Xi'an Famous Foods: Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Union Square

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Introduce

## Xi'an Famous Foods: A Taste of Northwest China in New York City

In the vibrant culinary landscape of New York City, Xi'an Famous Foods has carved out a special and well-deserved reputation. This isn't your typical Chinese takeout joint. With its Union Square location, it brings the bold, spicy, and deeply flavorful cuisine of the Shaanxi province in Northwest China directly to New Yorkers. The restaurant is a true destination for those seeking a quick, delicious, and authentic meal. It’s known for its unapologetic commitment to flavor, using a unique blend of spices—most notably cumin and chili—that sets its dishes apart from the rest.

Xi'an Famous Foods is the kind of place that lives up to its hype. The atmosphere is casual and efficient, designed for a fast-paced city where people want great food without the fuss. The focus is squarely on the food itself, from the signature hand-ripped noodles to the popular "burgers" and dumplings. It’s a popular spot for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a delicious solo dining experience. Customers often speak of the "popping flavor" and the "punch of flavor" that define every dish, a testament to the restaurant's dedication to its unique regional cuisine.

## Location and Accessibility

The Union Square location of Xi'an Famous Foods is conveniently situated at 139 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. This prime spot makes it easily accessible for anyone in the city, whether they're coming from work, school, or just exploring the neighborhood. The area is a major transportation hub, with the 14th Street-Union Square subway station serving the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, and W lines, just a short walk away. This makes it a perfect stop for a quick meal before or after a visit to Union Square Park, a shopping trip, or a night out.

For those who are driving, there are various paid parking options nearby, including paid parking garages, lots, and paid street parking. The restaurant itself is set up for a fast, efficient experience, with counter service and seating available for a quick bite. Its accessibility and casual nature make it a go-to spot for locals on the move and tourists looking for an authentic and convenient meal.

## Services Offered

Xi'an Famous Foods provides a variety of services to make enjoying their food as convenient as possible. Their business model is built around speed and quality, catering to the fast-paced life of New York City.

Dine-in and Counter Service: The restaurant offers a casual dining experience with counter service and seating available. It's a no-frills setup that focuses entirely on the food.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who want to enjoy their meal at home, both takeout and delivery options are available. The restaurant also provides no-contact delivery, offering a safe and convenient way to get your food.
Quick Bite: The entire menu is designed for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re grabbing a noodle dish, a burger, or some dumplings, you can be in and out in no time.
Small Plates: The menu includes a selection of small plates and cold dishes, like the Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad and Spicy & Sour Dumplings, which are perfect for a lighter meal or for sharing.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The restaurant is committed to offering a variety of choices for all diners, with clearly marked vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.

## Features and Highlights

Xi'an Famous Foods is known for several unique features that make it a standout in the city's food scene. These highlights are what keep people coming back for more.

Authentic Xi'an Cuisine: The restaurant is a pioneer in bringing the unique flavors of Xi'an to New York City. The use of hand-ripped noodles and signature spices like cumin sets it apart from other Chinese restaurants.
Signature Hand-Ripped Noodles: The "Noodles" are the main attraction. The hand-ripped noodles have a perfect, chewy texture that holds up to the bold sauces. Popular choices include the Spicy Cumin Lamb and the Spicy & Tingly Beef Muscle noodles.
Unique Burgers: The "burgers" are a must-try. Made with a soft, flaky bun that soaks up the savory meat juices, the Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger is a fan favorite and a quick, flavorful meal.
Bold Flavors: Every dish is packed with a punch of flavor. The spicy and savory notes are a trademark of Xi'an cuisine and a highlight for those who love strong, delicious tastes.
Transparent Pricing: The restaurant is known for its fair practices, with some locations even adopting a no-tipping policy, which customers appreciate as it ensures their staff is paid a living wage.
Casual and Efficient Atmosphere: The vibe is casual and easygoing, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The focus is on getting you your food fast while maintaining high quality.

## Contact Information

To enjoy the bold flavors of Xi'an Famous Foods, you can visit their Union Square location or contact them using the following information:

Address: 139 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 786-2068

## What is Worth Choosing?

Choosing to dine at Xi'an Famous Foods is a decision to embark on a unique and flavorful culinary journey. The primary reason to visit is to experience the hand-ripped noodles, which are unlike anything else you'll find in New York. The texture of the noodles combined with the bold, spicy sauces creates an unforgettable dish. The Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles, in particular, are a perfect introduction to the restaurant's signature flavors.

Beyond the noodles, the other specialties are also well worth trying. The Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger is a standout, offering all the intense flavors of the noodles in a portable, sandwich-like form. The Spicy & Sour Dumplings are another fan favorite, providing a great balance of heat and tang. The commitment to providing vegan and vegetarian options also makes it a great choice for a wide range of diners. The quick service and casual atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a lunch break or a post-work meal when you want something delicious without a long wait. Xi'an Famous Foods delivers an authentic, high-quality, and deeply satisfying meal that is a true New York gem.

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Menu

[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 $6.85
[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]

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

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

[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.
[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.
[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]
[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.

[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. [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]
[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]

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 | Union Square Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
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
Counter service
Seating

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Tourists

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid parking garage
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Valet parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Photos

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Picture 1

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Picture 2

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Picture 3

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Picture 4

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Picture 5

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Picture 6

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Picture 7

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Picture 8

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Picture 9

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Location

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square

New York New York County New York 4th Avenue

139 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Union Square Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 160 user reviews.

spicypriceliang pilamb burgerhand-pulled noodlespork burgercumin lamblamb noodleskioskx-forwarded-for

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Popping flavor. This small fast food spot lives up to the hype. I got the spicy cumin lamb ‘burger’ and it was an incredible blend of spice and flavor. The bun soaked up the meat’s juices and the white bag it came in meant my hands stayed clean. I sat inside at the limited seating and thought back to how this same spot (different restaurant) used to be my go-to Chinese take-out 20 years ago. The sleek interior made me feel right at home. If I need a quick bite in Union square, I’m definitely coming back.
June 02 · Elliot Koss
Very lowkey spot that packs a punch of flavor. Xians is hands down my favorite spot in the city for noodles. It’s a must for a quick lunch out with friends from town or rainy day meal if you can get home in less than ten minutes upon pickup to maintain the similar experience as eating in the store. No tips since they pay their staff a living wage which is always a W in my book. Photos below of my go tos.
August 19 · Alexandra Davis
Man oh man, I have been a Xi'an loyal for years. I live in Flushing and have been following this place from the beginning.Now they're in my work neighborhood by Union Square! Stopped in to grab a bite around 8:45pm and ordered at a kiosk. Very pleased to see the Lamb Burger is still only $7! Tossed a Stewed Pork Burger on there for good measure and stood to the side to wait.The place was full (seating for about 7 inside the small, Manhattan space) but cycled through quickly enough that by the time my order had come up, I had already grabbed a spot.Hit with that familiar spicy gamy cumin schezuan pepper flavor I was reminded how hard this place slaps.For $12 this is truly an NYC gem of a deal.
May 21 · Luke Tabet
Very authentic hand pulled noodle with chewy texture. And the chilly oil is very flavorful. Good for a quick bite. But the seating is limited and not as comfortable. So most customers choose to take out.
June 01 · Jiao Zhang
After I tried this place for the first time two weeks ago, I have been getting lunch here at least twice a week! All of their menu items are good and authentic. I really like their Spicy & Tingly Beef Muscle Hand-Ripped Noodles! There’s a lot of meat even though it’s only around 12 bucks. Liang pi and the Stewed Pork Burger are also delicious drooling right now looking at the photos.
May 08 · Grace Zhang