Xi'an Famous Foods: A Taste of Northwestern China in New York

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side Introduce

New York City's culinary scene is a mosaic of international flavors, and few have made as significant an impact as the distinctive and bold cuisine from the Xi'an region of China. Xi'an Famous Foods, located at 328 E 78th St on the Upper East Side, has been instrumental in introducing these authentic, spicy, and savory dishes to a wider audience. This restaurant is a staple for those seeking a quick, satisfying, and deeply flavorful meal that stands apart from typical Chinese-American fare. As a Chinese noodle and restaurant, it offers a focused menu that is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of its namesake city.

The core of Xi'an Famous Foods' menu is its hand-ripped noodles. These thick, chewy, and irregular noodles are a culinary marvel, and when tossed in a fiery, fragrant sauce, they become an unforgettable dish. The most celebrated of these is the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles, a fan favorite that perfectly balances the rich, gamey flavor of the lamb with the warmth of cumin and the signature numbing sensation of Szechuan peppercorns. The restaurant also offers these noodles in a soup version, providing a comforting alternative for cooler days. Beyond the noodles, the menu features a selection of "burgers," which are actually savory meat fillings stuffed into a flaky, pita-like bun, with the Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger being another iconic choice.

The experience at Xi'an Famous Foods is straightforward and efficient, designed for a fast-paced urban environment. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd of college students and tourists alike. Orders are placed at the counter, and the service is known for being quick, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite during a busy workday or a fast dinner. While some past reviews have noted inconsistencies in noodle quality at this specific location, many customers have had consistently positive experiences, praising the food's flavor and the staff's efficiency. The restaurant also takes pride in being Asian-owned and in providing a unique and authentic culinary experience that is hard to find elsewhere in the city.

Location and Accessibility

Xi'an Famous Foods is conveniently situated at 328 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, in a bustling part of the Upper East Side. The location is easily accessible by foot for neighborhood residents and a quick trip for those traveling from other parts of the city. The restaurant is well-equipped to welcome all patrons, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. For those driving, both free and paid street parking options are available nearby, though parking in this area can sometimes be a challenge. The presence of outdoor seating provides a great option for enjoying your meal in the open air, a definite plus on a nice day.

Services Offered

Dine-in: The restaurant offers a casual seating area where you can enjoy your meal at your own pace. The counter service model ensures a simple and fast ordering process.
Takeout: For those on the move, takeout is a popular option. Orders are prepared quickly and packaged for easy transport.
Delivery: The restaurant provides delivery services, bringing their famous noodles and burgers right to your home or office, making it a convenient choice for a quick, delicious meal.
Onsite Services: The efficient counter service and quick food preparation ensure that you won't have to wait long, a key factor for a quick bite.

Features / Highlights

Authentic Xi'an Cuisine: A primary highlight is the focus on the distinct and flavorful dishes of Xi'an, which are less common than other regional Chinese cuisines in the city.
Famous Hand-Ripped Noodles: The unique texture and flavor of the hand-ripped noodles are a standout feature that sets this restaurant apart from a typical Chinese eatery.
Unique "Burgers": The Stewed Pork Burger and Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger, with their soft, flaky buns and flavorful fillings, offer a unique take on a classic street food item.
Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as Spicy Hot Oil Seared Hand-Ripped Noodles and Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings, ensuring that plant-based diners have excellent choices.
Signature Sauces and Products: The restaurant sells its famous XFF Chili Oil & Crisps, allowing customers to bring a taste of Xi'an home with them.
Quick and Efficient: The casual, counter-service model is designed for speed, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch or dinner when you don’t have a lot of time.

Contact Information

Address: 328 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075

Phone: (212) 786-2068

What is Worth Choosing?

When visiting Xi'an Famous Foods, the clear choice is to dive into their most celebrated dishes. The Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles are a must-try for any first-time visitor; the combination of tender lamb, spicy sauce, and chewy noodles is an unforgettable experience. For those who can handle the spice, the Spicy & Tingly Beef Muscle Hand-Ripped Noodles are another excellent option that provides a powerful flavor.

Beyond the noodles, the Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger is a classic for a reason, perfect for a satisfying snack or a light meal. The Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles" are also a signature dish, offering a refreshing and spicy alternative, especially on a warm day. For a delicious vegetarian option, the Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings are highly recommended. What is truly worth choosing at Xi'an Famous Foods is the opportunity to taste authentic, bold, and unique flavors from a specific region of China. It's a culinary journey that is both accessible and exciting, making it a valuable addition to New York's diverse food scene.

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side Menu

[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.

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.

[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!]
[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!]
[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!]
[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!]
[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.
[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]

[F] Other Specialties
[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]
[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. filling bite. Served alongside our savory-sour sauces, plus chili oil for kick. Six 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.

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]
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).
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.

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

[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]
[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]

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

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
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side Photos

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Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side Location

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side

New York New York County New York East 78th Street

328 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, USA

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 1406 user reviews.

dumplingsliang picumin lambspinachtippinglamb burgeroxtailn1spicy cucumber saladhawberry

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I've eaten here for many years but the last 3 times the noodles aren't good. Some days the noodles are over cooked completely and sometimes it's a mix of over cooked and firm noodles. The sauce is overly salty esp noodle with beef. Other xi'an locations are much better. Unfortunately I've stopped eating here.
April 01 · Helene
Food so good, I forgot to take photos. Ordered takeout - spicy tingly beef hand pulled noodles were so delicious. I can't eat too much spice and it wasn't. Cucumbers were delicious, altho on the spicier side. The spinach dumplings were chefs kiss. How do you steam it perfectly and yet have the filling so full? The dumpling sauce can also be poured over white rice. I picked up my order in less than 10 minutes. Reasonably priced!
September 15 · Thomas L
Love this place, the noodles were so perfect and bouncy. The beef was tender. The lamb burger was amazing.
July 31 · Abigail
Been coming here very frequently just for A1 dish (cold skin noodles)! Packed with flavor, perfectly spicy, and very refreshing!!!!!
June 22 · Jia Wang
Exactly what I needed. I’m here on a 24 hour flight delay at Newark. I ventured into Manhattan to spend the day on this cool March day. After a visit to The Met, I walked to this place.I ordered the NS3 Qi Pork Spicy and Sour soup. It was the right pick and it warmed me right up. The noodles were very fresh with a nice bounce when you bite into it. It was the perfect balance of spice and sour with a decent amount of meat in it.Glad I stopped in! Maybe I’ll return one day and try the other menu items.
March 16 · Johnny Tran