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Xi'an Famous Foods
Master Critic Review
Xi'an Famous Foods
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
The legendary NYC chain that brought Xi'an hand-ripped noodles to the mainstream serves spicy cumin lamb and liang pi cold skin noodles in a no-frills counter-service setting. The chewy hand-pulled noodles coated in chili oil and numbing spices deliver bold Northwestern Chinese flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles, Liang Pi Cold Skin Noodles, Spicy & Sour Lamb Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: NYC institution since 2005 that pioneered Xi'an cuisine in America with proprietary chili oil recipes
Who should go: Noodle lovers seeking authentic Northwestern Chinese flavors
When to visit: Lunch for quick counter service, avoid dinner rush
What to order: Cumin lamb noodles with extra chili oil, liang pi for contrast
Insider tip: Noodles come with sauces separate for delivery to maintain texture
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking. Street parking limited on Jackson Ave. Court Square subway (G/E/M/7 trains) directly adjacent - subway strongly recommended. Nearby garages at Court Square $12-17 if driving
Dress code: Ultra-casual - come as you are. Stainless steel cafeteria seating, counter service. Hoodies and sneakers fit right in; nobody dresses up here
Noise level: Moderate to loud - open kitchen with noodle pulling adds energy. Cafeteria-style buzz during rush. Fine for casual conversation but not intimate
Weekend wait: 10-15 min line at peak (6-7pm), food ready 5-8 min after ordering. Two floors with 61 seats so tables usually available
Weekday lunch: 5 min or less typically. Digital kiosk ordering speeds things up. Food made fresh so brief wait after ordering
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including liang pi cold skin noodles with seitan, Mount Qi vegetable hand-ripped noodles, smashed cucumber salad, spicy tofu, vegetarian spinach dumplings (contain egg). NOTE: Some dishes previously vegetarian now use meat stock - confirm with staff
Vegan options: Limited - liang pi cold skin noodles confirmed vegan and gluten-free, cucumber salad, some vegetable dishes. Dumplings contain egg. Ask staff about broth bases as recipes have changed
Gluten-free options: Very limited - liang pi (cold skin noodles) made from rice flour is the standout gluten-free option. Most hand-ripped noodles are wheat-based. Cucumber salad safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for very casual, food-focused dates. The cafeteria seating, fluorescent lights, and counter service lack romance entirely. However, sharing spicy hand-pulled noodles can be fun and memorable for adventurous eaters who bond over bold flavors. Great for a low-pressure 'let's grab noodles' date; skip for trying-to-impress occasions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always - no reservations taken or needed. Counter service only. Order at digital kiosk, grab a number, find a seat across two floors (61 seats total). Peak times (weekday lunch 12-1pm, weekend dinner 6-7pm) may require brief wait for seating, but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - surprisingly good for families. Cafeteria setup means no waiting for service, kids can watch noodles being hand-pulled through the open kitchen, and spice levels are adjustable (request 'mild' or 'no spice'). Non-spicy options like pork zha jiang noodles work for picky eaters. Quick in-and-out fits short attention spans. No highchairs but casual vibe welcomes children.
Best For
Better for: Authentic hand-pulled biang-biang noodles at unbeatable value ($10-14 fills you up). The proprietary 30+ ingredient chili oil is legendary - Anthony Bourdain's endorsement put them on the map. Best for solo diners, quick lunches, spice lovers, and anyone craving real Northwestern Chinese flavors without Flushing trek. No tipping policy keeps it simple.
Skip if: You want table service, romantic ambiance, extensive gluten-free options, or mild flavors. The cafeteria setting and fluorescent lights won't impress. For upscale Chinese with tableside presentations, hit Jiang Nan nearby instead. Strict vegans should note recipe changes have reduced reliable options.