Xi'an Impression London
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Xi’an Impression serves Xian local street food from Xian City, Shan Xi Province, where it is well-known for Terracotta Warriors of Qin Dynasty. This is literally adjacent to my beloved ‘The Arsenal’ stadium. Parking will be very limited and difficult to find during match days. Off-Season, parking will be easier to find. Nearest underground stations, Holloway Road. Come out of station, cross the road and go straight down Benwell Road. Food Ordered Today: Chicken & Mushroom Pot-Sticker - 鸡肉香菇锅贴 - (Think Gyoza) Xinjiang Stir Fried Chicken With Bones Serve For 1 (Hand-Pulled Noodles) - 新疆 大盘鸡/一人份 (带面) 🌶️🌶️ (I didn’t find it spicy enough, had to put chilli oil) Extra Noodles - 加面 - (Extra portion for gravy of Xinjiang Stir Fried Chicken With Bones) Plum Juice This is best describe as a Chinese speciality café, the same that you’ll find in London’s China Town. Service was very friendly and food was delivered very quickly. The stand out dish for me was the Chicken & Mushroom Pot-Sticker. Drizzled some chilli oil and good to go with the chop sticks The Xinjiang Stir Fried Chicken With Bones, is best describe as homely comfort food. It’s gravy is a watery one not thick. I’d ordered an extra portion of noodles to soak up the left over gravy for this dish. Had to add extra chilli oil to make it more spicier to my liking. As I didn’t find it spicy at all. However, others may find it to their pallet. The plum juice is one of the nicest drinks you can find here. I’ve had it often. A little hint, further along Holloway Road, there are some Asian supermarkets that sell it there and a little cheaper to what this place is charging. A nice little bite to eat and opposite the greatest football club in London. North London is Red & White 🔴⚪️
Andrew G. TAndrew G. T
10
Xi'an Impression in London is a hidden culinary gem that I stumbled upon by accident during my travels in 2015, and it turned out to be one of the most amazing dining experiences of my life. The restaurant's specialty, Xi'an cuisine, is a delightful departure from the ordinary. The flavors are bold, aromatic, and utterly unforgettable. The hand-pulled noodles, in particular, were a revelation – perfectly chewy and accompanied by rich and flavorful sauces that left my taste buds dancing with joy. What added to the charm of Xi'an Impression was its unassuming and humble setting. It felt like a true neighborhood gem, where the focus was on the food and not on the frills. The staff was warm and welcoming, making me feel like an honored guest. That accidental discovery in 2015 has stayed with me ever since. Xi'an Impression is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that transports you to the heart of Xi'an. If you find yourself in London and want to embark on a unique and delicious adventure, do yourself a favor and seek out Xi'an Impression. It's a culinary experience you won't soon forget.
Alain Mari AlonsoAlain Mari Alonso
20
I first tried Xi'an cuisine at Murger Han, which to be honest I still slightly prefer, it being a bit more upmarket/trendy, more spacious and in a much nicer location (Holloway Road has to be one of my least favourite areas of London). However I have the impression that this place is possibly a tiny bit more authentic. It's tiny, only about 20 covers, although food arrives quickly so turnover is fairly fast. The flavours were a bit more delicate than at Murger Han (which I found excitingly punchy, but those with a more refined palate might find overwhelming). The texture of the Biangbiang noodles was excellent, the chilli sauce very well executed - quite sublime... But somehow I finished the dish not entirely satisfied - could maybe have done with a few more vegetables. The enigmatically named "gluten salad" was moreish albeit slight weird. If they opened another more central (or just plain nicer) location I would definitely go back, but I'm not particularly keen on returning to Holloway Road.
John HawkinsJohn Hawkins
00
Discovered this restaurant through Uber Eats and was a big fan from the start. Never had Xi’an noodles before and wow, this is a whole different ball game. Dining in is, expectedly, an even better experience. Noodles are hand pulled creating a very chewy and snappy long ribbon that’s got a very satisfying mouth feel. The sauce has a pleasant sourness to it with an amount of chilli that I think most people will be able to handle. And the beef...so tender and juicy. The cold noodles (not pictured) is really good and a great starter. It’s different and If you haven’t tried before, definitely get it. Don’t let the cold dish factor scare you off. Fried rice is solid, not too greasy, plenty of flavour, and fluffy in a way only good fried rice can be. Everything else was great as well, nothing outstanding like the noodles and you’ll walk out satisfied every time.
Chloe & StanChloe & Stan
00
Had a really impressive meal here. Fantastic regional Chinese with an emphasis on spice (but plenty for people who can't handle too much chilli). The ginger chicken was insanely good and the noodles with gluten were also something special. The small plates shined more than the mains, and we went with the waiters suggestion of getting a variety. A few things however hold this place back. There's no license for booze and corkage on beers is a whopping £1.70. They only take cash (not a major problem I guess). The bathroom had no soap, and not just an empty dispenser.... no soap. So really I'd like a few more creature comforts as it's a step above the hole in the wall Chinese place that used to occupy this space. That being said, the food here is pretty unique for London and if you're looking for something a little different then this is the one.
Adam JacobAdam Jacob
10
Xi'an us a great family style that offers scrumptious North West Chinese authentic food. Chao was running the restaurant on the day of our visit and he gave us out an outstanding personalised service. As we were looking at the menu he said to us, "leave it with me, I will serve you our best selection, no questions asked if you don’t like it". He didn't disappoint. We had boneless chicken in ginger as a starter, a very crisp and fresh salt & pepper squid as a side order. Then Chao brought us their signature Pork Biangbiang hand-pulled noodles that he personally chopped for us at the table, picture below. Xi'an Impression is just opposite Arsenal Stadium. It is a cozy little place though, that delivers such a family run business feel and still keeps authentic to its roots. The atmosphere at the place reminds you what Chinese food is all about
Marlon MejiaMarlon Mejia
10
Nearby Attractions Of Xi'an Impression London
Emirates Stadium
Highbury Fields
ODEON Luxe Holloway
Puply
Nag's Head Market
Freightliners Farm
No Escape (Enigma Escape)
Jamie Oliver Cookery School
Gillespie Park
Boots
Emirates Stadium
4.6
(11.3K)Click for details
Highbury Fields
4.5
(1.5K)Click for details
ODEON Luxe Holloway
4.1
(1.3K)Click for details
Puply
5.0
(588)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Xi'an Impression London
The Coronet
Zia Lucia - Islington
Famous Cock Tavern
Nón - Vietnamese restaurant
Amigos Burgers & Shakes-Holloway
Big Red
Amor Gastronomia
Tollington Arms
Proper Tacos
Bluebell Bistro
The Coronet
3.8
(1.4K)Click for details
Zia Lucia - Islington
4.3
(1.1K)Click for details
Famous Cock Tavern
4.2
(878)Click for details
Nón - Vietnamese restaurant
4.8
(662)Click for details
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Address
117 Benwell Rd, London N7 7BW, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 20 3441 0191
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Website
xianimpressions.shop
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(576 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Simple Chinese restaurant specialising in Shan Xi street food like pork/beef burgers and noodles.
attractions: Emirates Stadium, Highbury Fields, ODEON Luxe Holloway, Puply, Nag's Head Market, Freightliners Farm, No Escape (Enigma Escape), Jamie Oliver Cookery School, Gillespie Park, Boots, restaurants: The Coronet, Zia Lucia - Islington, Famous Cock Tavern, Nón - Vietnamese restaurant, Amigos Burgers & Shakes-Holloway, Big Red, Amor Gastronomia, Tollington Arms, Proper Tacos, Bluebell Bistro
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