For street food that is! Even David was game for this because it was just so AWESOME!
The Muslim Quarter is the hub of the Muslim community in Xian City. Located to the north of the West Street in the city center, the quarter covers several blocks inhabitated by over 20,000 Muslims. It was just around the corner from our hotel.
Muslim food and souvenir shopping is a MUST in Muslim Quarter. The street is reached through the archway under the Drum Tower. This street is paved with dark colored stone with trees on both sides and the buildings on both sides of the street are modeled on the styles of the Ming and the Qing Dynasties. Some of the constructions are restaurants; while others are stores. But one thing is common: the owners are all Muslims. Walking along the narrow street you can see that Muslim men with white hats inside the stores and socializing with each other. BUT the big deal here and the REASON we kept going back is for the food. It’s sooooo delicious and it’s cheap! At night the atmosphere is fantastic with so many people, tons of people but then again we were in Xi’an on a major holiday weekend.
Number one on the list Yangrou Paomo ( shredded bread in mutton stew) is a very distinctive snack of Xian, and is extremely delicious. While the most famous snack on this street is the steamed stuffed bun of Jiasan. ” Xi’an burger” The main ingredients of the steamed stuffed bun here are beef or mutton mixed with the broth/sauce from the bones of sheep or cattle. There are also the fruit pies made with persimmon. Ohhh so delicious! I had a few of these. David loved the little spicy potatoes. Then there’s noodles and skewers and lamb’s foot and yogurt treats and peanut candy and pulled ginger candy and plum and pomegranate juice…yummy! I miss this place already! Actually except for the first night when we went out for an elaborate dinner and show, we ate at the Muslim Quarter.
Here are a few pictures…
