Article By XIANEASE
Though China and Japan have a long, checkered relationship with one another, thankfully relations are good enough that we can break up our endless Shaanxi meals of bread and lamb with some great Japanese food. Most people’s minds will jump straight to sushi, there is so much more to indulge in. What’s even better is that Xi’an has some great restaurants covering all aspects of Japanese cuisine, and they’ve been hiding right under your nose.
LOONG RAMEN
龍面
Loong Ramen’s head chef is from China’s northeast, but a stay in Japan as a child made him fall in love with their style of ramen noodles. Decades later, he’s a master of Japanese ramen, fully versed in the subtleties of its delicate flavors. Great for lunch, you can pair your bowl of noodles with some snacks, or get it refilled with a complimentary second helping of noodles (a policy enacted especially for Shaanxi’s notorious noodlevores).
Address: Wang Zuo Guo Ji Cheng, 1F, C Block, #136 Tangyan Road.
唐延路136号旺座国际城C座1楼
Phone: (029) 8918 9111 Open Hours: 10:45am – 9:00pm
MAI
舞餐厅
For our next restaurant, we’re going a little bit upscale with Mai at The Westin Xian in Qujiang. Fresh sushi is the star here, but with All you can eat menu and other set meals made to order, you’ll be able to find just about anything you’re craving.
Address: No.66, Cien Road, Qujiang New District
曲江新区慈恩路66号
Phone: (029) 6568 6568 x7778
Open Hours: 11:30am – 2:00pm
5:30pm – 10:00pm
NEW YAKINIKU
& SUSHI JUNE
牛也&山居
If you’ve got some cash to burn and are looking for some good Japanese food, but aren’t necessarily a sushi person (or in a sushi mood), New Yakiniku is calling your name. This fancy Japanese barbecue restaurant is big on atmosphere and even bigger on quality—our reviewer David Lee claims their short ribs made him remember what beef is supposed to taste like, which sounds pretty wild.
Address: A3 Buliding, Hai Gang Cheng 9 Jie, No.659,Yan Nan 1 Road, Qu Jiang New Street, Qujiang District
曲江区雁南一路659号,海港城9街A3栋四层
Phone: (029) 8550 1155
Open Hours: 11:30am – 2:00pm
ICHIMATSU
一松怀石料理
If you’re looking for an all-around more authentic experience, then Ichimatsu might be what you’re after. This restaurant specializes in “kaiseki,” a style of traditional Japanese cuisine that involves small, intricate dishes. Its closest analogue in western cuisine would be “haute cuisine,” so just be prepared for that.
Address: #10, Shun cheng nan lu, Nan ma dao.
南马道顺城南路商业街10号(甜品工房隔壁)
Phone: (029) 8762 6727
Open Hours: 10:00am -2:00pm
5:00pm – 10:00pm
GOLD DRAGON CURRY
金龙咖喱
Curry was introduced to Japan by British sailors, and it’s become a staple of Japanese cuisine ever since. A distant relative of Indian curry, these golden curries are less sharp and spicy than they are savory and rib-sticking. Gold Dragon has more varieties than you thought possible, and you can wash it down with some Japanese beer.
Address: Intersection of Bei Liu Xiang and Dong Liu Xiang.
北柳巷与东柳巷交叉口(手岛老店,明洞炸酱对面)
Phone: (029) 8738 2068
Open Hours: 12:00pm – 9:30pm
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