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Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | ChinatownBWorth Trying

45 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013 · Chinese noodle restaurant, Chinese restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (2172 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Chewy hand-ripped noodles and bold cumin-lamb flavors delivered fast in a counter-service Chinatown spot with great value, occasional cleanliness lapses, spice variability, and sporadic food safety complaints.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Xi'an Famous Foods delivers excellent hand-pulled noodles and bold Shaanxi flavors with impressive speed and value, earning solid grade B standing. However, variable spice levels and protein tenderness across bowls, combined with isolated but notable food safety reports, prevent a higher grade. The casual counter-service format and basic interior suit its noodle-shop identity, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking authentic, flavorful bowls despite occasional quality dips.

Restaurant Summary

This counter-serve Chinatown spot hums with fast-casual energy: order at the kiosks, grab a seat, and your bowl of hand-ripped noodles lands in minutes. Reviewers rave that the noodles are "chewy in the best way" and the cumin-lamb is aromatic and punchy. A few note basic interiors and the occasional messy table, but many come for speed and flavor over frills. The cooking leans elevated traditional Shaanxi—bold chili oil, black vinegar tang, and that famous cumin heat. The culinary approach feels elevated traditional (innovation level 5.6): focus on texture and spice rather than theatrics. If you love chewy noodles and decisive flavors, this is your happy place; if you want delicate nuance, pick your spice carefully. Families do fine here thanks to simple noodle bowls, adjustable spice, and large portions. Kids often enjoy mild beef or pork noodles; veg heads can grab liang pi or tofu. There is no kids menu, seating can be tight at rush, and bowls get messy—bring napkins and manage expectations.

At a Glance

What Sets It Apart

What People Love

Points of Concern

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$20-28 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Perfect For

Location Insights

Area: Bustling Chinatown block with constant foot traffic, mix of locals and visitors, heavy quick-serve dining.

Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban grit, lighting and crowds provide baseline safety.

Nearby: Near Chinatown bakeries, markets, casual eateries; close to Little Italy and civic buildings.

ChinatownChinatown is renowned for its authentic Asian cuisine, bustling street markets, and dense urban environment. The dining scene is vibrant and affordable, attracting both locals and visitors seeking traditional and modern Chinese and pan-Asian dishes in a lively, sometimes crowded atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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