Food in Xian

Posted by Taps (300 days ago)

We are travelling to Xian during the October holiday, does anyone have recommendations for eating places.
Can be cheap but good, or expensive but has to be excellent.

We shall be staying at the Bell Tower. Thanks

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by hkkm (300 days ago)

Sorry that I can't help you with restaurant advice, but you've chosen a great hotel location-wise. We stayed there a couple of years ago, and it's very convenient to walk to interesting areas such as the Drum Tower and the Muslim area.

I don't remember eating in any outstanding restaurants. We went to one just off the square across from the Bell Tower (on the way to the Drum Tower), but I don't remember much about it.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mayita (299 days ago)

Remember spending time there years ago.
Went eating food from the Muslim street hawkers in the Muslim district : not that far from where you'll be if i remember in ok (check for the big Mosk, and there you are), and pretty fresh, good. Very lively as well, lots of students eating there (skewers, rice lollipops, etc.) as is cheap and good.
Only thing : always ask for the price (all included) BEFORE you eat, as a frient had a bad overcharging tourist experience (in a Chinese "fondue" style restaurant, not far from the Muslim district - very tousristey)
Don't forget to visit the mosk : open to non muslim (except for the prayer room itself, of course) it is v. beautiful, mixing Chinese & Arabian styles & the gardens are lovely.
Also, the forest of steles was a place i really liked, peaceful & interesting.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Taps (298 days ago)

hkkm and mayita, thanks a lot.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by ABCGG (296 days ago)

Near the Bell Tower is a dumpling restaurant called De Fan Chang. This is apparently the best dumpling restaurant in town. If you like dumplings and want to try 18 different types of dumpling for lunch (we discovered we did not), then the restaurant is on your right as you walk from the Bell Tower towards the Drum Tower (if you reach the McDonalds, you've gone too far).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ed (296 days ago)

Make sure you get there early though - I went last night around 9pm and most of the menu was sold out...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Taps (289 days ago)

Noted in my guidebook, mmm, can't wait to try the dumplings.
Thank you

(I am based in Guangzhou)