A trip to Xi’an will never be complete unless you visit the halal street food found in the Muslim Quarter of the city for all your food needs. Xi’an is known for its rich culinary heritage and is considered one of the top food destinations in the country.
As a Muslim traveler, Xi’an’s food culture was everything I could dream of. It was overwhelming, seeing how the options were endless, although I couldn’t ask for anything more. I had access to streets of halal food without feeling distressed about my dietary restrictions. I don’t know if it can get better than that.
As I’ve grown, I’ve learned to extensively appreciate experiencing travel through food. I’ve never been a foodie per se, oftentimes being a little health conscious and somewhat having OCD, although I’m learning to expand and I’m loving that about myself.
Food is a love language, and it’s becoming one of my favorites as I venture to new places.
Here’s a halal street food guide to Xi’an’s vibrant Muslim Street Market and everything that’ll make your visit worthwhile.
History of Muslims in Xi’an
For starters, to know how Xi’an became the way it is, you must understand its history and culture.
Xi’an has a long history of Muslim influence and culture and was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes that linked China with the Mediterranean region. As a result, Xi’an became unique for its mix of cultures, religions, and cuisines, with Muslim traders and travelers playing an important role in the city’s development.
The first Muslim community in Xi’an was established during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when Arab and Persian traders settled in the city. They built the Great Mosque of Xi’an, which still stands today as one of the oldest and most important Islamic sites in China. The mosque’s architecture reflects a mix of Chinese and Islamic styles, with traditional Chinese features like pagodas and gardens alongside Islamic elements like minarets and prayer halls.
Over time, the Muslim community in Xi’an grew and flourished, and Muslim culture became an integral part of the city’s identity. Today, Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is a vibrant area of narrow streets and alleys lined with shops, restaurants, and food stalls. It’s a popular destination for tourists looking to sample the city’s famous halal street food, as well as for locals who come to shop, pray, and socialize.
The street food in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter reflects the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. Many of the dishes are a fusion of Chinese and Muslim cuisines, combining the flavors and ingredients of both cultures. The street food vendors in the Muslim Quarter are also known for their hospitality and friendliness, welcoming visitors from all over the world to sample their delicious and unique cuisine.
Muslim Street Market
Looking for halal food in Xi’an is never an issue. The Muslim Street Market will be your go-to street for all your food needs. From the streets and alleyways of halal food to how vibrant it is throughout the day, it’s a perfect place to grab a quick snack or eat your way through the vendors.
You’ll find a diverse range of products and delicacies, with various selections of traditional Islamic clothing, prayer rugs, jewelry, and handicrafts. It’s also a great place to buy souvenirs like miniature terracotta warriors, calligraphy art, and other cultural items.
How to get to the market
By Public Transportation
Take the Xi’an Metro and get off at the Huiminjie Station (Muslim Street Station) on Line 2.
By Taxi
By taxi ask the driver to take you to the Muslim Market (Huimin-jie). Most taxi drivers in Xi’an are familiar with the popular tourist destination.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Muslim Street Market largely depends on your preferences and the experience you’re looking for. Here are some factors to consider:
- Avoiding Crowds: If you prefer a less crowded experience, I’d advise avoiding peak tourist seasons, like Chinese national holidays and major Chinese festivals. Weekdays may also be less crowded compared to weekends.
- Evening Atmosphere: The Muslim Street really comes to life in the evening. Visiting during this time allows you to fully immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of the market.
- Weather: Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) generally have pleasant temperatures and comfortable weather, making them popular times to visit. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be chilly. Consider your preferred weather conditions when planning your visit.
- Festive Occasions: The Muslim Street can be particularly festive and lively during Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha. If you’re interested in experiencing the local Muslim culture and traditions, visiting during these holidays can provide a unique atmosphere.
What to try
Xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings)
Xiaolongbao is a type of Chinese steamed bun or dumpling that is filled with savory meat or vegetable fillings and soup.
