In the 2nd Century BC, China was unified by its first emperor. He built his capital and Terracotta Army in Xian, piggybacking on old trade routes from Alexander the Great’s empire to create the Silk Road, which left a delicious legacy. The kaleidoscope of flavours found in Shaanxi cuisine is just as diverse and varied as the people who have walked its ancient roads.

As the prized end for travellers along the Silk Road, and deep within the heart of China, Xian is a city of crossroads between North and South, East and West. Xian and its Shaanxi cuisine is best known for its noodles and lamb/mutton dishes due to its Muslim population. It makes heavy use of strong and complex flavours with an emphasis on savoury spices such as salt, garlic, cumin and chilli. Come and see this ancient cuisine that has been overlooked for far too long, and get a true taste of the past.