The ancient city of Xi’an serves up China’s most captivating food scene, where every alley tells a tasty story. The Muslim Quarter morning tours offer the city’s best cultural bite, featuring must-try fried beef pancakes and handmade dumplings. Night market tours pack the most variety – the chewy biángbiáng noodles alone are worth the evening stroll. Smart travelers combine the Terracotta Warriors visit with nearby street food stops, maximizing both history and flavors. My favorite option is the intensive regional food tour covering 10 authentic dishes – it’s like eating your way through Shaanxi Province’s greatest hits.
I’ll show you my tested picks for Xi’an’s top food adventures…
Key Points
- The Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter offers a 3-hour group experience to sample local specialties like fried beef pancakes and handmade sour dumplings.
- The Discovery More Xi’An Evening Food Tour provides a 3-hour walkthrough of night markets, with tastings of biángbiáng noodles and Osmanthus Cake.
- The Xian: Terracotta Warriors & Street Food Full-Day Tour combines a guided visit to the Terracotta Army Museum with food tasting in the Muslim Quarter.
- The Xian: Gourmet & Street Food Tour is a 3-hour small-group experience that promises at least 10 local delicacy tastings and high marks for unique food experiences.
- The Xian Muslim Quarter Night Market Foodie Walking Tour offers a 2.5-3 hour experience to sample local dishes like Roujiamo and Liangpi, along with optional cultural visits.
Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter
The Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an offers travelers a delightful exploration of the city’s rich culinary heritage. Priced from Kč 1,600 per person, this 3-hour group tour (limited to 10 participants) provides an intimate experience led by a live English-speaking guide.
Guests will navigate the backstreets of the vibrant Muslim Quarter via tuk-tuk, visiting local vendors and one of China’s oldest markets. The tour includes sampling regional specialties like fried beef pancakes, hot and sour soup, and handmade sour dumplings.
With a 5/5 rating based on one review, this food tour promises an authentic, attentive, and delectable journey through Xi’an’s culinary landscape.
Read our full review: Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter Review
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Discovery More Xi’An Evening Food Tour With Locals
Diving deeper into Xi’an’s culinary delights, the Discovery More Xi’An Evening Food Tour with Locals offers an immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant street food culture.
Priced at $80 per person, this 3-hour English-language tour allows visitors to walk through lively night markets, interact with locals, and sample diverse regional specialties.
Highlights include the iconic biángbiáng noodles, refreshing liangpi cold noodles, and local sweets like Osmanthus Cake.
With a knowledgeable guide, free cancellation, and flexible booking, this evening adventure is a convenient and authentic way to discover Xi’an’s thriving food scene.
Travelers can expect 4-5 types of street food and drinks included in the tour.
Read our full review: Discovery More Xi’An Evening Food Tour With Locals Review
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Xian: Terracotta Warriors & Street Food Full-Day Tour
Priced from €91.61 per person, the Xian: Terracotta Warriors & Street Food Full-Day Tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of Xi’an’s iconic attractions and culinary delights.
This 2-8 hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pickup from downtown hotels.
Highlights include a guided tour of the Terracotta Army Museum and a food tasting experience in the Muslim Quarter, where visitors can sample local specialties like Niuroujiamo, Biang Biang Mian, and Zenggao.
Rated 4.7/5 based on 3 reviews, the tour is led by English-speaking guides and provides transportation between locations.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues, this tour promises an immersive glimpse into Xi’an’s history and flavors.
Read our full review: Xian: Terracotta Warriors & Street Food Full-Day Tour Review
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Xian: Gourmet & Street Food Tour
Stepping away from the Terracotta Warriors, the Xian: Gourmet & Street Food Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Priced from $97.83 per person, this 3-hour small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) allows you to savor at least 10 local delicacies.
You’ll visit historic sites like the Bell Tower and Muslim Street, sample dishes like steamed dumplings and persimmon pancakes, and experience Xi’an’s lifestyle.
The tour earns high marks for its attentive guides, unique food experiences, and generous tastings.
With free cancellation and pay-later booking, this tour provides excellent value and flexibility for your Xi’an adventure.
Read our full review: Xian: Gourmet & Street Food Tour Review
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Xian Muslim Quarter Night Market Foodie Walking Tour
The Xian Muslim Quarter Night Market Foodie Walking Tour immerses visitors in the vibrant culinary landscape of this historic neighborhood.
Priced from $43.08 per person, the 2.5-3 hour English-guided tour leads guests through the best snack street, offering tastings of iconic local dishes.
