Food History of Drum Tower, Xi'an, China
Xi'an, once known as Chang'an, is an ancient city with over 3,000 years of history and was the capital for thirteen dynasties. Its rich culture is a blend of Chinese history and Muslim influence, which is particularly evident in the food found around the Drum Tower area. The Drum Tower itself is a historic building dating back to the Ming dynasty, and it stands as a landmark in the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an.
Near the Drum Tower is the famous Muslim Street, also known as Huimin Street, where food culture is vibrant and offers a blend of traditional Shaanxi cuisine and Muslim dishes. The street food here is known for its unique flavors and has been influenced by the Silk Road trade, which brought different cultures and spices to Xi'an.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Drum Tower, Xi'an
- Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger) - Non-Veg: This is one of China’s oldest sandwiches. It consists of tender, stewed meat (usually pork but can be substituted with other meats except cow) in a baked flatbread.
- Yangrou Paomo (Bread Soaked in Mutton Stew) - Non-Veg: A savory stew with flatbread bits, usually topped with rice vermicelli, and tender mutton.
- Liángpí (Cold Skin Noodles) - Veg: A cold noodle dish made with wheat or rice noodles, mixed with cucumber, bean sprouts, and a vinegar-based sauce.
- Biángbiáng Noodles - Veg/Non-Veg: These are wide, thick hand-pulled noodles often served with a variety of toppings such as chili oil, vegetables, and sometimes braised meat.
- Qishan Sautéed Noodles - Veg/Non-Veg: A dish that features hand-pulled noodles with a tangy and spicy sauce, which can be made with or without meat.
- Guantang Baozi (Steamed Buns with Gravy) - Non-Veg: These juicy steamed buns are filled with meat and a savory soup, requiring a straw to drink the soup first.,li>
- Jinggao (Steamed Rice Cake) - Veg: A sweet or savory steamed cake made from glutinous rice flour, often with red bean paste or dates.
- Zenggao (Stick Rice Cake) - Veg: A traditional dessert made from sticky rice, dates, and beans steamed in a bamboo basket.
- Feng Mi Liang Gao (Honey Cold Cake) - Veg: A sweet gelatin-like dessert made from mung bean flour and honey.
- Shizi Bing (Persimmon Cake) - Veg: A street snack made with sweet, ripe persimmons and flour, it's crispy on the outside, and gooey on the inside.
Top Famous Restaurants in Drum Tower, Xi'an
- Fan Ji La Zhi Roujiamo
- Address: 53 Zhubashi, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Famous for: Roujiamo - Non-Veg
- De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant
- Address: 28 Pingan Market, Bell Tower & Drum Tower Square, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Famous for: Dumplings - Veg/Non-Veg
- Tong Sheng Xiang (Prosperous and Auspicious) Restaurant
- Address: 5 Nandajie, Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Famous for: Yangrou Paomo - Non-Veg
- King Town No.1 Restaurant
- Address: Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Famous for: Biángbiáng Noodles - Veg/Non-Veg
- Jia San Guantang Baozi
- Address: 93 Beiyuanmen, Muslim Snack Street, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Famous for: Guantang Baozi - Non-Veg