A unique aspect of xiaolongbao is that they contain a flavorful soup broth inside the dumpling. This is created by using a gelatinized broth that turns into a soup when steamed. When cooked, the soup inside the dumpling is released, making each bite a combination of tender meat, fragrant filling, and savory soup.
This variation of dumplings is my favorite!
Jiaozi(beef dumpling soup)
Jiaozi, like xiaolongbao, is another type of dumpling variation. They come in various shapes and forms. The most common ones are boiled jiaozi, which is cooked in boiling water until they float to the surface, and pan-fried jiaozi (also known as potstickers or guotie), which are lightly fried on one side and then steamed.
The image above is boiled jiaozi with vegetables and soup. I chose to add a little spice and vinegar and the flavor of the dish was perfect.
Seafood skewers
You’ll find many vendors that offer a variety of seafood skewers, where pieces of seafood like shrimp, squid, or fish are marinated, skewered, and grilled. These skewers are often seasoned with spices and served with dipping sauces for added flavor.
I highly recommend trying any kind of marinated and grilled skewers. If you like meat, get the meat skewers, if you like tofu, get the tofu skewers. You’ll find plenty of options and new flavors that’ll make you fall in love.
Liangpi (spicy cold noodles)
Liangpi is a popular Chinese dish that originated in the Shaanxi province, particularly in the city of Xi’an, so trying this dish is a must. The dish is made from wheat flour, water, and sometimes other ingredients like starch or rice flour. Liangpi has a unique texture that is both chewy and slightly slippery, so if you’re big on texture this may be a hit or miss for you. You’ll also see that it’s served with a variety of toppings and dressings.
Dice bean cake
If you enjoy bean fillings, you’ll most likely enjoy this dice-shaped bean cake. It’s soft, not too sweet, and enjoyable to have with a warm drink. My favorite is when it’s fresh and warm, which is when the bean is a lot softer and doesn’t stick to your mouth or teeth as much.
Guihua gao(sticky rice cake)
Made of dried osmanthus flowers, sugar or honey, agar-agar (a type of gelatinous substance derived from seaweed), and water, guihua gao is a traditional Chinese dessert.
It was my first time trying this dessert, and I really enjoyed that it wasn’t too sweet and had a nice soft and jelly-like texture.
Gaoshan xiao tudou (spicy fried-crispy potatoes)
The spicy potatoes in Xi’an typically have a combination of heat from the dried red chilies and a numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns, giving them a unique and addictive flavor. The potatoes are also known for their crispy exterior and tender interior which make them a perfect street food snack.
Fresh Juice
You’ll find all kinds of juice vendors selling refreshing fruit juices that help cut the thirst from all the salty, savory, and sweet food you’ll likely be eating. The juices are all made with fresh ingredients and right in front of you.
On my last evening in the halal street market, I decided to buy a pomegranate juice and it was a perfect way to end my street food experience. The juice was fresh, delicious, and thirst-quenching.
The market atmosphere
Strolling the Muslim Market Street was a daily activity for me, and so was taking photos of all the food, people, and action that would take place on the street. It’s such a lively place and one you’ll find something new every day. Here’s more of the halal street atmosphere in just images.
Recommendations
- Be open to trying new food!
- Interact with the locals. Visiting as a non-Chinese person, especially as a Muslim, it’s important to really make an effort to appreciate the Muslim community and the space they’ve created.
- You’ll find a lot of repeat vendors, make note of everything you’d like to try, and chose whatever vendor that stands out to you.
- Acquaint yourself with the market first, particularly before buying souvenirs.
Knowing my love for this city, and particularly the Muslim Quarter, a visit back to Xi’an and China will always be on my mind. This city was the first exposure I had to the long history of Muslims in China, and for that reason, it stays dearly in my heart and memory.
Xièxiè Xi’ān, you were undoubtedly good to me and my stomach.
As always, happy travels.
