Sink your teeth into more than 3,000 years of culinary history with Xi'an’s iconic Roujiamo—a delicious, handheld masterpiece often called “China’s first hamburger.” As the ancient capital that welcomed Silk Road traders and nurtured imperial banquets, Xi'an has perfected the art of wheat-based street food. Each Roujiamo tells a story: slow-braised meat tucked inside a freshly baked, golden mo bread, offering a taste that’s both tender and crisp. For travelers exploring China in 2025, this isn't just a snack—it's edible archaeology.

1.Why Xi'an Roujiamo Is a Must-Try in 2025

Xi’an Roujiamo is not just a snack—it’s a timeless symbol of Shaanxi’s culinary heritage and a living piece of China’s gastronomic history. As one of the oldest street foods in the country, its origins trace back over two millennia, closely linked to the Qin Dynasty and the early days of the Silk Road. What makes Roujiamo so special is its beautiful simplicity: tender, slow-cooked meat encased in a baked-to-order mo bread, offering a perfect contrast of textures and rich, savory flavors.

In 2025, Xi'an is set to strengthen its status as a leading cultural and tourist destination. With increased international travel and a growing interest in authentic regional Chinese cuisine, trying an authentic Roujiamo becomes more than a meal—it’s an immersive historical experience. This iconic dish tells a story of trade, tradition, and technique, embodying the blend of flavors that Silk Road merchants brought into the ancient capital.

Moreover, Roujiamo fits perfectly into modern travel trends. It’s affordable, portable, and deeply rooted in local culture—making it ideal for travelers seeking genuine experiences. As global food tourism continues to rise, knowing where to find the best Roujiamo adds meaningful value to your journey.

Whether you’re exploring the Terracotta Army, wandering through the Muslim Quarter, or climbing the ancient city walls, enjoying a Roujiamo connects you directly to the soul of Xi’an. It’s a must-eat not just for your taste buds, but for your understanding of Chinese history—one delicious bite at a time.

2.Where to Find Xi'an’s Top 5 Roujiamo?

1. Ziwulu Zhangji (子午路张记)

Why go: The creme de la creme—praised by locals for its 30-herb marinade and refusal to use frozen meat or additives.

Must-order: Premium Roujiamo (15 CNY / 2 USD) + meatball soup. The meat is succulent, and the bread crackles with each bite.

Address: 134 Cuihua Road, near Shaanxi History Museum.

Hours: 6:20 AM-9:30 PM

Nearby: Shaanxi History Museum (5-min walk)—marvel at Tang Dynasty treasures before lunch.

2. Qin Yu Roujiamo (秦豫肉夾饃)

Why go: A Lonely Planet staple featured in A Bite of China. Closes at 1:30 PM—arrive early.

Must-order: Fat-Lean Combo (13 CNY / 1.8 USD). The balance of marbled pork and crusty bread is divine.

Address: 19 East Mushi Street, Beilin District.

Hours: 7:00 AM-1:30 PM

Nearby: Bell Tower (10-min walk)—climb for panoramic views of Xi'an China’s ancient grid layout.

3. Wang Kui Braised Meat (王魁腊汁肉店)

Why go: Budget-friendly perfection (10-19 CNY / 1.4-2.6 USD) with 24-hour access. Ideal for post-bar cravings.

Must-order: Lachurou Jiumianpian (braised pork noodles). The meat is simmered until fork-tender.

Address: Intersection of Changle Fang & Dongxin Alley.

Hours: 24/7

Nearby: East Gate (15-min walk)—rent bikes to cycle the Ming-era city walls at sunrise.

4. Li Lao Si (李老四腊牛肉夹饃)

Why go: For beef lovers. Halal-style, with peppery beef stuffed in sesame bread.

Must-order: Beef Roujiamo (12 CNY / 1.7 USD) + spicy organ soup.

Address: Multiple branches; flagship near Lianhu Park.

Hours: 6:30 AM-10:00 PM

Nearby: Great Mosque (8-min walk)—admire Chinese-Islamic architecture in the Muslim Quarter.

5. Wang Huafeng (王華峰肉夾饃)

Why go: Crunchy Tongguan-style bread layered like mille-feuille. Near Xianyang airport.

Must-order: Crispy Roujiamo (12 CNY / 1.7 USD) + duck soup.

Address: 72 Fengcheng 1st Road, Weiyang District.

Hours: 9:00 AM-9:00 PM

Nearby: Han Yang Ling Mausoleum (20-min drive)—explore an underground emperor’s tomb.

3.Beyond Roujiamo: Xi'an Noodles & More

Xi'an noodles rule the carb kingdom. Slurp these:

Biangbiang noodles: Belt-wide, chili-oil-drenched ribbons. Try Ai Hua near the Bell Tower.
Lamb Paomo: Tear bread into beads, dunk in spiced broth. Tongshengxiang’s version is UNESCO-listed.
Cold skin noodles (Liangpi): Chewy rice noodles with chili crunch—perfect in summer. Weijia Liangpi reigns.
Qingxiangyuan Dumplings: Near the South Gate, their rainbow dumplings (28 CNY / 3.9 USD) are visually stunning.

4.Three-Day Xi'an Itinerary: From Terracottas to Tang Feasts

Day 1: Imperial Icons

AM: Army of Terracotta Warriors (Book 8 AM tickets online to dodge crowds).
Lunch: Qin Yu Roujiamo near the site.
PM: Bike Xi’an City Walls (rental: 45 CNY / 6.3 USD for 3 hrs).
Dinner: Muslim Quarter—lamb skewers + rose mochi.
Stay: Citadines Central (钟楼公寓)—steps from the action.

Day 2: Culture & Carb-Loading

AM: Shaanxi History Museum (book free tickets 3 days ahead).
Lunch: Zhangji Roujiamo + Xi'an noodles at Cuihua Road.
PM: Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Dinner: Chang’an Da Pai Dang—theatre with Tang Dynasty dishes like Feizi Xiao (lychee-shaped meatballs).
Night: The Everlasting Party light show at 大唐不夜城.

Day 3: Hidden Gems

AM: Hanyangling Tomb (Xianyang’s silent Terracottas).
Lunch: Wang Huafeng’s crispy roujiamo en route to the airport.
PM: Gao Family Mansion shadow puppetry + calligraphy stroll at Shuyuanmen.
Farewell: Qingxiangyuan Dumplings feast near South Gate.

A China travel tip: Xi'an’s soul hides in its sizzling griddles and steamy broth pots. Whether you’re squeezing into a 4 AM roujiamo queue or clinking Ice Peak sodas in a shadowed alley, this city feeds more than your stomach—it fuels your curiosity. In 2025, let your tastebuds lead the adventure. After all, what’s a journey through time without a crispy, juice-dripping compass in hand.

5.Further Reading

-2025 Xi’an 2-Day Sightseeing Guide: Top Attractions, Food, Hotels

-Xi'an Famous Attraction Terracotta Warriors Ultimate Guide(2025)

-2025 Must-See in China: Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors

-2025 Best Things to Do in China: Xi'an Drum Tower

Chinese Hamburger: Why Xi'an Roujiamo is China's Best Street Food in 2025?

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