Xi'an Muslim Street Food Walking Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Evening Food Tasting Walk in Xi’an Muslim Quarter

This is your chance to taste Xi’an’s best street food—from lamb soup to sticky rice cakes—while exploring lively alleys in the Muslim Quarter with a local guide. Sample six unique dishes, learn about their history, and soak up the evening energy of this famous neighborhood.

What’s the experience like?

“Try this one—don’t be shy!” our guide grinned, handing me a steaming bowl of Yangrou Paomo. The first spoonful was rich and peppery, with bits of pita bread soaking up the lamb broth. Around us, the narrow lanes buzzed with locals bargaining for snacks, and I caught the faint scent of grilled meat drifting from a nearby stall. It was just after sunset, so lanterns flickered above the crowd and made everything feel a little more alive.

We wandered deeper into the Muslim Quarter, passing old Ming dynasty facades that leaned over the street like watchful elders. At one corner, a family-run shop pressed sticky rice cakes while children darted between tables. Our guide explained how each dish—like Liangpi cold noodles or those smoky mutton skewers—had roots going back centuries. She pointed out tiny details I’d never have noticed: the way vendors sprinkle cumin on kebabs or how sour plum juice cuts through the heat.

By our fifth stop I was full but couldn’t resist trying Zenggao cake, soft and sweet with dates hidden inside. Locals squeezed past carrying bags of fresh dumplings; someone laughed as a vendor called out prices in rapid-fire Mandarin. The whole place felt like a living storybook—noisy, warm, and always moving. When the tour wrapped up near the night market entrance, we could either keep exploring or head back to our hotel with new flavors still lingering.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Xi'an Muslim Street Food Tour

• Meet near Bell Tower or hotel
• Take sightseeing bus through Muslim Street
• Listen to guide's historical insights
• Visit family-run restaurants
• Taste Yangrou Paomo Lamb and Pita Soup
• Taste Lamb and Beef Kebabs
• Taste Zenggao sticky rice and date cake
• Taste Liangpi (Cold noodles)
• Taste Jinggao
• Drink Sour plum juice
• Learn about dishes and cultural significance
• Option to explore night markets or return to hotel

Top questions

How much food is included on this Xi'an Muslim Street Food Walking Tour?

You’ll sample up to six different dishes during the walk—enough for a full meal—including specialties like Yangrou Paomo, kebabs, cold noodles, and more.

Is hotel pickup available for this food tour?

Yes, you can choose hotel pickup or meet at an easy-to-find spot near the Bell Tower before starting your tour.

Are vegetarian options available on this walking food tour?

Some stops offer vegetarian-friendly dishes like Liangpi (cold noodles), but please mention dietary needs when booking so your guide can help accommodate you.

What should I wear for this evening street food tour in Xi’an?

Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking through busy streets; dress for the weather as tours run rain or shine.

What’s included

Your experience covers all street food tastings along Muslim Street plus bottled water to keep you refreshed as you go. You’ll have an English-speaking local guide sharing stories behind each dish and helping you navigate busy stalls. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included too—so you can focus on eating and exploring without any hassle.