Xi'an Famous Foods: A Taste of Northwest China on the Upper West Side

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Introduce

An Overview of Xi'an Famous Foods

Xi'an Famous Foods is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary institution that has brought the distinct and bold flavors of Xi'an, the ancient capital of China, to the heart of New York City. At its location on the Upper West Side, this casual and trendy spot has become a go-to destination for anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable meal. The restaurant specializes in the unique cuisine of Shaanxi province, which is characterized by its powerful aromas, rich spices, and signature "spicy and tingly" flavor profile. This is achieved through the masterful use of ingredients like chili oil and peppercorns, creating a sensation that is both fiery and numbing.

The core of their menu revolves around handmade noodles and hand-pulled noodles, a craft that is central to the food of the region. Customers consistently rave about the freshness and perfect chewy texture of the noodles, a clear testament to the restaurant’s dedication to traditional techniques. As a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, it attracts a diverse crowd of New Yorkers, including college students and tourists eager to experience a taste of China's lesser-known but incredibly rich culinary traditions. Despite its immense popularity, the restaurant maintains a casual atmosphere with counter service and great prices, making it an accessible and welcoming place for solo diners and groups alike. It's an honest, no-frills approach to dining that lets the incredible flavors speak for themselves, earning it a devoted following across the city.

Location and Accessibility

The Xi'an Famous Foods location on the Upper West Side is perfectly situated at 309 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA. This puts it at the bustling intersection of Amsterdam Avenue and West 74th Street, a popular corner that is easily accessible and a part of the daily life for residents in the neighborhood. The location is just a few blocks away from Central Park, making it an ideal spot to stop for a quick, satisfying meal before or after a leisurely stroll. The area is also known for its classic brownstones and vibrant street life, adding to the authentic New York City experience.

For those traveling via public transportation, the restaurant's location is highly convenient. It is a short walk from the 72nd Street subway station, which serves the 1, 2, and 3 lines, as well as the 72nd Street station for the B and C trains. This provides easy access from both uptown and downtown Manhattan. The restaurant is also committed to accessibility for all guests, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. For those with cars, there is paid street parking available in the area.

Services Offered

Xi'an Famous Foods provides a straightforward and efficient service model centered around customer convenience and speed.

Dine-in and Takeout: The restaurant offers both Dine-in and Takeout options. Customers can choose to enjoy their meal in the casual and comfortable seating area or grab their food to go, which is perfect for busy New Yorkers on the move.
Counter Service: The primary mode of operation is Counter service. This model is highly efficient, allowing for fast ordering and quick meal preparation. This is a crucial feature, especially given the restaurant's popularity and the fact that there is usually a wait during peak hours.
Flexible Payments: The restaurant accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, which streamlines the transaction process and makes it easy for guests to pay quickly.
Merchandise for Fans: For those who can't get enough of the unique flavors, Xi'an Famous Foods offers its own XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Jar and even an XFF Cookbook. This allows devoted fans to recreate some of the magic at home, a testament to the brand's cult-like following.

Features and Highlights

What truly sets Xi'an Famous Foods apart is its commitment to authentic flavors and its unique offerings.

Hand-Ripped Noodles: The noodles are the star of the show. A customer review highlighted that they are "perfectly chewy and very fresh," which is a result of the labor-intensive hand-ripping process. The noodles are served with a variety of rich sauces and savory meats, including the famous `Spicy Cumin Lamb` and `Spicy Hot Oil Seared` noodles, known for their powerful flavors.
Distinct Xi'an Cuisine: Unlike many other Chinese restaurants in NYC, Xi'an Famous Foods specializes in a specific regional cuisine, offering bold, `spicy and tingly` flavors that are a true adventure for the palate. The menu is a celebration of these unique flavors, which are a form of comfort food for many.
Affordable Pricing: A major highlight noted by customers is the `great pricing`. In a city where dining can be expensive, Xi'an Famous Foods offers incredible value, with large, satisfying portions at very reasonable prices. This makes it an attractive option for a quick bite or a full meal.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Despite its meat-heavy staples, the restaurant offers a number of excellent vegan and vegetarian options. Dishes like the `Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles"`, `Spicy Seitan Salad`, and `Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings` are flavorful and satisfying, ensuring that a wide range of diners can enjoy the menu.
Casual and Trendy Atmosphere: The atmosphere is `casual` and `trendy`, making it a fun and approachable spot. It’s a favorite among college students and is a great place for solo dining or meeting up with a few friends for a no-fuss, delicious meal.

