Xi'an Famous Foods: A Culinary Journey to Western China in NYC

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Financial District Introduce

In a city overflowing with Chinese food, Xi'an Famous Foods offers a truly distinct and unforgettable culinary experience, taking New Yorkers on a flavorful journey to the streets of Xi'an in Western China. This chain, which has become a New York institution, is celebrated for its commitment to authentic, family-based recipes and a signature spicy and tingly flavor profile that you won't find anywhere else. The Financial District location at 8 Liberty Place is a bustling hub for students, tourists, and locals alike, all eager to get their hands on the famously delicious hand-ripped noodles, savory dumplings, and iconic burgers. The atmosphere is casual, fast-paced, and energetic, perfectly capturing the spirit of a genuine street-food experience.

Xi'an Famous Foods is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captivated the city with its unique flavors and no-frills approach. The food is unapologetically bold and robust, with a spice level that is famous among its fans. As one customer noted, "The food here is undeniably flavorful—rich, bold, and full of character." The restaurant's popularity is a testament to its singular offerings, which stand in stark contrast to the more common Cantonese or Sichuan cuisines found throughout the city. The open kitchen concept allows you to see the staff "hustling" to prepare the food, a visual testament to the high demand and the fresh, made-to-order nature of the dishes.

The menu, while focused, is rich in variety and bold flavors. The hand-ripped noodles, or "biang-biang noodles," are a signature item and a must-try. They are made fresh to order, giving them a unique, bouncy texture that is a perfect vehicle for the rich sauces. The spicy cumin lamb is a fan-favorite, a dish that even drew praise from the late Anthony Bourdain. For those who prefer a less fiery option, there are still plenty of incredible flavors to explore, such as the stewed pork, which is just as delicious. The experience is about authenticity and quality, and the restaurant’s status as an Asian-owned business highlights its dedication to preserving and sharing these traditional recipes.

Located at 8 Liberty Place, Xi'an Famous Foods is perfectly positioned for the lunchtime rush and evening diners in the Financial District. The area is a major nexus of activity and a transit hub, making the restaurant incredibly accessible from all over the city. It is just a stone's throw away from the Fulton Street station, a massive subway complex that services the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, and Z lines. This makes it an ideal spot for anyone working in the area, or for visitors who are exploring nearby attractions like the World Trade Center or the 9/11 Memorial.

The accessibility of this location is also enhanced by the self-order kiosks, which streamline the ordering process and help manage the high volume of customers. This modern convenience ensures that even with the "usual wait" and crowded dining room, the overall experience remains efficient. While seating can be difficult to find during peak hours, as noted by a customer who saw people "ate fast and got out," this high turnover is a sign of the food's popularity and the restaurant's quick-service model. The proximity to paid street parking also provides an option for those arriving by car, though with the extensive public transit options, the subway remains the most popular and convenient choice.

The location on Liberty Place, while central, is tucked away just enough to feel like a discovery for those not in the immediate vicinity. This makes it a destination for those seeking out a specific type of Chinese cuisine, cementing its status as a local specialty spot. Its urban setting means it’s always lively, and the sight of people enjoying their meals on the go is a testament to its popularity and convenience.

Hand-Ripped Noodles: The restaurant’s signature offering, these wide, chewy noodles are made fresh and are the base for many of the most popular dishes, including Spicy Cumin Lamb and Spicy & Tingly Beef Muscle.

Savory Dumplings: A favorite among regulars, the dumplings, such as the Spicy & Sour Pork & Cabbage or Lamb Dumplings, are served in a rich and flavorful broth.

Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles": A popular dish for its refreshing texture, these chilled noodles are perfect for a hot summer day.

Rou Jia Mo "Chinese Burgers": These crispy flatbreads are stuffed with delicious fillings like spicy cumin lamb or stewed pork, offering a unique and satisfying meal.

Vegetarian Options: The menu includes several dishes for those who prefer to eat vegetarian, such as the Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings and Spicy Seitan Salad.

Authentic, Bold Flavors: Xi'an Famous Foods is known for its rich, bold, and spicy flavors that are a true representation of Western Chinese cuisine. The chili oil, in particular, is a highlight.

Fast and Efficient Service: With a counter-service model and self-order kiosks, the restaurant is built for speed, ensuring a quick and convenient meal even when crowded.

Casual and Trendy Atmosphere: The vibe is casual and unpretentious, with a bustling and energetic feel that is popular with a diverse crowd, including college students and tourists.

Great Value: Customers often mention that the prices are reasonable for NYC, especially considering the generous portions. This makes it an excellent choice for a budget-friendly and filling meal.

Address: 8 Liberty Pl, New York, NY 10038, USA

Phone: (212) 786-2068 or +1 212-786-2068

Choosing Xi'an Famous Foods is choosing to step outside the typical Chinese food experience and embrace a truly unique and flavorful one. The primary reason it is worth choosing is its dedication to serving local Xi'an specialty dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere. The signature hand-ripped noodles and the powerful flavors of the spicy cumin lamb are a culinary adventure in themselves, and they have rightfully earned the restaurant a dedicated following. While the spice level is something to be aware of, the depth of flavor is what makes it so memorable.

