Xi'an Express: Authentic Chinese Street Food in Midtown's 39 Food Hall

Xi’an Express Introduce

Tucked away inside Midtown's 39 Food Hall, Xi'an Express offers a genuine and satisfying taste of China's northwestern Xi'an region. This is not your typical Chinese American restaurant; it is a spot that specializes in authentic street food, bringing bold and intense flavors to the busy streets of New York City. For anyone in search of a deeply seasoned and deeply satisfying meal, Xi'an Express provides an experience that is both fast and focused on flavor. The unassuming location and straightforward approach are part of its charm, offering a no-frills culinary journey that is both delicious and efficient. It's a true hidden gem for those who appreciate the robust and unapologetic flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine.

Xi'an Express has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on a few key dishes that are executed exceptionally well. The menu is a love letter to the cuisine of Xi'an, featuring classics like biangbiang noodles, Chinese "hamburgers" (roujiamo), and a variety of handmade dumplings. This focus allows the restaurant to deliver on its promise of intense and authentic flavor. The atmosphere, as one reviewer noted, is a testament to the effort the staff puts in to make it a cute and welcoming space, despite its small size within a food hall. The shy but friendly staff adds a personal touch to the quick and easy ordering process, which is handled through a convenient touchscreen kiosk.

This spot is a godsend for busy New Yorkers who need a high-quality meal on the go. The food is described as "satisfying," "intense," and "unapologetically fragrant." While some dishes may be a bit on the salty side for some palates, the overall consensus is that the flavors are bold and memorable. The restaurant’s commitment to providing a quick, yet high-quality dining experience makes it a reliable stop for a midday break or a casual dinner. It truly embodies the spirit of Chinese street food done right, focusing on the essence of the cuisine without the need for fanfare.

Xi'an Express is located at 42 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, as part of the 39 Food Hall. Its location is a major advantage for its target audience, placing it squarely in the bustling heart of Midtown Manhattan. It is just a short walk from major landmarks like Times Square, Bryant Park, and the Empire State Building, making it a highly convenient spot for office workers, tourists, and students. The food hall setting provides a casual and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a quick, no-fuss meal. The accessibility of the location, with numerous subway lines and bus routes serving the area, makes it a simple and quick destination.

The accessibility features, while not explicitly detailed in the provided information, are consistent with a modern food hall setting. The venue's design is focused on providing a smooth and efficient experience for all customers.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Customers can enjoy their meal at one of the few tables available inside the food hall, providing a comfortable spot for a quick break.
Takeout: Xi'an Express is built for convenience, offering a fast and easy takeout service.
Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery services, allowing customers to enjoy their authentic Xi'an dishes from the comfort of their home or office.

Features and Highlights

Authentic Xi'an Cuisine: The menu specializes in authentic dishes from the Xi'an region of China, including the signature **roujiamo** (Chinese hamburger), **biangbiang noodles**, and handmade **dumplings**.
Focus on Flavor: The food is known for its intense and satisfying flavors, with dishes like the **Fried Cumin Lamb with Biangbiang Noodle** and the **lamb roujiamo** receiving high praise for their bold seasoning.
Quick and Efficient Service: The ordering process is streamlined with a touchscreen kiosk, ensuring a fast turnaround time for meals. The staff is friendly, adding to the pleasant and quick experience.
Comfort Food and Small Plates: The menu is centered around comforting and hearty dishes that are perfect for a satisfying meal. Options for small plates and quick bites are also available.
Kids' Menu: The restaurant offers a **kids' menu**, making it a great option for families looking for a casual and quick meal in the area.

Contact Information

Address: 42 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018

Phone: (646) 833-7492

What Is Worth Choosing

Xi'an Express is a truly worthwhile choice for New Yorkers seeking an authentic and satisfying meal that is both quick and flavorful. What makes it stand out is its specialized menu, which delivers on its promise of genuine Xi'an street food. The fact that the restaurant is a "reliable Midtown stop when you want something deeply seasoned and deeply satisfying" speaks volumes about its quality and consistency. The lamb roujiamo, in particular, is a must-try, hailed as one of the most satisfying in the city.

The restaurant's focus on efficiency and quality makes it a perfect solution for the busy urban lifestyle. The straightforward ordering process and fast service ensure that you can get a delicious and hearty meal without a long wait. While the food hall atmosphere is casual, the effort put into making the space inviting and the friendliness of the staff make for a pleasant visit. For anyone in the Midtown area looking to explore the rich and bold flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine, Xi'an Express is a hidden gem that is definitely worth seeking out.

Xi’an Express Menu

Special Rice 特色盖饭
Curry Chicken Rice Bowl 咖喱鸡盖浇饭 $13.00
Kung Pao Chicken With Rice 宫保鸡丁盖浇饭 $13.00
Send Egg Drop Dumpling Sweet Soup 送蛋花圆子甜汤。
Fried Eggs Tomatoes With Rice 西红柿炒鸡蛋盖饭 $13.00
Send Egg Drop Dumpling Sweet Soup 送蛋花圆子甜汤。
Beef Curry With Rice 咖喱牛肉盖浇饭 $13.00

Main Food 管饱主食
Mutton Vermicelli Soup Comes With A Puff Pastry 羊肉粉丝汤送一个油酥饼 $13.00
Tomato Sauce With Eggs Cover Biangbiang Noodle 西红柿鸡蛋手工扯面 $12.50
Biangbiang Noodle With Spiced Lamb Nutritions Soup 原汤激补羊肉 $13.00
Fried Cumin Lamb With Biangbiang Noodle 孜然羊肉干拌面 $14.50
Spicy Beef Dried Noodles 麻辣牛干拌面 $14.50
Fried Spicy Sauce With Biangbiang Noodle 油泼辣子面 $12.50
Xian Spiced Lamb Bread In Nutrition Lamp Soup 西安羊肉泡馍 $13.00
Pan Fried Pork Bun 6 Pcs 生煎包6个 $8.50

