Rou Jia Mo in Muslim style

Rou Jia Mo, known as "Roger Moore" to the hard of hearing or "a Chinese Hamburger" to tourists and amateurs alike has taken a new avenue. A culinary trip that transcends thousands of miles, generations of cultures, and even a fusion of religions, all snugly wrapped in a bun and served to-go. Who thought that such a small thing could bridge so many gaps?

This feast for the taste buds is not found on every street corner, nor is it only in high end restaurants. In the last three years there have only been three stalls opened and within a few dozen meters of each other and as of a few weeks ago one of them is now closed. Thus with only two small shops in the whole Xi'an metropolis open, this is not something that one just happens across, nor is this a destination in itself. This is an adventure, of culinary, cultural, and classical proportions and one that, should it fade into the dusty remnants of "days gone by" Xi'an will be the worse for.

Both restaurants are located in the Muslim quarter and both are away from the main area which only adds to the adventure. The better of the two, which is only my perspective and not an official marking by any means, is further inside the havoc, cacophony, and congestion that is the quarter and only a small store front.

Though not the easiest place to find (very often I also walk right past it) the reward is worth the hunt, sitting at one of their two tables with a steaming bun of spiced chicken in hand, a cool ice tea perspiring in the cup, and that first bite just moments away watch the hustle and bustle of the quarter unfolding before your eyes. This is the definition of why we live here, why we do what we do, and the reason for getting up in the morning.

All too often we all get wrapped up in our own lives, the days pass in a blur, the meals we eat a mystery, and the conversations we have predetermined. We forget what drew us to where we are and what drove us to do what we do, the mistake is not in the falling, the mistake is not in correcting it.

Though one of the tastiest meals in Xi'an a chicken kebab is only part of why I find myself at this restaurant two to three times a week. It takes me out of my comfort zone, and pushes me into being part of the scene; it wakes me up and makes me remember. This is the answer, and the answer never tasted so good.

Who would have thought, all the answers lay wrapped up somewhere in amongst spiced chicken, lettuce, and toasted bun.