You’ve heard it said many times before: Everything’s bigger in Texas. So what’s China’s “Texas”? Ask a true local and the answer is bound to be Xi’an.
Xi’an, capital of China’s beautiful Shaanxi province, is an intriguing juxtaposition of East China and West China, of Modern China and Historical China, and of Urban China and Rural China. Home of the Terracotta Army and Chinese rock star Zheng Jun, Xi’an is the place to go if you’re looking for culture during the day and a romp-rockin’ good time at night. There you will find large and in charge offerings even Guy Fieri would find hard to handle.
3. THE BIG: 45 ounce “MegaBeers” at Su Ji (苏记川菜)
WHERE DO I GET IT: Located on Ke Ji Lu Street in the Yanta District, this prominent hole-in-the-wall is known for its cheap but mouthwatering hand-pulled noodles. However, drop about ten to twenty extra RMB to the manager in the front (usually sporting a black Columbia coat and intently studying Sun Tzu’s The Art of War), and he’ll hand you what looks like a normal beer bottle on steroids. Depending on what time of the year it is, the beer will either be dark (Sinkiang Black Beer, 新疆黑啤) or light (Snow, 雪花啤酒), but you can count on it being forty-five ounces of pure, cold, unadulterated beverage.
Order it: to make your Sichuan delicacies taste even better.
2. THE BIG: Jumbo Dza Ma Hwa at the food stand on Nan Guang Ji Jie Street
WHERE DO I GET IT: Nan Guang Ji Jie Street, Beilin District, is a deep fried haven in Xi’an. Anything that is greasy and produces heart attacks can be found here, including the delicious Chinese breadstick twists known as Ma Hwa. What makes this food stand special is the size of the pastries. Ma Hwa is usually the size of a sharpie, but sometimes it can be seen a bit bigger, as about the size of a baby’s arm. However, the proprietress takes it to the next level when she makes her daily Jumbo Ma Hwa that can be compared to the size of a grown man’s leg. She keeps it in the back of the stand, in a little nook, and will break you off a sizable chunk for just ten RMB.
Order it: to have a yummy treat to snack on while trekking to the Bell Tower.
1. THE BIG: Colossal Lychee-ritas at One Plus One Nightclub/Disco
WHERE DO I GET IT: 285, East Avenue, Beilin District, is usually where locals will tell you the nightclub scene is in Xi’an. But a good clubber will know One Plus One is the only way to start the night. A popular destination for foreigners and denizens alike, this disco is chic and sexy, but also loud and in-your-face. Frequents of One Plus One love to order the Colossal Lychee-ritas, served in a gigantic frosted beer glass, topped of with four juicy lime slices and a sugarcoated rim. It’s only fourteen RMB and is guaranteed to make your visit to Xi’an an unforgettable one.
Order it: for an Asian twist of a late night classic.
Article written by Wenxi Zhang.
