Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Financial District — Restaurant in New York

I’ve heard of this chain and have been wanting to try one, so when in Newark for work and learning that there was a Xi’an Famous Food location close to a Path train station, I made time to come check it out. I got there around 1PM and they were packed; in fact, they stayed very busy the entire time I was in there. I was worried about finding a place to sit to eat, but I will say that everyone in there was very respectful of their time – they ate fast and got out! And they were also very respectful of the signage that says there’s no one who manages and cleans the dining room, so clean up after yourself. The dining room was perfectly clean.

I placed my order via one of their kiosks and waited about 15 mins for the food to be made. The kitchen is open, so you can see them all working back there, and they’re hustling! But the place is just that busy!!

The food I tried was really good! The flavors were incredible!! The cucumber was probably the best I’ve had, mostly because of the incredible flavors of the chili oil, but the very fresh cucumber they smashed was excellent too. I tried the spicy & tingly beef muscle w/hand-ripped noodles and it was really tasty! The noodles were pretty good, but they were very long and could be tough to eat, without dipping your head in for each bite. The only issue I had was the amount of fat/connective tissue was thick and there wasn’t much beef to eat – so I ended up only eating a little of the actual beef. But I loved the sauce and noodles! If I go back, which I will, I’ll get the lamb done in a similar way.

I felt the prices were decent for the amount of food and the great flavors. Definitely...

this is the Xi'an Famous Foods! it's pretty amazing. it's nestled on Liberty Place in the financial district of New York City. walking in, you'll notice a brightly lit dining area with a counter in the rear. the order is placed using an electronic menu: you can pay here or at the counter. after your order is placed, a ticket is printed and you wait. while waiting you can't help but notice all the products displayed. all with the famous labels. there also books displayed. I couldn't help but to sneak a peek at what was inside. flipping through pages of beautiful images and images of food. my appetite was building as I turned each page; the smell of the other patrons' food wasn't helping either.

I didn't realize but I was so entertained by these things that I was surprised to hear my number being called. My food was ready!! I ordered two types of dumplings: lamb and pork, hand pulled noodles with beef, and a salad. I was blown away.

if you're in the area, or you can find others in NYC, please make this a stop for delicious food. you won't regret it.

update: I went back to it recently. I ordered the pork burger and spicy pork and cabbage dumplings. omg, what a delight. I can't tell you enough times that this is the spot!! the street was previously scaffolded, which made it hard to find but the scaffolding is now gone. the street is now brightly lit and the shop is in...

Following them on social media, I never realized a location was minutes away from my office. Came on by after work on a weekday to try Xi'an out.

Located more 'in the cut' of a smaller block in lower Manhattan. Clean indoor, they have two kiosks to order from and you can order from a person too. Offer areas to eat inside, not a large space but just enough.

I decided to go ahead and try their famous Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand Ripped Noodles. I went with regular spice level at first, but after talking with the guy at the front and trying their chili oil, I decided to up to extra spicy. Paid just over $15 with tax.

Comes in a plastic container, they give you a plastic bag and you can pick up utensils on your way out. The portion is enough for two, maybe three, eats. The chili oil can stain, so beware if you bring home to have.

The lamb was delicious, thin cuts and great flavor. I wondered if they kept me at a regular spice level, because I was expecting to be blown away by spicy flavors but just got little hits here and there. The noodles were delicious as well and the vegetables they include were fresh and crunchy. I ordered mine without cabbage.

Will likely return to try other menu options, I have my eye on...