As an ancient capital of thirteen dynasties with a history of over 3,000 years, Xi'an has nurtured a profound food culture. It features the elegance of imperial court cuisine as well as the warm earthly charm of street snacks, earning it the reputation as a City of Gastronomy. Many local delicacies have been passed down for thousands of years: Guokui flatbread from the Zhou Dynasty, Cold Rice Noodle from the Qin Dynasty, Roujiamo(Chinese hamburger) and Lamb Pita Soup from the Tang Dynasty remain timeless classic flavors to this day.
Besides, local snacks like Crystal Cake, Osmanthus Persimmon Cake, Steamed Pork with Rice Flour and Sour Soup Dumplings are also hugely popular. Xi'an boasts over a thousand types of distinctive local delicacies, among which Muslim-style Cuisine enjoys nationwide fame. As the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi'an has long been a melting pot of culinary cultures, offering Chinese regional cuisines and international dishes. Many foreign visitors praise Xi'an as a unique snack capital of the world. Numerous food stalls line the night markets such as the Muslim Quarter and Dongxin Street. Their lively atmospheres and enticing aromas perfectly display the culinary charm of this ancient city.