Xi'an Street Food — Restaurant in City of Ithaca

Xi'an Street Food brings the bold, vibrant flavors of Northwestern China to Ithaca, offering a truly unique dining experience that’s unlike anything else in town. With its simple, no-frills setup, this spot lets the food speak for itself—delivering rich, hearty dishes packed with spice, heat, and umami. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Chinese street food or a newcomer looking to try something different, Xi'an Street Food is sure to leave you impressed.

The menu is filled with a variety of mouthwatering dishes, but the standout is definitely the hand-pulled noodles, a signature of Xi'an cuisine. The Xi'an famous lamb noodles are a must-try: tender lamb, perfectly spiced, tossed with chewy, made-to-order noodles, and topped with fresh herbs and garlic. It's the kind of dish that keeps you coming back for more. For something a little lighter, the cold noodles in sesame sauce provide a refreshing contrast with their nutty, tangy dressing and crisp cucumbers, perfect for a warm day.

Another must-try is their spicy beef “burgers” (also known as roujiamo). These are essentially a traditional Chinese sandwich, where flavorful, slow-cooked beef is tucked into a soft, slightly crispy bun. The combination of spices and the richness of the beef make it an incredibly satisfying bite, and it’s a great option if you're on the go or looking for something portable.

The spicy lamb skewers are another fan favorite, grilled to perfection and coated in a fragrant mix of cumin and chili that delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. The heat level is no joke, but the balance of spices is what makes it truly special. Pair these dishes with a cold green tea or one of their unique iced drinks to cool down the spice, and you’re in for a real treat.

The ambiance is casual, with a small but inviting space that keeps things simple and focused on the food. The service is friendly and efficient, and the staff is more than happy to explain the dishes and offer recommendations if you're unsure what to try.

Xi'an Street Food is the kind of place that will make you feel like you’re in the heart of China, experiencing the bustling food scene of Xi'an. With its bold, flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore authentic, flavorful Chinese street...

Even though I’m no longer a student, I recently visited Cornell and couldn’t resist stopping by Xi’an Street Food—a cozy spot that instantly reminded me why I still love finding places like this. Tucked into a quiet street, this casual eatery serves bold, authentic flavors that are perfect for anyone who craves real comfort food with a kick.

We ordered two dishes: • N8. Fried Sauce with Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles • NS4. Taiwanese Braised Pork in Pork Bone Soup

Both were delicious, but if I had to pick a favorite, the soup version definitely won me over. The rich pork bone broth was deeply flavorful, with tender chunks of meat, fresh bok choy, cilantro, and a perfectly marinated egg. I chose the very spicy option, and it brought just the right amount of heat—intense, but still balanced enough to let all the other ingredients shine.

The dry noodles were also amazing, with chewy hand-ripped noodles, savory pork sauce, and crisp cucumber adding a refreshing contrast.

Whether you’re a student or just visiting Ithaca like me, Xi’an Street Food is absolutely worth the stop. Great portions, affordable prices, and spice levels that satisfy any heat lover. I’ll definitely be back!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Check out the pictures—these bowls are as good...

I really like the food here — it’s consistently great, and that’s what’s kept me coming back. But I’ve hesitated to write this because I didn’t want to leave a negative review unless it became a pattern… and unfortunately, it has.

There’s one staff member at the front — a female cashier — who’s been consistently rude, not just to me but to my friends too. Every time I’ve gone, she has an attitude that makes the experience feel uncomfortable. I’ve tried to brush it off, thinking maybe she was just having a bad day, but at this point, it feels like that’s just how she interacts with customers.

The last time I visited, I ordered the cold noodles and asked for a little extra vinegar, which is normally part of the dish. She brought out a bottle of black vinegar from behind the counter. I politely let her know that the noodles usually come with a different kind of vinegar from the kitchen. She snapped back that this was all they had and slammed the bottle on the counter. It caught me off guard — not just the gesture, but the tone she used.

I genuinely like this place and want to keep coming back, but the way she treats people really takes away from...