Lao Sun Jia (老孙家饭庄)
Lǎo Sūn Jiā Fànzhuāng
Paomo under the same name since 1898
- Typical price
- ¥50–70
- Opening hours
- 11:00–14:00 & 17:00–21:00 · 10:30–14:30 & 17:00–21:30
Lao Sun Jia (老孙家, Lǎo Sūn Jiā — 'Old Sun's Place') has served beef and mutton [paomo](/en/dishes/yangrou-paomo) since 1898, when Hui Muslim uncle and nephew Sun Guangxian and Sun Wannian opened it, and it is the name many Xi'an people give first for the dish. It is now part of the city-owned Xi'an Catering group, a China Time-Honoured Brand and a 'national special-grade restaurant', and over the decades it has fed Zhang Xueliang, Yang Hucheng and a long list of state visitors. Beyond paomo, the menu runs to hundreds of halal dishes — steamed mutton, Baiyunzhang [sour-soup dumplings](/en/dishes/suantang-shuijiao), roast lamb ribs and sesame flatbread. The historic branch is on East Street near the Bell Tower; the large Dongguan branch is just outside the East Gate, and there are outposts at Yongxingfang and Furong Lane. Expect around ¥50 a head for paomo.
What to order
- Mutton or beef paomo (牛羊肉泡馍) — tear the bread yourself
- Steamed mutton (粉蒸羊肉) and Baiyunzhang sour-soup dumplings
- Sesame flatbread (芝麻烧饼) and cured beef
Which branch?
- East Street: closest to the Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter
- Dongguan: the big multi-floor flagship outside the East Gate
- Yongxingfang: combine with the snack street
History
- Founded 1898 by Sun Guangxian and Sun Wannian
- Rebuilt East Street premises opened 1990
- China Time-Honoured Brand (1993)
Practical tips
- Halal — no pork or alcohol
- Lunch peaks 11:30–13:00
- Pickled garlic and chilli paste are free on the table
Who it's for (and who should skip it)
- Ideal for travelers who want paomo plus a proper halal banquet — steamed mutton, roast lamb ribs, cured beef — under one roof, with private rooms you can book for groups
- History-minded diners get the older pedigree: an 1898 founding, a China Time-Honoured Brand, and the tables that once hosted Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng
- If you have time for only one paomo meal, choose your branch deliberately: East Street is the one near the Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter, the big Dongguan flagship sits just outside the East Gate, and there are outposts at Yongxingfang and Furong Lane if you are already headed there
- Skip the 11:30–13:00 lunch peak if noise and crowds bother you — and note that no alcohol is served
Getting there
- Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou (钟楼), then walk east along East Street — the historic branch is at 292, about 7 minutes from the Bell Tower
- For the Dongguan flagship (78 Dongguan Zhengjie, 3F), aim for the East Gate of the city wall; it is just outside
- Taxis: 东大街老孙家 gets you to the East Street branch
- Hours come from a single listing with a mid-afternoon break, so confirm on a map app before a late visit
Questions, answered
Is Lao Sun Jia better than Tongshengxiang?
Both are century-old paomo houses run by the same group; Lao Sun Jia is older (1898) and has a broader halal banquet menu.
Where is Lao Sun Jia?
The best-known branch is at 292 East Street near the Bell Tower; another large branch is at 78 Dongguan Zhengjie.
How much is paomo at Lao Sun Jia?
Around ¥50 per person.
Can I book a table at Lao Sun Jia?
Paomo is walk-in, but private rooms can be booked by phone on +86 29 8721 2614.