Speaking of an exploration in spice and Sichuan cuisine, Nanette’s post reminded me that I need to really talk about Xi’an Famous Foods. This small chain is quickly expanding with new locations all over New York. A location will soon be coming in Upper West Side as well as Greenpoint in Brooklyn. Why? Because their hand-pulled noodles are absolutely delicious and to die for! In fact, Xi’an Famous Foods has been featured with Andrew Zimmern, Anthony Bourdain and all over NYC restaurant lists. If that doesn’t convince you to check out this place, then I honestly don’t know what will. Their most popular dish is featured above and below, spicy cumin lamb hand-ripped noodles in soup.
The flavors of Xi’an cuisine have a distinct Sichuan origin, but the hand-pulled noodles elevate this dish to another level.
At some locations, you can even see them making the noodles for your order. At Xi’an’s, the star of the show is the food. They don’t glamorize the experience with any special presentation. All dishes are served on styrofoam plates or plastic containers like the stewed ox-tail hand-ripped noodles and stewed oxtail hand-ripped noodles in soup pictured below.
Delivery is not an option at Xi’an Famous Foods. This tends to upset many New York customers. However, Xi’an Famous Foods believes that the food is best eaten right away when the dish has been prepared to order. After the fifteen-minute window, the noodles begin to absorb too much of the broth/sauce and the oil starts to congeal. Knowing this, I think it’s fair enough that delivery is not offered here.
Spicy & Tingly Beef Hand-Ripped Noodles
They also offer awesome dumplings made from the same dough! For us carnivores, the spicy & sour lamb dumplings are a great side to share with your entree.
There also is a splendid vegetarian alternative: Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings.
It probably is very obvious by the plethora of photos, but Xi’an Famous Foods has easily become a regular spot for me. With amazing food and a lower price point, why not?! If you haven’t already, check out one of their seven locations. Since their locations tend to be busy, make sure to check out their real-time traffic meter online by clicking on the location before heading over. Their original restaurant and humble beginnings is located in Flushing.
Xi’an Famous Foods
41-28 Main Street #36
Flushing, NY 11354