Skip the tourist restaurants. What do Xi'an locals eat for breakfast? Who makes the most authentic Roujiamo? This list of 10 eateries covers breakfast to midnight snacks — the real flavors of Xi'an.
Breakfast: Roujiamo is Xi'an locals' soul food. Try the old spots near 钟楼, 15-30 RMB/person. Lunch: Local restaurants — order Roujiamo and seasonal vegetables, 50-80 RMB/person. Dinner: Roujiamo veteran near 大雁塔, 80-150 RMB/person. Late night: BBQ stalls near 回民街, 30-50 RMB/person.
10 recommended spots: ① 钟楼 old Roujiamo (20-year veteran); ② 大雁塔 trendy Roujiamo (good ambiance); ③ 回民街 hole-in-the-wall (most authentic); ④ Farmhouse near 兵马俑; ⑤ Seafood/river fish near 古城墙; ⑥ 唐文化-themed restaurant; ⑦ Local breakfast joint; ⑧ Night market BBQ; ⑨ Dessert old shop; ⑩ Souvenir shop. Budget: a full day of eating ~200-400 RMB/person.