The experience includes Roujiamo, Liangpi, Yangrou Paomo, and more. Optional visits to the Great Mosque or Gaojia Courtyard provide cultural insights.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is suitable for all types of travelers. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and high-quality food.
Read our full review: Xian Muslim Quarter Night Market Foodie Walking Tour Review
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Xian: Bell Tower Food Walking Tour With Local Guide
This comprehensive 3-hour tour takes visitors on a delectable journey through the culinary heart of Xi’an, centered around the iconic Bell Tower.
Priced at $84.62 per person, the small-group tour (limited to 7 participants) offers an immersive food experience with a local guide.
Highlights include sampling renowned Guantang Baozi, Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, dumplings, and more. The tour also provides cultural and historical insights into each dish.
Comfortable shoes, water, and local currency are recommended.
While the tour may not be suitable for those with food allergies or mobility issues, it promises an authentic taste of Xi’an’s vibrant Muslim Quarter and its centuries-old culinary traditions.
Read our full review: Xian: Bell Tower Food Walking Tour With Local Guide Review
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Xi’An Evening Food Tour With Locals
On this 3.5-hour Xi’an evening food tour, guests embark on an immersive culinary journey through the city’s historic old quarter.
Led by local guides, the tour offers an insider’s perspective on Xi’an’s rich food culture. Visitors sample 4-5 types of local dishes, from the famous Biang Biang noodles to the Xi’an-style burger, while enjoying unlimited local drinks like beer and milk tea.
The highlight includes grilling their own meat at a local BBQ joint.
With a free cancellation policy and the option to pay later, this tour provides a hassle-free opportunity to discover the flavors of Xi’an with a group of like-minded foodies.
Read our full review: Xi’An Evening Food Tour With Locals Review
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Xian Evening Food Tour
After the sun dips below the horizon, guests embark on an immersive culinary journey through Xi’an’s historic old quarter on the Xian Evening Food Tour.
Priced from $79 per person, this 3.5-hour tour is limited to just 10 participants and explores ancient alleyways, the Muslim Quarter, and local specialties like Biang Biang noodles and beef BBQ.
With unlimited food, beer, and soft drinks included, the tour also provides insight into Xi’an’s rich history as a key Silk Road city.
Guests meet at the Xi Hua Men Fire Station, just north of the iconic Bell Tower, and the tour ends at a local brewery within the city walls.
Read our full review: Xian Evening Food Tour Review
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Private Tour:Terracotta Warriors,City Wall and Foodie Tour
For travelers seeking to experience the highlights of Xi’an in a single day, the Private Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall and Foodie Tour provides a comprehensive and convenient option.
The 7-hour tour includes visits to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the Muslim Quarter for a foodie experience, and the ancient City Wall. Priced from $180.50 to $190 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, transportation, and all entrance fees.
Highlights include seeing the iconic Terracotta Warriors, sampling local delicacies, and exploring one of the largest military defensive systems globally.
With free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour offers an efficient and flexible way to discover Xi’an’s top attractions.
Read our full review: Private Tour:Terracotta Warriors,City Wall and Foodie Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Way to Reach the Tour Meeting Point?
The best way to reach the tour meeting point is to use public transportation like buses or subways. Visitors can also take a taxi or rideshare service if they prefer a more direct route. Arriving early ensures they don’t miss the start of the tour.
Can I Substitute Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options on the Tours?
Yes, many food tour operators in Xi’an offer vegetarian or gluten-free options. Guests can usually request these substitutions when booking the tour. However, menu flexibility may depend on the specific tour and restaurant itinerary.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children and Families?
The tours are generally suitable for children and families. Many offer flexible itineraries and can accommodate dietary restrictions. It’s best to check with the tour operator in advance to ensure the tour aligns with your family’s needs.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?
The tours generally accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies if guests inform the tour operators in advance. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are often available upon request to cater to guests’ specific dietary needs.
Are Discounts or Package Deals Available for Booking Multiple Tours?
Many tour companies offer discounts or package deals when booking multiple tours. Customers should inquire about these options when making their reservations. Some tours may also accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies, so it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.
The Sum Up
Xian offers a diverse range of food tours showcasing its rich culinary heritage. From the lively Muslim Quarter to the iconic Terracotta Warriors, visitors can enjoy local flavors and authentic experiences. Whether seeking morning, evening, or full-day tours, there’s an option to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences. These tours provide an excellent way to discover Xian’s vibrant food scene and uncover the city’s cultural traditions.