Contact Information

Address: 309 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

Phone: (212) 786-2068

Mobile Phone: +1 212-786-2068

What is Worth Choosing

When you visit Xi'an Famous Foods, the most worthwhile choice is to embrace the dishes that have made the restaurant a legend. The `Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles` (N1) is a classic and a must-try for any first-time visitor. The tender lamb, perfectly chewy noodles, and the intense, aromatic cumin and chili sauce create a flavor explosion that is truly unforgettable. For a lighter, yet equally flavorful option, the `Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles"` (A1) is a perfect choice, as a customer review noted, with its refreshing spiciness and distinct texture.

Don't overlook the `Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger` (B2), which, despite its name, is a savory, shredded lamb sandwich served in a perfectly crisp bun, making for a delicious and easy-to-eat meal. The dumplings are another great choice; a customer review mentioned that the `Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings` (F6) were especially good. For a truly well-rounded experience, pair a noodle or burger dish with one of their cold dishes, like the highly praised `Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad` (L2), which offers a refreshing and zesty contrast to the savory mains. Ultimately, choosing Xi'an Famous Foods is choosing to step into a new world of flavor, where authentic, hand-crafted food is served with speed and at a price that New Yorkers can truly appreciate.

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Menu

Include Utensils?
Please Include Utensils $0.00
Please select this only if you wish for us to add disposable utensils to your order. If left unchecked, we will not include any utensils.

Extras
SMALL 8oz XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Jar $13.75
Bring a hit of xff flair to your home cooking with our signature chili sauce, used exclusively in our nyc stores. this small batch chili oil is still made personally by our founder. this chili oil looks red and scarily-spicy, but it is actually quite gentle, which accurately reflects the true flavor profile of xi’an and shaanxi region: fragrantly spicy , not burn-your-face-off-for-the-sake-of-it type of spicy once you try this, nothing else will compare. this is the 8oz small sized jar.
Bun $2.05
Just the bread bun. no fillings. [vegan]
BIG 16oz XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Jar $17.75
Bring a hit of xff flair to your home cooking with our signature chili sauce, used exclusively in our nyc stores. this small batch chili oil is still made personally by our founder. this chili oil looks red and scarily-spicy, but it is actually quite gentle, which accurately reflects the true flavor profile of xi’an and shaanxi region: fragrantly spicy , not burn-your-face-off-for-the-sake-of-it type of spicy once you try this, nothing else will compare. this is the 16oz large sized jar.
XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Packet $2.75
3 fl. oz. packet of chili oil & crisps.
XFF Liang Pi Sauce Packet $1.60
Double check the store you've selected no picking up from different store, no refunds if mistaken. no later pickups. no requests except for omission of some ingredients. confirm w/ staff upon pickup if they were able to fulfill request(s).
XFF Cookbook $32.00
Our best-selling cookbook & memoir, signed by Jason

[F] Other Specialties
[F4] Spicy & Sour Lamb Dumplings (7) $9.65
Our signature dumplings. Wrapped in homemade dumpling dough and filled with ground lamb, these dumplings are infused with spices for even more flavor. Served with our signature spicy and sour sauces. Seven pieces per order.
[F8] Spicy & Sour Pork & Cabbage Dumplings (7) $8.95
Our traditional pork and cabbage dumplings, wrapped in a carrot juice dumpling skin and served in our house sauces including soy sauce, black vinegar. Top with chili oil, sesame seeds, and cilantro for the full experience. Seven pieces per order.
[F6] Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings (7) $9.65
Our vegetarian dumplings, wrapped in spinach juice-dumpling dough, comes stuffed with ground spinach, wood-ear mushroom, seitan, carrots, cabbage, vermicelli, and egg for a surprisingly filling bite. Served alongside our savory-sour sauces, plus chili oil for kick. Seven pieces per order.
[F1] Chang'an Spicy Tofu Custard $4.35
Delicate house-made tofu, served warm with crunchy pickled vegetables, cilantro, and our sour-savory signature sauces. Chili oil highly recommended. [Vegan]
[F5] Spicy & Sour Lamb Dumplings In Soup (7) $11.35
Our signature dumplings. Wrapped in homemade dumpling dough and filled with ground lamb, these dumplings are infused with spices for even more flavor. Served in a spicy and sour lamb broth. Seven pieces per order. [Soup on the side is required for all DoorDash orders.]

