Food History of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an, China
Xi'an, a city with a profound history and culture, was once the starting point of the Silk Road which greatly influenced its culinary scene. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is not just a historical monument but is also surrounded by a diverse food culture that blends the local Shaanxi flavors with diverse international influences acquired over centuries. Traditional Shaanxi cuisine is known for its savory and spicy flavors, emphasizing wheat-based foods like noodles and bread, due to the geographic nature and historical wheat production in the region.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an
- Biang Biang Noodles - Non-Veg/Veg (vegetarian options available): These are wide, hand-pulled noodles served with a variety of toppings including hot chili oil and stir-fried vegetables or meat.
- Xi'an Dumplings (Jiaozi) - Non-Veg/Veg (can be filled with vegetables): With a variety of fillings, these dumplings are a staple at celebratory and family gatherings.
- Steamed Bun Sandwiches (Rou Jia Mo) - Non-Veg: Often referred to as the Chinese hamburger, this dish consists of marinated meat (usually pork) inside a wheat flour bun.
- Liáng Pí - Veg: These are cold skin noodles mixed with cucumber, bean sprouts, and a spicy sauce making it a refreshing vegan-friendly dish.
- Guokui - Veg: A type of crispy stuffed flatbread that can be found throughout Shaanxi. Veg options often include fillings like mushroom and greens.
- Pao Mo - Non-Veg/Veg (vegetarian versions available): A hearty bread soup traditionally made with lamb but can also be found in vegetarian options served with glass noodles and mushrooms.
- Shaanxi Cold Noodles (Liangfen) - Veg: This dish consists of jelly-like starch noodles served cold in a tangy and spicy sauce, often garnished with vegetables.
- Hot and Sour Soup (Suan La Tang) - Veg: It is a tangy and spicy soup that is available in both meat-based and vegetable variants.
- Qishan Saosao Noodles - Non-Veg: Originating from Qishan County, these savory noodles are bathed in a spicy and sour sauce, usually with minced pork.
- Feng Wei Qie Zi - Veg: A local dish of Xi'an featuring fried eggplants seasoned with garlic, ginger, and hot peppers, commonly found at street food stalls around the area.
Top Famous Restaurants in Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an
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De Fa Chang Restaurant
Address: 28 Pingan Market, Bell and Drum Tower Square, Xi'an
Famous Food: Xi'an Dumplings (Jiaozi) - Non-Veg/Veg
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Biangbiang Mian Specialty Restaurant
Address: Yanta N Rd, Yanta District, Xi'an
Famous Food: Biang Biang Noodles - Non-Veg/Veg
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First Noodle Under The Sun
Address: 306#, East Avenue, Beilin District, Xi'an
Famous Food: Shaanxi Cold Noodles (Liangfen) - Veg
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King Town No.1 Restaurant
Address: No.176, South street, Beilin district, Xi'an
Famous Food: Pao Mo - Non-Veg/Veg
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Zui Chang'an Restaurant
Address: Near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an
Famous Food: Hot and Sour Soup (Suan La Tang) - Veg
Note that vegetarian versions of typically non-vegetarian dishes might not be available in some restaurants, so it's always a good idea to check with the establishment ahead of time if you have dietary restrictions.