Discover the soul of Shaanxi cuisine through 12 iconic noodle and pastry dishes from the ancient capital
The most iconic of all Xi'an noodles, Biangbiang noodles are hand-pulled belt-wide noodles named after the complex Chinese character "biang." Tossed with sizzling chili oil, garlic, and vinegar, these chewy, wide noodles are a textural and flavorful masterpiece unique to Shaanxi province.
1. High-gluten wheat flour
2. Chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns
3. Garlic, vinegar, soy sauce
4. Bok choy and bean sprouts
5. Sesame paste
1.老白家 Biangbiang面 Lao Bai Jia
2.海荣锅贴 Hairong Guotie
3.天下第一面 Tianxia Diyi Mian
A beloved Shaanxi summer dish — thick hand-pulled noodles served dry alongside a small bowl of savory-sour dipping sauce (zhanshui). The sauce is a blend of chili oil, garlic, vinegar, and sesame paste. Diners dip each bite into the concentrated sauce, making every mouthful intensely flavorful and refreshing.
1. Thick hand-pulled wheat noodles
2. Chili oil, garlic, vinegar
3. Sesame paste
4. Shredded cucumber and bean sprouts
5. Cilantro and scallions
1.老白家蘸水面 Lao Bai Jia Zhanshui Mian
2.杨凌蘸水面 Yangling Zhanshui Mian
3.关中蘸水面 Guanzhong Zhanshui Mian
A dramatic dish where smoking-hot oil is poured over chili flakes, garlic, and scallions atop freshly boiled noodles, creating a sizzling sound and releasing an intoxicating aroma. The noodles are wide and flat, absorbing the fiery, aromatic oil for a simple yet unforgettable flavor.
1. Wide hand-pulled noodles
2. Dried chili flakes
3. Garlic and scallions
4. Soy sauce and vinegar
5. Boiling vegetable oil
1.老蒲城油泼面 Lao Pucheng Youpo Mian
2.面辣子 Mianlazi
3.一碗面 Yi Wan Mian
Originating from Qishan, this noodle dish features thin noodles in a vibrant red, sweet-and-sour broth topped with a colorful mixture of minced pork, diced carrots, tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and egg. The broth is hot, sour, and aromatic, with a characteristic "thin noodles, sour soup, less filling" style.
1. Thin hand-cut noodles
2. Minced pork (saozi)
3. Carrots, wood ear, tofu, egg
4. Vinegar and chili oil
5. Five-spice and aromatic broth
1.岐山臊子面 Qishan Saozi Mian
2.永明臊子面 Yongming Saozi Mian
3.唐妃臊子面 Tangfei Saozi Mian
A fiery delight featuring noodles smothered in fermented chopped red chili peppers. The salt-fermented chilies bring a sour-spicy umami kick that awakens the palate. Simple, bold, and intensely flavorful, this is a dish for those who love heat.
1. Fresh wheat noodles
2. Fermented chopped red chilies
3. Garlic and ginger
4. Soy sauce and sesame oil
5. Scallions
1.湘味剁椒面 Xiangwei Duojiao Mian
2.辣妹子面馆 Lameizi Mian Guan
3.老王家剁椒面 Lao Wang Jia
These visually striking bright green noodles get their color from fresh spinach juice kneaded directly into the dough. The result is a nutritious, slightly earthy noodle that's both beautiful and healthy. Served with meat sauce or in a light broth, they're a Xi'an favorite.
1. Wheat flour with fresh spinach juice
2. Minced pork or beef sauce
3. Tomato and egg sauce option
4. Garlic and chili oil
5. Seasonal vegetables
1.翠绿菠菜面 Cuilü Bocai Mian
2.陕北特色 Shanbei Tese
3.绿色家园 Lüse Jiayuan
A refreshing cold noodle dish made from steamed wheat starch sheets, cut into strips and tossed with sesame paste, chili oil, garlic vinegar, and shredded cucumber. Smooth, chewy, and perfectly balanced — the ultimate Xi'an summer comfort food.
1. Wheat starch batter, steamed
2. Sesame paste and chili oil
3. Garlic vinegar sauce
4. Shredded cucumber and bean sprouts
5. Salt-roasted peanuts
1.魏家凉皮 Wei Jia Liangpi
2.盛志望 Shengzhi Wang
3.老朱家凉皮 Lao Zhu Jia
Discover our comprehensive travel guides for Xi'an
Complete comparison guide to Xi'an's famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda - history, architecture, visiting tips, and which one to choose.
Explore the magnificent ruins of the Daming Palace, the grandest imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty, with history, layout, and visitor tips.
Complete guide to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and other payment methods for foreign travelers visiting China.
Share your Xi'an noodle experiences with others and get tips from the community.
Loading posts...
No community posts yet.
