Xi’an Yi Kou Xiang Pearl Buns｜A Basket of Xiaolongbao for Only 4 RMB?! Super Affordable and Heartwarming Local Breakfast in Xi’an
Guys, you won’t believe this! I found a hidden gem of insanely cheap street food in Xi’an — a basket of Xiaolongbao for just 4 RMB had me literally stomping my feet in excitement 😭
Tucked in an old alley, this tiny couple-run shop has a humble storefront, yet locals have chosen it as their go-to breakfast spot! Each basket comes with 6 Xiaolongbao, and when they arrive steaming hot, the wrappers are so thin you can see the tender pink filling inside.
You must eat them while they’re hot! The buns are soft yet slightly chewy, the juicy broth bursts in your mouth, and the meat filling is tender and flavorful — not dry at all, perfectly seasoned. For only 4 RMB, you’re completely satisfied, and paired with a complimentary bowl of millet porridge, it’s pure breakfast bliss.
When I stumbled upon Yi Kou Xiang Pearl Buns while exploring Xi’an, I found a neighborhood breakfast shop that’s completely ordinary in appearance, with no flashy decor or tourist crowds — but it serves one of the best-value breakfasts in the city:
✔ Xiaolongbao — only 4 RMB per basket
✔ Seaweed Egg Drop Soup — only 5 RMB
Yes, just 9 RMB total for a hot, filling, and delicious breakfast.
🥟 Authentic Local Breakfast: Steam, Aroma & Daily Life
Yi Kou Xiang isn’t the kind of place you’ll see in a travel guide, but that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting.
Step inside and you’ll see:
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Bamboo steamers stacked like little mountains
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Aunties wrapping buns and folding pleats at lightning speed
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Locals and workers lining up for takeout
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Waves of hot steam filling the air
This is Xi’an morning life at its most authentic.
🍲 What I Ordered: 4 RMB Xiaolongbao + 5 RMB Seaweed Egg Drop Soup
⭐ 1. Xiaolongbao (4 RMB per basket)
The moment the lid is lifted, the steam and aroma hit you instantly. The buns are small but the dough is soft and thin, and the meat filling is fresh and juicy.
Highlights:
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Thin, slightly chewy wrappers that don’t break easily
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Juicy meat filling, not greasy
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Lightly seasoned, easy to eat multiple
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Delicious with a splash of vinegar or chili oil
For 4 RMB, this is insanely satisfying.
⭐ 2. Seaweed Egg Drop Soup (5 RMB)
Simple yet warming, an essential part of a proper breakfast.
Flavor notes:
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Clear, lightly seasoned broth
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Soft, delicate egg ribbons
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Generous portions of seaweed
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Served piping hot
Perfect for chilly mornings — warms your stomach and heart instantly.
💰 Updated Prices (Super Affordable)
For modern Xi’an prices, a full breakfast under 10 RMB is truly rare.
👍 Why It’s Worth a Visit
✔ Unbelievably cheap — 4 RMB Xiaolongbao feels like stepping back in time
✔ Authentic local experience — eat what locals eat every day
✔ Fast and fresh — steamed on the spot, ready in minutes
✔ Simple, clean, perfectly balanced flavors — warm, light, non-greasy
📍 Who Will Love This Spot
✔ Travelers seeking authentic local breakfasts
✔ Fans of affordable, delicious food
✔ Budget-conscious foodies
✔ Explorers looking for hidden gems
✔ Anyone needing a quick, satisfying breakfast before starting the day
🏁 Conclusion: 9 RMB for Xi’an-Style Happiness
Yi Kou Xiang Pearl Buns may look unassuming, but it offers the most genuine and heartwarming Xi’an breakfast.
4 RMB for a basket of Xiaolongbao + 5 RMB for a bowl of egg drop soup — simple, filling, and unforgettable.
