Xi'an cuisine is simple and hearty; you won't leave the table hungry. Noodles and dumplings are predominant and these are always filling. Due to the large Hui community, Muslim food is common. Nanshi Jie, by Dong Da Jie has a lively food market. Try local delicacies at the Beiyuanmen Hui Snack Street (北院门回民小吃一条街）where traditional Chinese buildings line the street and offer a smorgasbord of Muslim fare.

Shredded pancakes in a mutton or beef soup(羊肉泡馍) are a local Muslim delicacy that warms the stomach. The table etiquette is an art in itself as the diner breaks up a flatbread that's mixed into the soup. Dumplings are a northern specialty in China, and Xi'an is famous for its dumpling feasts. Introduced in 1984 by the Xi'an Dumpling Feast Restaurant, the banquet features a selection of 108 dumplings that differ in shape and filling. Jiasan Guantang baozi is a unique Muslim dumpling treat. A filling of ground beef and chopped vegetables is mixed with gravy before the paper-thin dumpling skin is sealed, these dumplings are delightfully juicy. Buckwheat noodles can be served hot or cold and it's delicious with different vegetable toppings and sauces.

Bars and coffee shops are clustered around Defu Xiang, west of Nan Da Jie near the Bell Tower. Most of these are set in quiet neighborhoods and make a great setting to grab a cold beer or a cup of java.

★ Highly Recommended Restaurants in Xi'an

■ Defachang Jiaozi Guan
● Chinese name: 德发长饺子馆
● Add: 3 Xi Da Jie, Zhonggulou Square
● Tel: 8721 4065
● Average price per person: Dumplings and more dumplings, dumplings banquets at 80 to 200RMB/PAX.

■ Fanjia Lazhi Rou Pu
● Chinese name: 樊家腊肉铺
● Add: 53 Zhubashi
● Tel: 8727 3917
● Average price per person: Sandwiches and stuffed with delicious meats 20 to 50 RMB/PAX.

■ Xi'an Fanzhuang
● Chinese name: 西安饭庄
● Add: 298 Dong Da Jie
● Tel: 8727 3821
● Average price per person: Offers the best of traditional Shaanxi snacks. 50 to 200 RMB/PAX.