Places to eat in Xi'an

We ate breakfast in our hotel room every morning while in Xian. Mainly to save money, but also because we took one look at the Hotel Restaurant, and were pretty sure we did NOT want any food coming out of there!

We had our Lipton tea which we sourced in Beijing, our stolen sugar sachets from Starbucks, long-life milk bought on the streets, plus we always had fresh fruit and either Portuguese Tarts or chinese muffins. Fruit was plentiful all through china, and I had the nicest apple I think Ive ever tasted bought off a street vendor in East Street Xian. We also bought bananas, pomegranates, pomelas and pears.

Some days we just craved a nice cup of coffee. We did go to King Coffee a few times, but I just love Starbucks, and prices were reasonable. They also sell cakes and light meals. A Capuccino will set you back about 28rmb = about $5AUD. We only came across one Starbucks in Xian, and Im pretty sure it was on floor level of the Mincheng Department Store.

On the highest floor of the Kai Yuan Mall I think is their Food Hall with an abundance of choices in cheap local food, plus a few western options like Pizza. A Huge plate of food will have average price of about 6rmb - this is soooooo cheap!

We came across King Coffee on our way back from the City Wall, it was near the foyer of Fortune Suites. I had been told to try their coffee, that it was similar to Starbucks, but cheaper. And that was indeed correct!

A cappuccino at King Coffee was about 20rmb and same drink at Starbucks was about 28rmb. Definitely try King Coffee - its worth it! They also sell cakes, cookies, iced teas, pies and sorbets.

We discovered this small restauarant just outside our (crappy) Hotel on our last night in Xian. The prices were unbelievably cheap - I had a HUGE plate of vegies for 7rmb and a bottle of Fanta for only 1rmb - so total meal cost was 8rmb which is about $1.50AUD!!!! As I said ... unbelievable!!! When we asked the cook "boo yow la" he commented on our good Chinese speaking - it was quite funny at the time! I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant, but I dont have a clue what its address it, except that its very close to the entrance of the Canaan Hotel.

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On our way back from the Teracotta Army, George took us here for lunch. He described it as local Chinese Food. We ordered 4 different dishes and shared between Tracy and I, George and our driver, dont even know his name as he spoke no english.

The food was delicious and very cheap, and I would highly recommend this Restaurant. The total bill for 4 people including drinks was 128rmb, so that is only about $5AUD per person. Tracy and I paid 100rmb towards the bill and George paid the rest.

There appear to be about 9 different Kingtown No. 1 Restaurants in Xian, according to their business card (which is written in Chinese!) Also note the sign "Have the hand place" apparently chinese translation is "This is the way to the toilet!!!" Yeh, that really makes a lot of sense - NOT! Now that is why Alvin kept asking us if we needed to wash our hands.

100 RMB PER PERSON UPSTAIRS 2nd floor of Restaurant.
The Dumpling came in different shapes and sizes and flavors.
I have eaten lots of Dim Sum being born and raised in San Francisco and eating at many asians restaurants.

I would rate the Restaurant average. I was full. We ate everything they served us.

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It's not a big restaurant, but it offers some special local food. Some have a long history and interesting stories. For example, Qishan/ Saozi noodle was used to encourage brave soldiers by a king of 2500 years ago. But now they are favourite food to local people and many travellers. Sometimes you have to wait for a table, but try them. At least you will be satisfied with one of them. No more than 15 RMB.

Qishan/Saozi noodle is sour and spicy. Only skilled chef can make it. The noodle is transparent.

Qishan/Saozi Roujiamo, unlike the Roujiamo, it's tasted less oily, but sour.

Cold noodle (Gan mian pi ) and Vinegar noodle (Cu Fen) is cold, refreshing and smooth, with the taste of sour and spicy. The material is flour, though you couldn't gress from their appearance, but the process is different.

Favorite Dish: Qishan/Saozi noodle
Qishan/Saozi roujiamo
select one from Cold noodle (Gan mian pi ) and Vinegar noodle (Cu Fen)
Glutinous rice dumpling with honey
No one understands English, but you can show waitresses pics, then order.