Furthermore, the value proposition is a significant draw. In a city where dining out can be very expensive, Xi'an Famous Foods offers generous portions at a reasonable price. As one customer highlighted, "The food is fantastic but the portions are massive—big enough to share between two, comfortably." This makes it an excellent option for students and anyone looking for a satisfying and affordable meal. The efficiency of the ordering and service process is another major benefit, ensuring that even with a line, you'll be enjoying your food in a short amount of time. It is a place that prioritizes a quick bite without sacrificing quality, which is the perfect combination for the fast-paced New York lifestyle.

In the end, Xi'an Famous Foods is worth choosing because it provides a reliable, high-quality, and distinct dining experience. It's a place where you can get a taste of authentic Western Chinese cuisine and enjoy a filling meal that is both spicy and comforting. For New Yorkers seeking a culinary adventure or a consistent, delicious meal, this spot is a true gem.

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Financial District Menu

[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.

[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]

[A] Liang Pi
[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]
[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]
[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]

Drinks
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
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.
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
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

Extras
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.
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 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).
XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Packet $2.75
3 fl. oz. packet of chili oil & crisps.

[N/Ns] Hand-Ripped Noodles
[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!]
[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!]
[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]
[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.
[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]
[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!]
[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]
[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!]
[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]
[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!]

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.

[B] Burgers
[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.
[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.

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Financial District Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
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
Parking

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Financial District Photos

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Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Financial District Location

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Financial District

New York New York County New York Liberty Place

8 Liberty Pl, New York, NY 10038, USA

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Financial District Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 990 user reviews.

hand pulled noodleslamb dumplingschili oilspicy cumin lamb noodlesliang pikiosksspicy lambpork burgerpork noodlescold noodle

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

The food here is undeniably flavorful — rich, bold, and full of character. I really enjoyed the taste, but be warned: even the “regular” spice level is very spicy. I could barely finish my soup, and I usually handle heat pretty well.Prices are reasonable for NYC, and the self-order kiosk makes things quick and convenient. It does get crowded, though, and seating can be hard to find during peak hours. Still, if you’re into authentic, spicy Chinese flavors — this spot is worth checking out!
July 13 · Artur St
I’ve heard of this chain and have been wanting to try one, so when in Newark for work and learning that there was a Xi’an Famous Food location close to a Path train station, I made time to come check it out. I got there around 1PM and they were packed; in fact, they stayed very busy the entire time I was in there. I was worried about finding a place to sit to eat, but I will say that everyone in there was very respectful of their time – they ate fast and got out! And they were also very respectful of the signage that says there’s no one who manages and cleans the dining room, so clean up after yourself. The dining room was perfectly clean.I placed my order via one of their kiosks and waited about 15 mins for the food to be made. The kitchen is open, so you can see them all working back there, and they’re hustling! But the place is just that busy!!The food I tried was really good! The flavors were incredible!! The cucumber was probably the best I’ve had, mostly because of the incredible flavors of the chili oil, but the very fresh cucumber they smashed was excellent too. I tried the spicy & tingly beef muscle w/hand-ripped noodles and it was really tasty! The noodles were pretty good, but they were very long and could be tough to eat, without dipping your head in for each bite. The only issue I had was the amount of fat/connective tissue was thick and there wasn’t much beef to eat – so I ended up only eating a little of the actual beef. But I loved the sauce and noodles! If I go back, which I will, I’ll get the lamb done in a similar way.I felt the prices were decent for the amount of food and the great flavors. Definitely will return!
August 19 · F'burg Foodie
Located in a small alley but the restaurant is usually quite crowded which shows that the food is pretty good. Come in and self-order from the terminals and they’ll call your name and number when the food is ready. Service is decently fast and the lamb dishes are pretty good. Worth dropping by if you’re nearby.
August 25 · Teck Boon
Ordered a Liang Pi Cold Skin noodle with mild spice and a Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles with least spicy and less oil. If you can handle your spice, definitely go for the regular spice levels.The liang pi is a refreshing plate even for spring with cold noodles, tofu, and greens that are calming and pleasant. The mild level spice is find though I would recommend ordering spicier. The Lamb noodles were delicious with thick cuts of lamb on top. It’s a bit hard to chew on the lamb but otherwise, it was a very pleasant noodle dish. The staff here are very efficient with preparing meals, ordering food is all done with digital kiosks.
July 19 · Kevin Chen
This food absolutely rips and the fast paced, eat at a counter vibe was really solid! We visited while on vacation in NY and were really impressed by the flavor, quality, and price of the food we got at Xi'an! After a long day of work, my spicy cumin lamb hand ripped noodle was exactly what I was craving. While I definitely preferred the lamb, my girlfriends beef noodles were also delicious and the Spicy Cumin Lamb burger was awesome. Such great flavors and fast service. If I lived in the city I'm sure I'd find myself going to Xi'an famous foods a ton.
May 22 · Cam W