Quick answer: Roujiamo (肉夹馍) is Xi’an’s signature street food — braised meat stuffed inside a freshly baked flatbread, often called “Chinese hamburger” though that comparison undersells it. The bread is baked in a clay oven until crisp on the outside and soft inside, then split and packed with slow-braised pork (or beef/lamb in Muslim areas) that has been simmered for hours with spices. A good roujiamo costs ¥8-15, is eaten on the street, and is one of the best-value food experiences in China.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Types of Roujiamo
- Pork roujiamo (腊汁肉夹馍) — The original. Pork belly braised with star anise, cinnamon, cumin, and Sichuan peppercorns until it falls apart. The fat is the point — lean roujiamo is a misunderstanding.
- Beef or lamb roujiamo — Found in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter. Halal versions using spiced beef or lamb. Equally good, different flavor profile.
- Tongguan style — The bread is layered and flaky, almost like a croissant texture. Originated in Tongguan near Xi’an.
Where to Find the Best Roujiamo in Xi’an
Look for small street stalls with a clay oven visible out front and a line of locals. The best roujiamo comes from shops that specialize in only one or two things. In the Muslim Quarter (回民街), try beef or lamb versions at stalls with high turnover — the bread should be freshly baked and the meat should be steaming. Fan Ji (樊记) near Bell Tower is one of Xi’an’s oldest roujiamo shops and a safe first-timer choice.
How to Order
“Yī gè ròujiāmó” (一个肉夹馍) = one roujiamo. ¥8-15 each. Two roujiamo make a filling lunch. Add a bowl of liangpi (cold skin noodles) for the classic Xi’an combo — locals call this the “roujiamo set meal” even though it is just two street dishes eaten together.