Chinese Hamburger 肉夹馍类
Traditional Crispy Burger With Cheese Juicy Pork 传统腊汁肉夹馍 $7.50
Classical Crispy Burger With Fried Lamb With Cumin 经典孜然羊肉夹馍 $8.50
Signature Crispy Burger With Spiced Beef 招牌五香牛肉夹馍 $8.50
Get A Free Xian Dry Steamed Bun When You Spend 10 Yuan 满10送西安干馍 $3.00

Dumplings 各式饺子
Fride Spicy Sauce With Dumpling Pork Cabbage 10 Pcs 油泼饺子猪肉白菜饺子10个 $12.50
Fried Dumplings With Chives And Pork Dumplings 韭菜猪肉饺煎饺 $10.50
Chives And Pork Dumplings 韭菜猪肉水饺 $11.50
Pork Dumplings With Chives In Oil 油泼韭菜猪肉饺 $12.50
Fried Dumplings Pork Cabbage 8 Pcs 手工猪肉白菜煎饺8个 $10.50
Fried Dumplings Leek Egg 8 Pcs 手工韭菜鸡蛋煎饺8个 $10.50
Boiled Pork Cabbage Hand Made Dumplings 10 Pcs 手工猪肉白菜水饺10个 $11.50
Boiled Leek Egg Hand Made Dumplings 手工韭菜鸡蛋水饺 $11.50
Fride Spicy Sauce With Dumpling Eggs Leek 10 Pcs 油泼饺子韭菜鸡蛋饺子10个 $12.50

Steamed Cold Noodles 劲道凉皮
Traditional Cold Skin Noodles Sesame Peanut 香辣麻酱凉皮芝麻酱 $8.50
Classical Fried Cold Skin Noodles Eggs Sprouts 经典炒凉皮鸡蛋芽菜 $12.50

Dessert 精美甜品
A French Style Bread Similar A Small Baguette Commonly 猪仔包 $5.49
Osmanthus Cake 桂花糕 $5.49

Xi’an Express Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner

Atmosphere
Casual

Children
Kids' menu

Xi’an Express Photos

Xi’an Express Location

Xi’an Express

New York New York County New York West 38th Street

42 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, USA

Xi’an Express Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 35 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Got the pork & cabbage dumplings with fried sauce(?)! The dumplings took about 15 minutes so might wanna pick a different option if you’re in a rush. They were honestly kind of bland like they weren’t salted even with the sauce on top and I usually eat on the bland side😅 but that was fixed with some soy sauce and vinegar and they were juicy and tender!In terms of atmosphere, can’t expect a lot since it is a small food hall, but I could see they put in a lot of effort to make it cute and the staff at the store was shy but friendly :))
June 01 · Faye HB
Hidden next to Cozy Rice inside 39 Food Hall, Xi’an Express quietly serves one of the most satisfying lamb roujiamo (or “Kongfu Burger,” as they call it). The meat gets a full warm bath in cumin, chili oil, and onion—juicy, fatty, and unapologetically fragrant. But also slightly too salty and I hope a bit more lamb. You don’t see the cooking, just the steam rising behind the counter like a spicy curtain call.Order and pay through a touchscreen kiosk (watch out: it auto-selects a 20% tip—feel free to uncheck, as there’s no table service). A few minutes later, a hot, crispy sandwich appears, and three minutes after that, it disappears into your mouth.This is Chinese street food done right: fast, intense, and focused on flavor, not fanfare. A reliable Midtown stop when you want something deeply seasoned and deeply satisfying.
May 12 · Yunong Shi
Located inside the Food 38 food hall - I stopped by for the first time to pickup an online order for rice rolls next door at Cozy Rice, but then quickly got drawn into Xi’an Express’s menu. Specifically, one of my favorite comfort meals - tomato and egg over hand-shaven noodles. They were perfect, and the portion size was quite generous. The lady running the stall on her own was very sweet. It was relatively quiet when I went around 6:00 PM on a Wednesday, but hope that the lunchtime rush is enough for the hall to stay open!
August 06 · Jasmine Louie
I feel completely cheated! I used the kiosk to order my food and picked it up myself, with no interaction with the staff. However, I later realized that the machine had automatically added a 20% tip to my bill without my consent. If I had noticed before paying, I would have gone somewhere else to eat. The food was just okay, with only a few small beef cubes in our noodle soups, definitely not worth the price we paid. Plus the eating area was filthy, no one cleaned the table and trash can.
May 02 · H H
Xi'an food is a cuisine that is less popular than szechuan despite its yummy creations. I was therefore very happy to see this place pop up, especially with no Xi'an Famous Foods nearby!The people who work in this stall within the food court largely speak mandarin, with very limited English to calling tickets. But they have a handy touch screen menu to order so that's easily solved. You can also tell they are quite authentic about their food preparation and can watch them steaming dumplings at the counter.The food is excellent, with the trademarks of Xi'an cuisine. Those are thick noodles, dumplings, and their "burgers". It has a softer spice level than szechuan food with a focus on meat and cabbage. They also added some new items with chives and even salmon. The prices are also quite fair for the portions and handmade quality.This place is an excellent spot for lunch and I will be coming more often.
December 18 · Yani Ed