Xi'an Famous Foods Downtown Brooklyn: Your Destination for Hand-Pulled Noodles and Spicy Chinese Delights

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Downtown Brooklyn Introduce

Welcome to the authentic, spice-laden world of Xi'an Famous Foods (西安名吃) in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. For New Yorkers looking to explore a vibrant and distinct regional Chinese cuisine beyond the typical takeout fare, this establishment is an absolute must-visit. Xi'an Famous Foods is not just a Chinese restaurant; it is a celebrated, fast-casual phenomenon, bringing the robust, complex, and intensely savory flavors of Shaanxi province—the ancient capital of China and the start of the Silk Road—directly to our city. This is where spices and cultures converged centuries ago, and that unique, bold culinary heritage is alive in every dish served here.

The Downtown Brooklyn location embodies the essence of the successful, family-run business that started as a small food stall in Flushing in 2005. It has since grown into an NYC legend, widely recognized for its commitment to authentic, high-quality Western Chinese dishes. Forget what you think you know about Chinese food in New York; this is an experience centered around chewy, hand-pulled noodles, spicy, aromatic lamb, and their signature chili oil, packed with over 30 proprietary ingredients. Whether you’re a college student grabbing a quick bite, a local professional on a lunch break, or a tourist seeking a truly unique NYC food moment, Xi’an Famous Foods delivers a memorable and deeply satisfying meal.

Location and Accessibility

The Xi'an Famous Foods Downtown Brooklyn outpost is strategically located to serve the bustling commercial and academic hub of the neighborhood. You can find this essential noodle spot at 54 Willoughby St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. Its address places it conveniently close to major transit options, making it easily accessible from all corners of New York City, particularly for those commuting through the nearby transportation nexus.

Accessibility for all guests is a priority, as the restaurant offers a wheelchair accessible entrance. This location embraces a casual and trendy atmosphere, designed for quick service and comfortable dining, whether you choose a spot at the counter or one of the available seats in the back. It’s an ideal setting for a quick bite or a hearty solo dining experience, catering perfectly to the pace of a busy New Yorker’s day. The convenience of its location ensures that a satisfying and flavorful Shaanxi meal is never far out of reach in Downtown Brooklyn.

Services Offered

Xi'an Famous Foods in Downtown Brooklyn is structured to provide an efficient and high-quality dining experience.

Dine-in: Enjoy the authentic dishes hot and fresh right after they are prepared, with seating and counter service available in a casual setting. This is highly recommended, especially for the hand-ripped noodles, which are at their best immediately after being served.
Takeout: For New Yorkers on the go, the full menu is available for easy pickup, allowing you to quickly grab your comfort food and be on your way.
Delivery: Offering a crucial convenience, delivery service is available, ensuring you can enjoy their famous noodles, dumplings, and burgers from the comfort of your home or office.
Counter Service: The establishment operates on a fast-casual model, ensuring quick and efficient ordering and service—a major plus for busy lunch and dinner times.
Catering to a Diverse Crowd: The venue is a popular choice for college students and tourists alike, drawn by the unique, acclaimed cuisine and the casual, vibrant atmosphere.
Mobile Payments: For ultimate speed and convenience, the restaurant accepts various payment options, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Xi'an Famous Foods apart is the distinct nature and quality of its cuisine, which stands out in the vast landscape of NYC’s Chinese food scene.

The Famous Hand-Ripped Noodles: Their core specialty is the chewy, wide, biang-biang style hand-ripped noodles. These noodles are pulled to order for a perfect texture and are the foundation of many signature dishes, like the celebrated Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles.
Spicy Cumin Lamb: This is arguably their most iconic flavor profile, featured in both the popular Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles and the fan-favorite Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger (Roujiamo). The blend of cumin and chili is a hallmark of Shaanxi cuisine.
Proprietary Chili Oil: Xi'an Famous Foods is known for its secret blend of over 30 spices and ingredients used to create a fragrant, flavorful, and profoundly spicy chili oil. This oil is so popular that it is sold separately in jars and packets (BIG 16oz XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Jar), allowing fans to take the authentic flavor home.
Authentic Regional Cuisine: Unlike generic Chinese-American spots, this restaurant is dedicated to serving authentic Shaanxi-style Chinese cuisine, a regional specialty that gained international fame after being featured by culinary icons like Anthony Bourdain.
Local Specialties and Comfort Food: The menu is packed with comfort food options, quick bites, and small plates, including the vinegary, refreshing Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles" and a variety of Spicy & Sour Dumplings, such as the Lamb or Spinach options, all doused in their addictive dipping sauce.
Asian-Owned Business: Proudly Asian-owned, the restaurant is built on family recipes and a rich story of bringing authentic, home-cooked regional Chinese food to the United States.
Vegetarian Options: The menu thoughtfully includes several appealing vegetarian-friendly options, such as Spicy Seitan Salad and Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings.

Contact Information

For direct inquiries or to place an order, the following contact details are available for the Downtown Brooklyn location:

Address: 54 Willoughby St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (212) 786-2068

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Xi'an Famous Foods in Downtown Brooklyn, the menu offers a wealth of incredible choices, but a few items stand out as essential for a full Shaanxi culinary experience. The primary reason for choosing this restaurant is to indulge in the Hand-Ripped Noodles. These are made fresh and are the foundation of the menu’s most popular dishes. The Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles are a true classic—the dish that captured the attention of New York and even Anthony Bourdain. The combination of tender lamb, robust cumin spice, and the satisfying chewiness of the wide noodles is unparalleled.

