China: Xi’an – Muslim Street

The city of Xian has a compact Muslim Quarter where over half of population are Chinese Muslims. It all dates back to the days of Tang Dynasty and the development of the Silk Road when many Muslim traders came from the west to Xian. Today the Muslim Quarter is Xi’an is most famous for absolutely incredible and authentic food markets that are bursting with life, flavors, activity and sounds in the evening when crowds descend on the area to sample the amazing food. It is indeed one of the top culinary adventures in the world! Different stalls are displaying and cooking a wide variety of dishes – a lot of lamb, lamb grilled on rose sticks, lamb hoofs, freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, tofu, pounded nuts and caramel candies, Muslim breads, and loads and loads of other unusual items. And small restaurants also serve many other traditions Xi’an dishes that are must try, like Biang Biang Noodles (named after the sound made when the thick, hand-pulled dough is slapped against the counter), Yangrou Paomo (the most famous Xi’an dish, a thick mutton soup with bread floating in it), and of course the Roujiamo al Muslim Hamburgers (crispy bun filled with succulent, slow-braised lamb). These three dishes are often considered as the top three to try.