Xi'an Famous Foods Midtown - Authentic Chinese Noodles in NYC

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Introduce

For New Yorkers craving a culinary journey to a far-off land without leaving the city, Xi'an Famous Foods offers an authentic taste of Northwestern Chinese cuisine. This beloved and well-known restaurant chain has a special place in the city's food scene, celebrated for its unique flavors and commitment to traditional recipes. The location at 60 W 45th St in Midtown is a bustling hub where you can experience the fiery and fragrant dishes of Xi'an, China, a region famous for its street food and rich, bold flavors.

Xi'an Famous Foods is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience. The menu is centered around the signature hand-ripped noodles and savory meat "burgers" (known as rou jia mo), all prepared using time-honored family recipes. The flavors are distinctively spicy, sour, and tingly, thanks to liberal use of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns. This combination creates a sensory adventure that is both intense and deeply satisfying. The restaurant's popularity, which has grown from a small basement stall to a city-wide phenomenon, is a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality and authenticity. It’s a fast-casual environment that proves that quick doesn't have to mean compromising on flavor.

As a proud Asian-owned business, Xi'an Famous Foods has brought a niche yet incredibly popular style of Chinese food to the mainstream in New York. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, making it perfect for a quick lunch break or a flavorful dinner before catching a show. The restaurant has garnered significant media attention and a loyal following, including a famous endorsement from the late Anthony Bourdain, who praised its unique and delicious offerings. While some might argue about the consistency between locations, the Midtown spot maintains a reputation for delivering a memorable and authentic culinary experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking for a delicious and affordable meal, Xi'an Famous Foods is a fantastic option. It stands out in the crowded Midtown food landscape by offering something truly different—a genuine taste of a specific Chinese regional cuisine that is both accessible and exciting. The no-frills, self-service nature of the restaurant allows the food to take center stage, and for good reason. It’s a place that invites you to be bold, try new flavors, and leave with a full stomach and a memorable story to tell.

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Location and Accessibility

Strategically located at 60 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA, Xi'an Famous Foods is perfectly positioned for the busy crowds of Midtown. It's a prime spot for both tourists exploring Times Square and locals working in the surrounding corporate buildings. The restaurant is conveniently accessible by various public transportation options, including multiple subway lines and bus routes that serve the Times Square and Bryant Park areas. This makes it an easy and quick destination to reach from almost anywhere in the city.

While the restaurant may have a bustling, fast-casual setup with counter-style dining, it is designed for efficiency and convenience. Seating is available, but the atmosphere is geared toward a quick-paced experience. For those driving, paid parking garages and paid street parking are available in the vicinity, though public transport is highly recommended given the location's high foot traffic and limited street parking. The simple, streamlined layout ensures that getting your food is a straightforward process, letting you focus on the delicious meal in front of you.

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Services Offered

Xi'an Famous Foods focuses on providing quick and efficient service to its customers, catering to the fast-paced New York lifestyle.

Dine-in: Enjoy your meal on-site in a casual, vibrant atmosphere with communal seating and counter space.
Takeout: All menu items are available for takeout, making it an excellent choice for a meal to enjoy on the go.
Self-Service: Ordering is done through modern kiosks, which allows for a quick and streamlined process.
No Tipping Policy: One of the unique features that customers appreciate is the no-tipping policy, providing a refreshing, transparent, and straightforward payment process.
Online Ordering: While specific services may vary, they often offer online ordering for pickup, further enhancing convenience.

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Features / Highlights

Xi'an Famous Foods has several key features that make it a standout destination in New York City's dining scene.

