TLDR
Hand-pulled noodles and bold, spicy Northwestern Chinese flavors in a fast-casual setting. A legendary NYC staple for lamb-lovers.
Reddit Sentiment for XI'AN FAMOUS FOODS(based on 297 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Xi'an Famous Foods is highlighted for its distinctive Northwestern Chinese cuisine, with the author particularly enjoying their spicy cumin lamb noodles. The mention suggests a highly authentic and flavorful dining experience, contributing to the memorable 'good bites' of the trip.
Details
A cornerstone of New York City's fast-casual scene, this spot is celebrated for its authentic and addictive Northwestern Chinese cuisine [1]. Diners frequently flock here for their signature spicy cumin lamb dishes [1], [2] and hand-ripped noodles [1], [3], which offer a distinctively bold and mouth-numbing flavor profile [3]. Despite its growth into a popular chain, many loyalists continue to praise its reliable quality and value [1], [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on bold Shaanxi-style flavors, with standout items like spicy cumin lamb noodles and Liang Pi cold skin noodles receiving consistent acclaim [1], [3], [6]. While most find the spicy dishes irresistible [3], some diners caution that the high oil content can be harsh on the stomach, and others have noted recent price increases on popular items like the lamb burger [5], [7].
Highlights / Recommended
"The spicy cumin lamb noodles are frequently hailed as a signature favorite [2], [3], [4], often paired with the Liang Pi cold skin noodles [1], [6] or the Rou jia mou (lamb burger) for a complete meal [1], [7]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •lamb burger(8)
- •liang pi(7)
- •noodles(4)
- •cucumber salad(4)
- •n1(4)
- •cumin lamb(2)
- •lamb face salad(2)
- •tiger salad(2)
- •mt qi noodles(2)
- •biang biang noodles(2)
- •spicy cumin lamb noodles(2)
- •mapo tofu(2)
- •new chicken hand-ripped noodles(2)
Caveats
The extremely spicy and oil-heavy nature of many dishes often leads to digestive discomfort for some customers [5]. Additionally, some longtime fans have expressed concerns regarding consistency and price hikes as the restaurant has expanded [5], [7].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About XI'AN FAMOUS FOODS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Restaurant Recommendations For Adventurous 10yo
"Directly recommended to the parent for their child."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurant Recommendations For Adventurous 10yo
"Recommended as a source for hand-pulled noodles."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Recommendations For A Four Day
"A go-to spot for the commenter."
PositiveFrom post: Need Recommendations For Vegetarian Dry Noodles
"The user confirms that the restaurant offers hot vegetarian noodle options, contrary to the belief that they only serve cold dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Need Recommendations For Vegetarian Dry Noodles
"The restaurant is suggested as a place for dry, hand-pulled noodles."
PositiveFrom post: Best Foodrestaurants With No Gluten Free Options
"Recommended simply by name."
PositiveFrom post: Any Musteat Restaurants In This General Vicinity
"Recommended for cheap lunch eats."
PositiveFrom post: Best Foodrestaurants With No Gluten Free Options
"Mentioned for having a seasonal cold gluten salad and liang pi."
NeutralFrom post: Best Foodrestaurants With No Gluten Free Options
"Mentioned as a spot for hand-pulled noodles."
NeutralFrom post: Any Musteat Restaurants In This General Vicinity
"Recommended for casual noodles."
PositiveFrom post: Want To Try Seitan Whats Your Fav Dish In The
"The user enjoys the restaurant but expresses disappointment that the seasonal seitan salad hasn't returned."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Your Top 3 Most Frequented Restaurants
"The user frequents this spot, particularly for the concubine chicken."
PositiveFrom post: Want To Try Seitan Whats Your Fav Dish In The
"The user recommends the Liang Pi noodles."
PositiveFrom post: Hows My Itinerary Lastminute 3 Day Nyc Foodie
"Recommends this NYC chain for a quick, quality meal."
PositiveFrom post: Decently Priced Lunch Options Around Rockefeller
"Confirmed location on 45th street."
PositiveFrom post: Decently Priced Lunch Options Around Rockefeller
"Mentioned as an affordable lunch option."
PositiveFrom post: Every Sunday Is Soup Sunday Im Running Out Of
"A recommended spot for cold-weather noodle soup."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Want To Share Their Favorite Dan Dan
"Recommended specifically for Liang Pi."
PositiveFrom post: Chinatown Crawl Recommendations For Each
"Notes it is a chain available outside Chinatown but confirms the food is good, specifically recommending the cumin lamb and cold skin noodles."
PositiveFrom post: New York Citys Best Burgers Gift Article 19 Places
"The commenter mentions the price increase for the signature item."
Negative