[L] Cold Dishes
[L1] Tiger Vegetables Salad $6.85
[L2] Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad $6.85
Crispy Asian cucumbers, cut into bite-sized pieces and then smashed, perfect for scooping up our garlicky dressing of soy sauce and black vinegar. Topped with sliced chile (and chili oil) for a little extra heat. [Vegan]

[B] Burgers
[B2] Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger $6.95
Our signature sliced lamb, spiced with ground cumin and sauteed with red onions, scallions and garlic, gets an extra kick with red chile and longhorn peppers. Sandwiched in our house-made crispy flatbread.
[B1] Stewed Pork Burger $5.75
Our house-made crispy flatbread, stuffed with our diced stewed pork belly, simmered with soy sauce and our signature spices until tender.

[A] Liang Pi
[A5] Spicy Seitan Salad $8.45
Chewy and spongy slices of homemade seitan (wheat gluten) tossed with bean sprouts, cucumber, cilantro, and spongy cubes of seitan, perfect for soaking up our signature soy sauce and vinegar dressings. Served spicy with chili oil.
[A1] Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles" $8.45
A Xi’an classic. “Cold-skin” here refers to the refreshing texture of our house-made steamed wheat flour noodles. These chilled noodles are served with bean sprouts, cucumber, cilantro, and spongy cubes of seitan, perfect for soaking up our signature soy sauce and vinegar dressings. Chili oil recommended. [Vegan. Sauces on the side is required for all DoorDash orders. "Mildly spicy" orders must add chili oil packet to taste, as full serving of it is equal to regular spicy level]
[A2] Stir-Fried Liang-Pi "Cold Skin Noodles" $9.45
Our updated version of this Xi’an classic. Our steamed noodles soften when tossed in a wok with green onions, spongy seitan, bean sprouts, garlic, and our signature sauces. Topped with fresh cucumbers and cilantro. Chili oil recommended. [Vegan]

[N/Ns] Hand-Ripped Noodles
[N8] Spicy Hot Oil Seared Hand-Ripped Noodles $12.15
A Xi’an classic, meant to be slurped sitting at stalls in the streets of Xi’an. Our chewy hand-ripped biang-biang noodles and heaps of aromatics and chili powder are flash-seared with smoking hot vegetable oil, then tossed to perfection in our house noodle sauce of soy sauce and black rice vinegar. This is the best way to experience our hand-pulled noodles without any fuss.
[NS4] Stewed Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles In Soup $13.95
Pulled pork, simmered for hours in an aromatic soy broth with proprietary spices, served with our wide hand-pulled noodles, savory noodle broth, and signature sauces. Shown as spicy. [The noodles are packed separately from sauces, soup, and protein. Please heat up the soup separately, and then pour into the noodles bowl along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein, and enjoy immediately while hot!]
[NS2] Spicy & Tingly Beef Muscle Hand-Ripped Noodles In Soup $15.35
Lean beef muscle stewed until tender in house aromatics with a Sichuan peppercorn-laced ma la tingle, served on top of chewy hand-pulled wide noodles with comforting spoonfuls of simmering beef broth, topped with our signature sauces and chili oil. [The noodles are packed separately from sauces, soup, and protein. Please heat up the soup separately, and then pour into the noodles bowl along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein, and enjoy immediately while hot!]
[N3] Mount Qi Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles $13.15
Rich cubes of pork belly, stewed in a classic spicy and sour sauce of soy, black rice vinegar, and Sichuan peppercorns for a punch of tingly spice. Served over our hand-ripped noodles and tossed in our soy-vinegar noodle sauce and chili oil. [The noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. Please reheat the protein by itself, if necessary/possible, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if requested spicy, to taste) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy immediately while hot!]
[NS1] Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles In Soup $15.85
Our famous spicy cumin lamb noodles, seasoned with ground cumin and chili powder, gets a homey update with savory lamb broth, our signature sauces, and chili oil. [The noodles are packed separately from sauces, soup, and protein. Please heat up the soup separately, and then pour into the noodles bowl along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein, and enjoy immediately while hot!]
[N2] Spicy & Tingly Beef Muscle Hand-Ripped Noodles $14.65
This dish’s calling card is the signature ma la, or spicy and tingly flavor, imparted by tingly Sichuan peppercorns and heady chile peppers. Lean cuts of beef muscle get stewed in this fragrant sauce alongside our house aromatics and tomatoes, then tossed with our wide biang-biang noodles and our soy-vinegar noodle sauce. Enjoyed spicy. [The noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. Please reheat the protein by itself, if necessary/possible, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if requested spicy, to taste) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy immediately while hot!]
[NS3] Mount Qi Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles In Soup $13.85
Rich cubes of pork belly, stewed in a classic spicy and sour sauce of soy, black rice vinegar, and Sichuan peppercorns for a punch of tingly spice. Served with our hand-ripped noodles, savory noodle broth, and signature sauces and chili oil. [The noodles are packed separately from sauces, soup, and protein. Please heat up the soup separately, and then pour into the noodles bowl along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein, and enjoy immediately while hot!]
[N4] Stewed Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles $13.25
Our house pulled pork, stewed until tender in soy and sugar alongside proprietary spices. Served over chewy hand-ripped noodles mixed with our house noodle sauces of soy and black rice vinegar. Shown as spicy. [The noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. Please reheat the protein by itself, if necessary/possible, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if requested spicy, to taste) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy immediately while hot!]
[N1] Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles $15.15
The dish that turned Anthony Bourdain into a fan. Thinly sliced lamb, spiced with cumin and chili powder, mixed with our chewy hand-pulled biang-biang noodles and topped with our soy-vinegar noodle sauce. An XFF original. Enjoyed spicy. [The noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. Please reheat the protein by itself, if necessary/possible, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if requested spicy, to taste) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy immediately while hot!]
[N9] Pork "Zha Jiang" Hand-Ripped Noodles $12.75
Our version of zha jiang mian. Wide hand-ripped noodles mixed with a savory-sweet ground pork meat sauce, garnished with fresh crunchy cucumbers and our house noodles dressings of soy and black rice vinegar. Shown as spicy. [The noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. Please reheat the protein by itself, if necessary/possible, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if requested spicy, to taste) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy immediately while hot!]