Authentic Hand-Ripped Noodles: The star of the show, these noodles are famous for their unique, chewy texture and are a key component in most of their signature dishes.
Signature Spicy Flavors: The restaurant is known for its intense and well-balanced use of spices, particularly cumin and chili oil. The flavor profile is described as bold, spicy, and tingly, providing a memorable kick.
Comfort Food & Quick Bites: The menu is designed to offer hearty, satisfying meals that are perfect for a quick lunch or a flavorful dinner. The dishes are packed with flavor and provide excellent value.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options: With dishes like the Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles," Spicy Seitan Salad, and Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings, the menu offers plenty of delicious choices for those who don't eat meat.
Casual & Trendy Atmosphere: The fast-casual environment is perfect for a relaxed meal. The space is often bustling and lively, reflecting the energy of both the restaurant and its Midtown location.
Asian-Owned Business: The restaurant proudly identifies as an Asian-owned business, representing the rich culinary heritage of Xi'an, China.

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Contact Information

For more information, you can contact the Midtown 45th Street location directly. Please note that the experience is primarily self-service and walk-in based, so calling ahead may not be necessary for most inquiries.

Address: 60 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Phone: (212) 786-2068

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What Is Worth Choosing

For anyone looking to experience the true essence of Xi'an Famous Foods, there are a few must-try dishes that embody the restaurant's unique appeal. The menu, though streamlined, is packed with signature items that have earned the restaurant its legendary status.

The Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles (N1) are arguably the most famous item on the menu. This dish is a perfect introduction to the restaurant's flavor profile, with tender lamb slices, a powerful cumin kick, and the gloriously chewy, wide noodles that are a hallmark of Xi'an cuisine. It's a perfect example of what makes this restaurant a must-visit. For those who enjoy a broth-based meal, the Spicy & Tingly Beef Muscle Hand-Ripped Noodles In Soup (NS2) provides a similar, yet distinct, flavor experience, with a numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns that complements the spicy heat.

Another iconic dish is the Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles" (A1). This chilled noodle dish is a favorite for a reason, offering a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the spicier, heavier dishes. It's a unique texture and flavor combination that's incredibly satisfying, especially on a warm day. The Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger (B2) is a simple yet powerful dish. It's not a burger in the traditional American sense, but rather a savory flatbread stuffed with spiced cumin lamb. While some reviews mention it can be dry, it remains a cult classic and a staple of the menu, and a great quick bite. The spicy and sour dumplings, like the Spicy & Sour Pork & Cabbage Dumplings (F8), are another highlight, praised for their flavorful filling and thick, satisfying skins.

Ultimately, what's worth choosing at Xi'an Famous Foods is the opportunity for a culinary adventure. The bold and authentic flavors are what set it apart from other Chinese restaurants in the city. The no-tipping policy and efficient, fast-casual setup make it a transparent and hassle-free dining option. While individual experiences may vary, the core appeal of the restaurant—its commitment to genuine, hand-crafted food with a distinct flavor profile—remains consistent. For a taste of something truly different and incredibly delicious, Xi'an Famous Foods is a can't-miss destination in New York City.

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Menu

Drinks
Hawberry Hibiscus Tea $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
Jasmine Tea (Unsweetened) $2.95
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.
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.
Coke $2.30
Please be sure to retrieve your own ordered drink(s) when picking up

Extras
XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Packet $2.75
3 fl. oz. packet of chili oil & crisps.
XFF Cookbook $32.00
Signed by jason
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
3 fl. oz. packet of our proprietary tangy liang pi "cold-skin noodle" sauce
Bun $2.05
Just the bread bun. no fillings. [vegan]

[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]

[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.

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

[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.
[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.
[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.
[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]
[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.

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.

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid parking garage
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Photos

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Picture 1

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Picture 2

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Picture 3

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Picture 4

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Picture 5

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Picture 6

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Picture 7

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Picture 8

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Picture 9

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Location

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St.

