Xi'an Famous Foods: Authentic Xi'an Cuisine on the Upper East Side

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

Xi'an Famous Foods, located on the Upper East Side, is a true New York culinary gem that brings the bold and distinctive flavors of Xi'an, China, to the city. This isn't your average Chinese takeout spot; it's a specialized restaurant chain that has garnered a cult following for its unique and authentic regional cuisine. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd of college students, tourists, and locals who are all in search of a memorable meal. The focus is on a small, expertly crafted menu centered around a few key items, most notably the hand-ripped noodles. The food is known for its "spicy and tingly" flavor profile, a result of the liberal use of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns, which creates a complex and deeply satisfying taste. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with the aroma of spices and the bustling energy of a place that does one thing incredibly well. The popularity of Xi'an Famous Foods is a testament to its commitment to authenticity and quality, offering dishes that are a far cry from the Americanized Chinese food found elsewhere. It's an ideal spot for anyone looking to step outside their comfort zone and experience a truly different kind of Chinese cuisine. The small plates and quick-bite options make it a perfect destination for a solo dining adventure or a fast, delicious meal with friends before a night out. The restaurant has successfully carved out its own niche in New York's competitive food scene by sticking to its roots and delivering a unique, flavorful, and unforgettable experience every time.

Located at 328 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, USA, the Xi'an Famous Foods on the Upper East Side is situated in a vibrant and accessible part of the city. The location is convenient for both residents of the neighborhood and visitors exploring the area. The restaurant’s address places it in a prime spot for foot traffic, making it a popular choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Accessibility is a key feature, as the establishment offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating, ensuring that all guests can comfortably enjoy their dining experience. The area is well-served by public transportation, providing easy access from various parts of Manhattan. While paid street parking is available, some free street parking can also be found, which is a great bonus in a city where parking is often a challenge. This location offers a great balance of being centrally located while still feeling like a neighborhood secret, providing a perfect setting to enjoy a delicious meal. Its presence on the Upper East Side brings a taste of authentic Western Chinese cuisine to a neighborhood that might not have as many of these specialized options. This makes it a destination for those in search of unique and flavorful food. Whether you're coming from a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art or simply strolling through the area, the restaurant's location is a major point of convenience and appeal.

Xi'an Famous Foods offers a range of services designed for efficiency and a streamlined dining experience. The focus is on a fast-casual model, with counter service and limited seating, making it ideal for a quick and delicious meal. The services are straightforward, catering to a busy urban clientele. While the atmosphere is casual, the food is the main event, and the service options reflect this priority on getting great food to customers as quickly as possible.

Services offered include:

Outdoor Seating: For those who prefer to dine al fresco, the restaurant offers outdoor seating.
Delivery: A convenient option for those who want to enjoy their food at home.
Takeout: A highly popular service, allowing customers to quickly pick up their orders to go.
Dine-in: Customers can eat on-site at the counter or in the seating area.
Counter Service and Seating: The fast-casual setup allows for quick ordering and a place to sit down and enjoy your meal.
Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a selection of dishes that are suitable for vegetarians, such as the Spicy Seitan Salad and Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings.
Comfort Food and Quick Bites: The menu is centered on satisfying and flavorful comfort food, with many options perfect for a quick bite.
Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments: A wide range of payment options for customer convenience.

Xi'an Famous Foods stands out from the crowd due to its distinctive features and highlights. Its specialty is the authentic cuisine of Xi'an, China, a region known for its bold flavors and unique hand-pulled noodles. The restaurant is identified as Asian-owned, a key point of pride for the business. A central highlight is the hand-ripped noodles, which are made fresh and have a unique chewy, "bouncy" texture that a customer review praised. These noodles are the perfect vehicle for their signature sauces and spices, which are a major feature of the menu. Another notable highlight is the "Spicy Cumin Lamb," a dish so famous it's been endorsed by the late Anthony Bourdain. The combination of tender lamb with the unique spices is a fan favorite, available in both noodles and as a burger. The "burgers" (also known as roujiamo) are another must-try item. These are not your typical hamburgers, but rather, slow-cooked meats stuffed into a warm, crispy flatbread bun. The small, focused menu is a highlight in itself, ensuring that every dish is crafted with care and expertise. The establishment's commitment to delivering an authentic taste is evident in the fact that many dishes are meant to be spicy and tingly, a core characteristic of Xi'an cuisine. The casual and trendy atmosphere attracts a youthful crowd, including college students and tourists, creating a lively and energetic dining environment. The availability of vegetarian options, such as the Liang Pi "Cold Skin Noodles" and Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings, ensures that the menu caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. The presence of amenities like restrooms and the flexibility of free and paid street parking add to the overall convenience and appeal of the location. All these features combine to make Xi'an Famous Foods a unique and popular destination for those seeking a different kind of culinary adventure in New York City.