Drinks
NANJI Orange Soda $3.65
Introducing our very own NANJI brand — a crisp, lightly sparkling orange soda crafted to refresh and perfectly complement our bold, spicy flavors.
Hawberry Hibiscus Tea $2.95
Please be sure to retrieve your own ordered drink(s) when picking up
NANJI Hawberry Hibiscus Soda $2.65
Introducing our very own NANJI brand — a crisp, lightly sparkling sour hawberry hibiscus soda crafted to refresh and perfectly complement our bold, spicy flavors.
Chrysanthemum Tea $2.95
Please be sure to retrieve your own ordered drink(s) when picking up
Jasmine Tea (Unsweetened) $2.95
Please be sure to retrieve your own ordered drink(s) when picking up
Coke $2.30
Please be sure to retrieve your own ordered drink(s) when picking up
Bottle Water $1.85
Please be sure to retrieve your own ordered drink(s) when picking up

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Tourists

Planning
Usually a wait
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid street parking

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Photos

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Picture 1

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Picture 2

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Picture 3

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Picture 4

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Picture 5

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Picture 6

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Picture 7

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Picture 8

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Picture 9

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Location

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

309 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | 74th&Amsterdam UWS Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 439 user reviews.

spicycold skin noodlescuminhand pulled noodleschili oilspinach dumplingslamb dumplingstippork burgerquick service

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

SO GOOD- probably the best Xi'an hand pulled noodles I've ever had and very quick and convenient. Great pricing. Hand pulled noodles are perfectly chewy and very fresh. Meat and sauce is seasoned perfectly and melts in your mouth. Spice level options are standard to most restaurants (not too spicy and not too mild). Not too busy. Has black vinegar as a side option.
July 28 · Jess Chou
The staff is really nice and you can’t beat the prices.We ordered:L2 spicy Asian cucumber saladN8 spicy hot oil seared hand ripped noodlesF6 spicy and sour spinach dumplingsF1 spicy tofu custardLoved the spicy Asian cucumber salad so much. My second favorite was the tofu and then the noodles. Last the dumplings.My boyfriend really liked the dumplings though.
July 12 · Lia Arakelian
Loved the stewed pork burger! Very clean restaurant too. Reasonably priced. Delicious noodles that they recommend be eaten when served as opposed as “to go”. Limited seating but some standing room at counters as well. Located on Amsterdam across from the Beacon. Definitely worth trying!
April 25 · Pete Smith
The noodle dishes tasted good, but the stewed pork burger tasted was too dry to my children’s tastes. They said the buns were too hard for them and the pork inside did not have too much good flavors that they liked.Otherwise, it’s quick to order online and pick up on our way home. Will try different things next time.
May 22 · G Frye
The cold skin noodles are sooo good. Just enough spice! Usually no seating because its packed but I go here too often.
July 22 · Christina Nguyen