The secondary star of the menu is the Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger ($6.95), a Chinese-style street food staple known as Roujiamo. Reviewers consistently praise its flavorful cumin lamb filling and comforting bun. Similarly, the Stewed Pork Burger ($5.75) is another highly-recommended favorite for its simple, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying flavor profile.

A visit is incomplete without trying the Spicy & Sour Dumplings, which customers have raved about for their juicy filling and the "bomb" chili oil they are served in, often leading diners to savor the leftover oil. For a lighter, refreshing counterpoint to the spice, the Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles" or the Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad are excellent choices. Finally, for those who want to recreate the magic at home, you can purchase the legendary XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Jar, proving that the flavor is truly what is worth choosing here. This restaurant offers a delicious, affordable, and quick way to enjoy truly authentic, non-Cantonese Chinese cuisine right here in New York.

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Downtown Brooklyn Menu

[A] Liang Pi
[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]
[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. [Vegan]
[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.
[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. [If packed separately: reheat protein by itself, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if spicy) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy 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. [If packed separately: reheat soup separately, then pour into the noodles along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein. No chili oil packet included/necessary for this]
[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. [If packed separately: reheat protein by itself, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if spicy) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy 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. [If packed separately: reheat protein by itself, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if spicy) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy 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. [If packed separately: reheat protein by itself, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if spicy) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy 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. [If packed separately: reheat protein by itself, then mix it with the noodles, the noodle sauce packet, and chili oil packet (if spicy) in the bowl with noodles and enjoy 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. [If packed separately: reheat soup separately, then pour into the noodles along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein. No chili oil packet included/necessary for this]
[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. [If packed separately: reheat soup separately, then pour into the noodles along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein. No chili oil packet included/necessary for this]
[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. [If packed separately: reheat soup separately, then pour into the noodles along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein. No chili oil packet included/necessary for this]

Extras
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.
Bun $2.05
Just the bread bun. no fillings. [vegan]
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.
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
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).

[F] Other Specialties
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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]

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.

Drinks
Jasmine Tea (Unsweetened) $2.95
Please be sure to retrieve your own ordered drink(s) when picking up
Chrysanthemum Tea $2.95
Please be sure to retrieve your own ordered drink(s) when picking up
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.
NANJI Hawberry Hibiscus Soda $2.95
Introducing our very own NANJI brand — a crisp, lightly sparkling sour hawberry hibiscus 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
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

[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.

[L] Cold Dishes
[L1] Tiger Vegetables Salad $6.58
[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]

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Downtown Brooklyn Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Downtown Brooklyn Photos

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Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Downtown Brooklyn Location

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Downtown Brooklyn

New York Kings County Downtown Brooklyn Willoughby Street

54 Willoughby St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Downtown Brooklyn Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 500 user reviews.

hand pulled noodleschili oillamb dumplingsspicy cumin lamb noodlesliang pispicy beefbrothoxtailcucumberslamb burger

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This is my favorite restaurant in New York, period.Always love the hand pulled noodles, got the N4 with the stewed pork and it was fantastic. Chewy and firm, and always picks up the sauce for maximum flavor.Also a huge fan of the flat bread sandwiches. The cumin lamb is super flavorful, but the stewed pork is my favorite. Simple, unpretentious, it is such a comfort and filling item.I'll be back for sure!
September 27 · fRobert Myers
Came here because I was nostalgic for cumin lamb. The lamb did not disappoint; it was flavorful. We got the hand-ripped noodles, lamb dumplings, and the lamb burger. I haven't had too many hand pulled noodles, but it was alright to me. The dough seemed a bit thick and a bit dry to my liking. The lamb burger was a bit dry too. Had to dip it in the chili oil from the dumplings. The dumplings are the best thing we tried! The dough was thin, the filling was juicy and flavorful, and the chili oil for the dumplings was bomb! We were sipping on that chili oil after the dumplings were gone! It is a sit down place, but more like stools at a counter against the wall. There are some more seating with tables in the back, but seems to be missing some chairs. It gets packed, so we were nervous we couldn't get a seat, but luckily got two seats. Beware of the homemade sodas (did not get a picture of that). It tastes good, but they've gone flat when we tried them. Would have been nice if they stayed carbonated. I would totally come back again for the dumplings.
August 30 · Valery Chen
Super yummy food, fresh and perfect amount of spiciness to it! We got one of the popular dishes and it was so yummy. As well as the chrysanthemum tea and orange soda that they sell was sooooo delicious! I highly recommend this spot!!
August 30 · Zoë Bourdoumis
ordered the regular spicy and tingly beef pulled noodles. The meat was delicious, and the noodles were a little chewy, very long, and thick. If you can’t handle spice, I’d recommend getting mild because the regular is quite spicy. Overall, it was a very good meal. I’d give it an 8!
July 21 · ramata doray
I found the dishes at Xian to be decent, but not worth the hype. I thought the flavors of the cumin lamb noodles were too mild and not very pleasant. Nothing else about the other dishes or my experience stood out for me to visit again.
March 19 · Hailey Sprague