Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 61 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour worth booking?
Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour is a 3-hour experience in Xian, China, from $75 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 61 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (61)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $75 per person
This 3-hour non-touristy local food night tour lets you try out more than 15 kinds of authentic Xi’an local food. This tour is not just about food but also about the folk culture, traditional cooking methods and interesting drinking ceremony. Have fun with locals in a lively and colorful cultural area with dozens of workshops. Watch local chefs prepare numerous dishes such as tofu pudding, hand cut round noodles and savory meats. Learn about the local cuisine over unlimited beers and sodas, and enjoy a last local ice cream stop at the end.
What you get
About this experience
This 3-hour non-touristy local food night tour lets you try out more than 15 kinds of authentic Xi’an local food. This tour is not just about food but also about the folk culture, traditional cooking methods and interesting drinking ceremony. Have fun with locals in a lively and colorful cultural area with dozens of workshops. Watch local chefs prepare numerous dishes such as tofu pudding, hand cut round noodles and savory meats. Learn about the local cuisine over unlimited beers and sodas, and enjoy a last local ice cream stop at the end.
What's included
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Unlimited local drinks
- Food tasting (enough for dinner)
- Unlimited local beer
- English-speaking tour guide service fee
Not included
- Gratuities
- Personal expense
- Hotel transfer. Your guide will help you find a taxi or subway back hotel.
What you'll see and do
This 3-hour non-touristy local food night tour lets you try out more than 15 kinds of authentic Xi’an local food. This tour is not just about food but also about the folk culture, traditional cooking methods and interesting drinking ceremony. Have fun with locals in a lively and colorful cultural area with dozens of workshops. Watch local chefs prepare numerous dishes such as tofu pudding, hand cut round noodles and savory meats. Learn about the local cuisine over unlimited beers and sodas, and enjoy a last local ice cream stop at the end.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Xi'an
This 3-hour non-touristy local food night tour lets you try out more than 15 kinds of authentic Xi’an local food
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Xian
Pls meet guide at Hilton Xi'an (Dongxinjie street) hotel lobby. You are either take taxi to meeting point or take metro to Wulu kou station walk 20 mins to meeting point. Pls show taxi driver: 希尔顿（东新街）
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Pls meet guide at Hilton Xi'an (Dongxinjie street) hotel lobby. You are either take taxi to meeting point or take metro to Wulu kou station walk 20 mins to meeting point. Pls show taxi driver: 希尔顿（东新街）
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Catherine Lu Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 61 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
10 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
61 verified traveler reviews for Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Must do item on your trip to Xi’an
The tour was well organized, the communication from Catherine Lu Tours and my guide Rosa was phenomenal. This was exactly the street food guide I was looking for. I learnt a lot about the history of the food, and got to access and try a ton of food I wouldn’t have ever gotten to try—even if I used TikTok or Instagram recommendations. This tour was truly local. A lot of other food guides will take you to very touristy areas, and I’ve done many food tours before; on this tour I got to see back alley street vendors, and was truly the only foreigner in any of the restaurants we visited. If you are a solo traveler, or maybe a traveler on a budget you could be hesitant to book this, but I’d highly recommend doing so as it was my highly of my time in Xi’an. Yes the Terracotta Warriors are amazing, but with this tour you get to see such an authentic version of the city, meet local people, and try local foods—it’s truly the whole beautiful part of traveling. If you are on the fence, I highly highly recommend you book this tour, it isn’t a mass done huge group tour where the guide is getting kick backs from the vendors, it’s an authentic and once in a lifetime experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredible review! We are truly honored to hear that this food tour was a highlight of your time in Xi’an. It means a great deal to know that Rosa's guidance and the support from Catherine Lu Tours helped create such an authentic and memorable experience. We're delighted that you enjoyed not only the delicious local food, but also the stories, history, and culture behind each dish. One of our goals is to take travelers beyond the typical tourist experience, introducing them to the hidden gems and genuine local flavors that make Xi’an so special. Your comments about exploring local neighborhoods, meeting local people, and discovering places you would never have found on your own are especially meaningful to us. We believe these authentic connections are what make travel truly unforgettable. Thank you for your recommendation and for sharing such thoughtful feedback. We will be sure to pass your kind words on to Rosa. We hope to welcome you back to China for many more amazing culinary and cultural adventures in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous foodie experience
We had the best time on our Xian Food tour with Rosa! It was everything we love in a food tour: local restaurants, an immersive cultural experience and so much delicious food. Rosa was a fantastic guide, she was so generous with sharing her culture and insights into Xian cuisine. Must do if you're visiting Xian!
Response from the operator: Many thanks for your great comment! Glad you loved the Xi’an food tour with Rosa and enjoyed the local restaurants and tasty food. We really appreciate your recommendation. We will pass your warm compliments to Rosa. Hope to welcome you back to China soon.
via Viator
Fabulous foodie experience
We had the best time on our Xian Food tour with Rosa! It was everything we love in a food tour: local restaurants, an immersive cultural experience and so much delicious food. Rosa was a fantastic guide, she was so generous with sharing her culture and insights into Xian cuisine. Must do if you're visiting Xian!
Response from the operator: Your lovely feedback brightens our day! It makes us so happy that Rosa brought you such an amazing food adventure in Xi’an. She enjoys sharing local culture and her unique insights into Xi’an food with every visitor. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope you will explore more delicious food in China.
via Tripadvisor
Xi'an old town food tour with Rosa.
Rosa was an excellent guide and is very knowledgeable about the food culture of Xi'an. We visited seven different cafes, stalls and independent restaurants in the old town. All tucked away and many only known to locals including the oldest Muslim restaurant in the city, which is famed for its extraordinary and delicious 'soup dumplings'. We also enjoyed two types of local noodles, skewers, pastries, buns, other local specialities and finished with freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. As well as telling us about each dish. Rosa also explained how to eat them all! It was great fun to walk through the back streets from place to place. We even came across robot street theatre in a tiny square. A really memorable experience. Thanks Rosa and Catherine Lu.
via Tripadvisor
Tasty food with a great guide Rosa
The food tour was a great way to be introduced to the Xian flavors & local dining for people who mostly know Chinese cuisine from Europe. From street sitting to smaller local restaurants, our guide Rosa showed us the local specialties, flavors and food scene by visiting around a few spots within 20min walking distance over <3h tour. She was very knowledgeable, patient and attentive to the needs & questions from adults & kids. It was also great to hear her perspecting on how local families manage with food, school meals, etc to understand better Xian living on top of trying out excellent local dishes.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $75 to $89
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 21
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Catherine Lu Tours, who run 91 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.8 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Catherine Lu Tours runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Xian.
How much does Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour cost?
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Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Xian usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Xian is not rushed.
Is Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 61 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Xian, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour?
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Around 21 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Xian can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Xian and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Xian within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Xian?
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On Outty we rank every Xian experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar, All-Inclusive Terracotta Army Tour with Premium Buffet Lunch, Private Xi'an Day Tour: Terracotta Army&Optional City Attractions. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Xian?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Xian?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour?
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Included: Alcoholic beverages; Unlimited local drinks; Food tasting (enough for dinner); Unlimited local beer; and English-speaking tour guide service fee. Not included: Gratuities; Personal expense; and Hotel transfer. Your guide will help you find a taxi or subway back hotel. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour?
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Pls meet guide at Hilton Xi'an (Dongxinjie street) hotel lobby. You are either take taxi to meeting point or take metro to Wulu kou station walk 20 mins to meeting point. Pls show taxi driver: 希尔顿（东新街） Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Xian. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour?
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Across 61 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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