For more information or to place an order, you can contact Xi'an Famous Foods directly. Their physical address and phone number are listed below. The location is easy to find, and you can call ahead with any questions you may have about their menu or services. Their commitment to providing authentic food is reflected in their open communication and accessibility.

Contact Information:

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

Phone: (212) 786-2068

Mobile Phone: +1 212-786-2068

Xi'an Famous Foods is worth choosing for anyone in New York who is seeking an authentic, flavorful, and memorable dining experience. The primary reason is the unique cuisine itself. Unlike many generic Chinese restaurants, Xi'an Famous Foods specializes in a specific regional style that is a bold and delicious departure from the norm. The hand-ripped noodles are a major draw, offering a texture and freshness that cannot be replicated. The flavor profile is complex and satisfying, with the "ma la" (spicy and tingly) sensation being a key element that makes the food so addictive. While one customer review mentioned inconsistencies with the noodles, another customer's glowing feedback about the "perfect balance of spice and sour" and the "fresh with a nice bounce" of the noodles highlights the quality that the restaurant strives for. The Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles and the unique burgers are fan favorites for a reason, providing a perfect introduction to Xi'an cuisine for first-timers. The establishment is also praised for its efficiency and fast service, which is a major plus in a busy city like New York. The casual atmosphere and counter service make it a no-fuss option for lunch or dinner, and the affordability of the dishes makes it accessible to a wide range of customers, from students to tourists. The availability of vegetarian options and the flexibility of service options like delivery, takeout, and outdoor seating further enhance its appeal. Ultimately, Xi'an Famous Foods offers more than just a meal; it provides a unique cultural and culinary experience that is highly sought after in New York City. For anyone looking to warm up on a cool day or simply try something new and exciting, this is the place to be.

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

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 $13.65
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. [Noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. 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!]
[N3] Mount Qi Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles $12.15
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. [Noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. 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.
[NS2] Spicy & Tingly Beef Muscle Hand-Ripped Noodles In Soup $14.35
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. [Noodles are packed separately from sauces, soup, and protein. Reheat the soup separately, and then pour into the noodles along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein, and enjoy hot!]
[NS4] Stewed Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles In Soup $12.95
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. [Noodles are packed separately from sauces, soup, and protein. Reheat the soup separately, and then pour into the noodles along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein, and enjoy hot!]
[N4] Stewed Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles $12.25
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. [Noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. 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 $14.85
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. [Noodles are packed separately from sauces, soup, and protein. Reheat the soup separately, and then pour into the noodles along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein, and enjoy hot!]
[N9] Pork "Zha Jiang" Hand-Ripped Noodles $11.75
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. [Noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. 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 $14.15
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. [Noodles are packed separately from sauces and protein. 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 $12.85
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. [Noodles are packed separately from sauces, soup, and protein. Reheat the soup separately, and then pour into the noodles along with the noodle sauce packet and mix well. Then top with the protein, and enjoy hot!]

[L] Cold Dishes
[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]
[L1] Tiger Vegetables Salad $6.85

[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.

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

Extras
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).
Bun $2.05
Just the bread bun. no fillings. [vegan]
XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Packet $2.75
3 fl. oz. packet of chili oil & crisps.
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).
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.

[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]

[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.
[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.
[F5] Spicy & Sour Lamb Dumplings In Soup (7) $10.35
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. [Soup on the side is required for all DoorDash orders.]

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

Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side Picture 1

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Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side Picture 7

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Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side Picture 9

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 1401 user reviews.

liang pisaladlamb noodlesspinachlamb burgeroxtailfast foodspicy cumin lambn1hawberry

★ 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
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
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
Came here after work for a quick bite! Soooo delicious! Got the cucumber salad, tofu custard and the dumplings! The noodles were incredible too!
March 20 · Tatiana Solano