Xi'an's Lamb Skewers represent the city's Central Asian heritage. Marinated cubes of tender lamb are threaded onto metal skewers and grilled over blazing charcoal until charred on the outside, juicy within. The essential spice blend — cumin, chili powder, and salt — is applied generously as the skewers sizzle, creating an intoxicating aroma that draws crowds. What makes Xi'an lamb skewers special is the quality of the local lamb (from the grasslands of Shaanxi) and the perfect char achieved by the Muslim Quarter's experienced grill masters. Eaten directly off the skewer with a cold beer, they're the quintessential Xi'an night market experience.
Lamb skewers came to Xi'an via the Silk Road, introduced by Uyghur and Central Asian traders over 1,000 years ago. Xi'an's Muslim community adopted and perfected the dish, making it one of the city's most iconic street foods. The cumin-heavy seasoning reflects the spice route's influence.