New York New York County New York West 45th Street

60 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Midtown 45th St. Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 350 user reviews.

spicyhand pulled noodlesdumplingstipchili oillamb noodlesliangpicumin lambbowlpork burger

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

NO TIPS！？I first dined at Xi’an Famous Foods over a decade ago, and recently returned to find the restaurant has undergone a modern renovation. While the menu has been streamlined, focusing on fewer dishes, the quality and authenticity remain exceptional. The portions, especially the meat, are generous. Be prepared—the spice level is intense, possibly overwhelming for some, but absolutely delicious. I’ve already visited three or four times and each experience has been consistently satisfying.The pricing is reasonable, and I appreciate that the self-service payment kiosks do not prompt for tips. In an era where tipping culture can feel excessive, this straightforward approach is refreshing.For those seeking authentic Northwestern Chinese cuisine, particularly the bold flavors of Xi’an, this place is a must-visit. The hand-pulled noodles are expertly crafted, and the dishes capture the essence of traditional Xi’an street food. In fact, the flavors here rival, if not surpass, those I’ve encountered during my travels in Asia.Highly recommended for anyone craving a genuine and spicy culinary adventure.
May 06 · Ben D
Xi’an Famous Foods is one of those places you hear about so much that by the time you finally go, you expect the heavens to part, chili oil to rain down, and a cumin-scented angel to hand you a steaming bowl of noodles. Instead… I got slapped in the face with mediocrity and a side of regret.This chain went from a tiny shop in Flushing to 18 locations across NYC, which is impressive. But after eating here, I think they expanded faster than their flavor did. Honestly, the food tasted like someone hit the “mute” button on what Xi’an cuisine is supposed to be: bold, sour, spicy, and unapologetic.Let’s break it down:Liang Pi Cold-Skin Noodles: Traditionally, this dish should be tangy, nutty, garlicky, spicy. Basically the life of the party. Mine was bland, boring, and about as refreshing as a room-temperature glass of tap water. Sesame paste? Garlic? Chili oil? Missing. It was like the noodles showed up but forgot to bring their personality.Hand-Ripped Chicken Noodles: The famous biang biang noodles should be thick, chewy, and glorious but the flavor was all jalapeños and no balance. Spicy? Yes. Tangy and complex? Nope. It felt like the cook ran out of vinegar and just said, “Eh, throw in some green peppers, they’ll never notice.” Spoiler... I noticed.Spicy & Sour Pork Dumplings: Finally, something that worked. Thick chewy skins, juicy filling, a sauce that actually made me smile. If this meal were a talent show, the dumplings were Beyoncé and everything else was a failed juggler.Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger (Rou Jia Mo): The star dish of Xi’an, hyped on every TV show and food blog. I was ready for fireworks. Instead, I got dry flatbread and lamb so overcooked it could’ve doubled as jerky. The cumin... the whole point of the dish was MIA. It was like ordering a margarita and getting a Capri Sun. Truly offensive.Ordering here is touchscreen easy, the space is fast-casual, and I don’t mind that. What I do mind is food this famous tasting this… forgettable.Maybe I’m just spoiled coming from California, where Asian food actually smacks. But in Midtown, Xi’an Famous Foods felt like the “lite beer” version of Xi’an cuisine: all the calories and carbs, none of the buzz.Final verdict: Save your hype for something else. Unless you really, really like dumplings, or want to practice disappointment in a controlled environment.
September 11 · Vay Van
you order at the kiosk and eat your food in the dining area in the back which was really convenient. seating can be a little hard to get when it’s busy. ordered N1 (spicy cumin lamb noodle) and the stewed pork burger, the noodles were really chewy and well-textured and had a great numbing spice. the flavor of the stewed pork was also really good but the bun was a little drier. would def come back for the noodles
June 10 · Grace Zhang
Very popular Chinese restaurant. Lunch time the whole restaurant is packed with people. However, the wait is quick despite many people waiting, it only took 10 minutes to get my food. There are limited seating spaces, and I had to share a table with someone else. The foods are delicious with reasonable price. The noodles are fresh made as you can see in the video.
May 16 · Sherry Huang
I was excited to try after finding on Instagram. The pork dumplings omg the broth and flavor was amazing. You get a great amount of dumplings for the price. I love the broth so much I poured it into my noodles dish because I was a bit bland for me. I would come back for the dumplings but nice area in the back to enjoy your food.Thank you again.
June 02 · Shatiera Portee