Roujiamo: The Chinese Hamburger That‘s Older Than You Think

Roujiamo is a street food from Shaanxi Province, and it’s often called the “Chinese hamburger.” But here‘s the thing: it’s been around for over a thousand years, long before the hamburger was even invented. It dates back to the Qin Dynasty and became popular during the Tang Dynasty. Back then, it was a quick meal for soldiers and travelers. The name “roujiamo” literally means “meat in bread,” which is exactly what it is: a flatbread stuffed with shredded, slow-cooked meat. Today, it’s everywhere in Xi‘an and other parts of China, and it’s one of the most satisfying street snacks you can find.

How It’s Made

1. The bread: A simple wheat flour dough is kneaded, shaped into rounds, and baked in a clay oven or on a griddle. The bread comes out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

2. The meat: Pork belly or pork shoulder is simmered for hours in a broth of soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and other spices. The meat becomes so tender that it falls apart when you touch it.

3. Putting it together: The cooked meat is chopped into small pieces. The bread is sliced open, stuffed with the meat, and sometimes drizzled with a little sauce from the cooking pot.

What It’s Like

Roujiamo is simple, honest food. The bread is warm and slightly crispy, and the meat is juicy, savory, and packed with spice. The texture is a great mix: crispy and soft, chewy and tender. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s the kind of food you eat with your hands, on the go, and it leaves you feeling full and happy. For anyone visiting Xi’an, it‘s an absolute must-try.