TLDR
Bold, hand-ripped Shaanxi-style noodles and signature spicy cumin lamb. An iconic NYC fast-casual staple for fiery, authentic flavors.
Reddit Sentiment for XI'AN FAMOUS FOODS(based on 178 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Xian Famous Foods is a renowned establishment specializing in Shaanxi-style Chinese cuisine, particularly famous for its hand-ripped noodles. The reviewer visited this location as it was a top request from her friend, who previously lived in NYC and greatly misses the food. The restaurant is celebrated for its unique thick, chewy noodles that serve as an excellent vehicle for their flavorful sauces and toppings. The atmosphere is casual, and it's a popular spot for authentic and spicy Chinese dishes.
The video documents a visit to Xi'an Famous Foods in Chinatown, NYC, which is highlighted as Anthony Bourdain's favorite spot for Xi'an style Chinese food. The restaurant has been operating for over 20 years and is praised for its fantastic food. The reviewer tried three popular dishes: Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles, Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger, and Spicy & Sour Pork + Cabbage Dumplings, all of which were highly enjoyed.
Details
Famous for its signature Shaanxi-style hand-ripped noodles and aromatic cumin lamb, this fast-casual staple has long been a destination for authentic, spicy Chinese cuisine [1], [2]. While many patrons cherish its iconic dishes, recent feedback reveals a divide, with numerous long-time customers noting a decline in flavor complexity and spice intensity over recent years [1]. Concerns regarding portion sizes, recipe consistency, and the owner's confrontational management style have led to mixed sentiment across various locations [1].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Shaanxi-style Chinese dishes, specifically hand-ripped noodles and cumin lamb burgers [1], [2]. While items like the cumin lamb noodles and dumplings were once universally praised for their 'zingy' complexity, many current customers report reduced spice levels, smaller portion sizes, and a reliance on chili oil over nuanced flavor [1].
Highlights / Recommended
"The spicy cumin lamb hand-ripped noodles and the spicy cumin lamb burger remain the most iconic and highly recommended items, despite recent debates regarding their consistency [1], [2]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •spinach dumplings(10)
- •liang pi(9)
- •tiger vegetable salad(5)
- •cumin lamb noodles(4)
- •dumplings(4)
- •roujiamo (burger)(4)
- •meat-less noodles(3)
- •n1 regular spicy(3)
- •#n1 noodles(3)
- •noodles(3)
- •stir-fried noodles(3)
- •lamb soup with bread(3)
- •cucumber salad(2)
- •spicy cumin lamb burgers(2)
- •spicy beef handpulled noodles(2)
Customer Sentiment
Sentiment is polarized; while some remain loyal to the nostalgic flavors, others are frustrated by perceived inconsistencies in quality and the owner's defensive, often aggressive, engagement with public feedback [1].
Caveats
Quality and spice levels are reported to vary significantly by location and day, with some patrons finding certain branches inconsistent [1]. Additionally, owners are known to respond to negative reviews in a manner that some customers describe as defensive or degrading [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About XI'AN FAMOUS FOODS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Things We Ate In Nyc When We Remembered To Eat A
"The user visited Xi'An Famous Foods on Bayard, revisiting a favorite from a previous trip to NYC before moving away 21 years prior. They were delighted to enjoy the Cumin lamb noodles and cumin lamb burger again."
PositiveFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user had a disappointing experience at the new LIC location, finding it not as good as Xi'an Famous Foods used to be at other branches several years ago."
NegativeFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user had a disappointing experience at the new LIC location, finding it not as good as Xi'an Famous Foods used to be at other branches several years ago."
NegativeFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user had a disappointing experience at the new LIC location, finding it not as good as Xi'an Famous Foods used to be at other branches several years ago."
NegativeFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user feels the fragrance of Xi'an Famous Foods' dishes has diminished, now tasting like random chili oil rather than the distinct aroma they recall."
NegativeFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user feels the fragrance of Xi'an Famous Foods' dishes has diminished, now tasting like random chili oil rather than the distinct aroma they recall."
NegativeFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user feels the fragrance of Xi'an Famous Foods' dishes has diminished, now tasting like random chili oil rather than the distinct aroma they recall."
NegativeFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This commenter previously enjoyed Xi'an Famous Foods' home noodle kits but found the current price for them to be too high for the portion size."
NegativeFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This commenter previously enjoyed Xi'an Famous Foods' home noodle kits but found the current price for them to be too high for the portion size."
NegativeFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This commenter previously enjoyed Xi'an Famous Foods' home noodle kits but found the current price for them to be too high for the portion size."
NegativeFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user believes Xi'an Famous Foods has not changed and is grateful for a newly opened location near them."
PositiveFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user believes Xi'an Famous Foods has not changed and is grateful for a newly opened location near them."
PositiveFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user believes Xi'an Famous Foods has not changed and is grateful for a newly opened location near them."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Eat On Thanksgiving In Chinatown
"Xi'an Famous Foods was recommended for spicy noodles, as well as lamb and pork burgers."
NeutralFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This commenter remembers Biang fondly, appreciating its skewers and expanded menu."
PositiveFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This commenter remembers Biang fondly, appreciating its skewers and expanded menu."
PositiveFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user states that the tiger vegetable salad is available at the LIC Vernon Blvd. location of Xi'an Famous Foods."
PositiveFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user states that the tiger vegetable salad is available at the LIC Vernon Blvd. location of Xi'an Famous Foods."
PositiveFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user seconds the recommendation for 'Very Fresh Noodle' in Chelsea Market as an alternative to Xi'an Famous Foods."
PositiveFrom post: Xian Famous Foods Changes
"This user seconds the recommendation for 'Very Fresh Noodle' in Chelsea Market as an alternative to Xi'an Famous Foods."
Positive