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XI'AN FAMOUS FOODS

Last Updated: ~1 month ago

Phone: (212) 786-2068

Address: 45 BAYARD STREET 10013

TLDR

Authentic Xi'an flavors with mouth-watering spicy cumin lamb noodles and unique burgers. A popular, affordable choice for adventurous eaters, though some find it inconsistent.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 19 Reddit comments)

74% Positive11% Neutral16% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

chinese 16xi'an 14shaanxi 13noodles 13spicy food 2salads 2View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

This iconic eatery brings the bold flavors of Xi'an to New York City, offering a vibrant taste of authentic Chinese cuisine. Renowned for its unique noodle dishes, the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles are a standout, featuring tender lamb in a spicy cumin chili oil that perfectly coats the thick noodles. Another must-try is the Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger, served in a fluffy pita. For those craving something different, the Spicy & Sour Pork + Cabbage Dumplings are a flavorful delight, often hailed as a personal favorite. While many rave about the deliciousness and affordability, some critics suggest it might be overhyped or inconsistent, drawing comparisons to fast-food chains. Nevertheless, it remains a popular spot for those seeking an adventurous and satisfying culinary experience.

Food Overview

The restaurant specializes in Xi'an-style Chinese cuisine, with a strong emphasis on flavorful noodles. Popular recommendations include the Cold Skin Noodles, Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles, Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger, and Spicy & Sour Pork + Cabbage Dumplings. Some diners find the food to be mouth-wateringly good and uniquely spicy, while others feel it's overhyped, uses pre-frozen ingredients, and has inconsistent quality, likening it to fast-food chains. The cucumber salad is also frequently praised.

Highlights / Recommended

"Highly recommended are the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles, Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger, Cold Skin Noodles, and Spicy & Sour Pork + Cabbage Dumplings. The cucumber salad is also frequently praised."

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards the restaurant, often praising the authentic Xi'an cuisine and specific dishes like the Cold Skin Noodles and Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles. However, there's a divide, with some finding it overhyped or inconsistent, comparing it to fast-food chains and suggesting alternatives. Despite this, many still find it a worthwhile and delicious option, especially for its unique flavors and affordability.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread contains a lively debate about the restaurant's quality. One former employee calls it overhyped, while others defend it as a worthwhile, affordable, and unique option. Specific dishes like the lamb cumin noodles and cucumber salad are mentioned.
In this discussion about hand-pulled noodles, multiple users recommend the restaurant, highlighting its delicious offerings and accessibility.
A user recommends the restaurant's Cold Skin Noodles as a great, less expensive option in Chinatown.

Recent Mentions

From post: Hand Pulled Noodles

"Very Fresh Noodles in Chelsea Market and Xian are both fantastic."

Positive
May 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Hand Pulled Noodles

"Recommends Xian famous foods."

Positive
May 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Hand Pulled Noodles

"Recommends Xian Famous Foods on Bayard St."

Positive
May 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Hand Pulled Noodles

"Recommends Xian Famous Foods."

Positive
May 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Advises not to waste time at Xi'an Famous Foods, calling it super low quality and stating there are way better Japanese spots (this seems like a misdirected comparison, XFF is Chinese)."

Negative
Apr 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Defends Xi'an Famous Foods as a worthwhile option for tourists due to its unique cuisine, affordability, and accessibility, even if it's comparable to a fast-food chain. They note not every meal has to be a luxury one when traveling."

Positive
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Agrees that Xi'an Famous Foods is over-recommended and likens it to a chain like Burger King; good for consistency but not a must-try for visitors seeking authentic experiences. Suggests Spicy Village as a better alternative."

Negative
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Considers Xi'an Famous Foods (and Pisillo) "absolute bomb" (excellent)."

Positive
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"A former employee states Xi'an Famous Foods is overhyped, uses pre-frozen ingredients, and has inconsistent quality due to low-skilled workers. They compare it to Burger King for burgers and recommend other Xi'an spots in Flushing or Chinatown."

Negative
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Likes Xi'an Famous Foods but feels the quality can differ between locations, with some being more flavorful than others."

Neutral
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Loves Xi'an Famous Foods, though hasn't eaten at others on a presumed list."

Positive
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Suggests comparing Xi'an Famous Foods with Super Taste's pork stew burgers. Praises Xi'an's cucumber salad as elite and reminds to use black vinegar."

Positive
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Recommends the (F6) Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings at Xi'an Famous Foods, praising the amazing sauce."

Positive
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Recommends the N1 (lamb cumin noodles) at Xi'an Famous Foods."

Positive
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Suggests Spicy Village as a substitute for Xi'an Famous Foods, finding Xi'an Famous Foods less appealing and highlighting Spicy Village's unique NYC experience."

Neutral
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Expresses excitement to try the lamb curry noodles at Xi'an Famous Foods based on a positive recommendation."

Positive
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Yall Weigh In On The List I Made For

"Describes Xi'an Famous Foods as mouth-wateringly good, recommending to get it extra spicy and warning about its potent effects. Later calls it some of the best food in the city and recommends the cucumber salad."

Positive
Apr 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Tipping At A 3 Michelin Star Restaurant

"A user recommended Xi'an Famous Foods, particularly their Cold Skin Noodles, as a less expensive food option likely found in Chinatown."

Positive
Mar 31, 2025View Comment →