its delicious paomo (crushed bread in soup), Lao Mi Jia on 北广济街 is highly regarded. This spot is popular for serving traditional paomo with high-quality meat and soup. Make sure to visit early as they only serve lunch, and by 3:00 PM, they close their doors. The regular paomo costs around 18 RMB, while the premium version is priced at 25 RMB.
5. Lao Bai Jia Shui Pen Yang Rou (老白家水盆羊肉)
Known for its amazing Shui Pen Yang Rou (lamb in a hot water bowl), this is one of the best places for this dish in the city, alongside another well-known spot in Bei Yuanmen. The soup is rich, and the bread pieces soak up all the delicious lamb broth, making for a satisfying meal. The lamb is tender, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by the warm bread.
6. Southeast Asian Zeng Gao Wang (东南亚甑糕王)
A popular stop for Zeng Gao (sticky rice cake), this stall is always bustling with customers. The rice is soft, sticky, and sweet, topped with honey dates and beans. It’s a must-try treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Expect long lines, but the wait is worth it, and you can even take the cake to go. Rumor has it the cakes can be kept for up to six months.
7. Hong Hong Sauerkraut Stir-Fried Rice (红红酸菜炒米)
This restaurant serves a unique fried rice dish made with special rice mixed with sauerkraut and aromatic oils. The sour and spicy combination of flavors is perfectly balanced, and it tastes even better when paired with beef tripe. After your meal, don’t forget to try their sweet milk egg wine for a refreshing dessert.
8. Jia Yong Xin Cured Beef and Lamb (贾永信腊牛羊肉)
A well-established brand, Jia Yong Xin is famous for its cured beef, which is tender and flavorful. Apart from meats, they also serve other snacks like beef marrow stir-fried noodles, convenient oil tea, and dried fruits such as persimmons, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. It’s a great spot for picking up local snacks to enjoy later.
9. Jia San Halal Soup Dumplings (贾三清真灌汤包子馆)
Known for its exceptional soup dumplings, Jia San Baozi serves dumplings with a thin skin and juicy, tender filling. The dumplings are made with beef or lamb, offering a rich flavor. It’s a popular local dish and a must-try when in Xi'an. The dumplings are priced around 12 RMB each, and they are a filling and delicious meal.
10. Liu Ji Xiao Jia Cured Beef and Lamb (刘纪孝家腊牛羊肉)
This family-run business specializes in tender, melt-in-your-mouth cured beef and lamb, which is sliced thinly and easy to eat. Many locals come here to buy the cured meat to enjoy at home. It’s especially popular with tourists and locals alike.
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