Xi’an: Roujiamo, Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup, and Lamb Soup with Bread

Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities, is not just famous for the Terracotta Army—it’s also a food lover’s paradise! Three must-try dishes here are roujiamo (肉夹馍), pita bread soaked in lamb soup (羊肉泡馍), and lamb soup with bread (水盆羊肉). Think of them as the Chinese burgers, slow-cooked stew with bread, and hearty soup bowls of Xi’an.

Roujiamo is like a Chinese hamburger: juicy, slow-roasted meat (often beef or lamb) stuffed inside a crispy flatbread. Imagine biting into a warm, flavorful sandwich with tender meat—similar to a pulled pork sandwich but with a Chinese twist.

Pita bread soaked in lamb soup (Yangrou Paomo) is a comforting dish where you tear pieces of flatbread into a rich, aromatic lamb soup, then wait for it to soften. It’s like making your own instant noodle experience, but with tender lamb and hearty bread.

Lamb soup with bread (Shuipen Yangrou) is a lighter but equally delicious option—a clear, spicy lamb soup served with fresh bread. Picture a warm, soothing broth (like chicken soup) but with bold flavors and tender meat.

These dishes reflect Xi’an’s history as a crossroads of cultures, blending Chinese and Central Asian influences. If you visit, don’t miss them—they’re as essential as pizza in Italy.