The best kept secret of Xi'an wasn't the undiscovered terracotta warriors ...
The best kept secret is the food that can be found in the Muslim quarter! This is where neon lights illuminate the street stalls selling China's most contrasting and delectable eats, where every sound and sizzle will excite and satisfy any hungry wanderer with the smallest of budgets.
So when in Xi'an, the Muslim quarter is a foodies haven, here are the top five foods you must try:
5. Yáng Ròu Chuàn - Spiced Mutton Skewer
Simple and delicious, made from pieces of succulent fatty mutton that's marinated in spices of cumin, pepper flakes, sesame and more, which are skewered and cooked over charcoal. These simple sticks of joy originated in the Xinjiang region and now can be can be found all over China. These are particularly great in the Muslim quarter as mutton is a key staple for their culture with many stalls perfecting their craft and recipes over generations.
4. Stinky Tofu
The term stinky gives these aged white and black squares of tofu a bad name. According to tales this was made by accident hundreds of years ago when it was left in an earth jar and changed colour. It developed a foul smell but all wasn't lost as surprisingly the flavour had intensified. Today, however this is a common snack that's eaten cold, steamed, stewed or in this case deep fried with chilli sauce. Amongst all the meat and fish this is a great snack for all the vegetarians and vegans out there!
3. Yangrou Paomo - Mutton Soup
There is nothing more appealing on a cold rainy day than a large bowl of Yangrou Paomo! This hearty and warming soup is served in a rich broth with diced mutton, noodles and pieces of flat bread topped with spring onions and chilli oil. Said to have made its way to China via the Silk Road this has developed into an infusion of Arabic and Asian flavours that now makes this a classic and filling dish of the Muslim quarter.
2. Xiaolongbao - Steamed Soup Dumpling
Ever slurped a giant Xiaolongbao through a straw? No? Then you've been missing out! This huge soup dumpling is filled with a stock, crab meat and roe (crab eggs) that's served hot and is a moreish umami laden experience. There are many variations of the Xiaolongbao; big, small, different flavours and ways of eating depending on the location and vendor. Once you slurp you just won't stop!
1. Rou Jia Mo - Chinese Hamburger
Known as the worlds oldest hamburger the Rou Jia Mo found on the street stalls of Guangji Street in Xi'an's Muslim quarter rivals the best that McDonald's and Burger King have to offer. This tasty little number is made from lamb or beef that is braised for hours in a unique spiced meat liquor that makes it super succulent and tender. This is then placed on to a hot plate and pulverised into smaller pieces with a meat cleaver and served in a lightly toasted Chinese baijimo (flat bread) with a ladle of the liquor, green/red peppers and spicy marinade of cumin, chill and coriander. This truly is China's best street eat due to its rich meaty flavour, soft and crunchy texture and an aroma that would melt any meat eaters inhibitions. For less than a cost of a standard Big Mac, this is a must try!
Bonus Bite - Persimmon Doughnuts
A little bonus round - I present to you...Chinese doughnut's! These sweet spheres of heavenliness are gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside. Made from persimmons reduced to a pulp and made into a dough with flour and sugar that are deep fried and served warm. As well as being a popular dessert they also have acclaimed therapeutic purposes in Chinese medicine such as strengthening the spleen, helping to combat thirst and many other benefits. However, if you want to get your hands on these sweet treats you must visit Xi'an during October - January due to seasonality.
Xi'an's Muslim Quarter in action:
Video of my visit to Xi'an's Muslim Quarter
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