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Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side 78th&2ndBWorth Trying
328 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075
· Chinese noodle restaurant, Chinese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1438 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Chewy hand-ripped noodles and spicy cumin lamb shine in a fast-casual setting, great value and speed but occasional consistency and service hiccups; expect heat and limited seating.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Xi'an Famous Foods delivers excellent hand-ripped noodles with bold, authentic Shaanxi flavors and impressively fast service, earning solid neighborhood standing. However, inconsistent execution—occasional oversalting and noodle doneness variation—and scattered safety concerns prevent a higher grade. For quick, flavorful noodles at fair NYC prices, it delivers reliably enough to merit a visit, though it doesn't reach the consistency standards of the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
Fast-casual energy meets Shaanxi comfort at this Upper East Side outpost, where bowls of chewy hand-ripped noodles arrive quickly to a busy communal table. Reviewers rave, "the noodles were bouncy and the cumin lamb was outstanding," though seating can feel a bit cramped at peak times and kiosk lines form. Overall, it is a quick, flavor-first stop that keeps locals and visitors coming back. The cooking leans classic regional with small house twists—think spicy cumin lamb, liang pi, and tingly beef—more elevated street fare than fusion. The culinary approach is focused and bold: traditional Shaanxi staples with adjustable heat and chili oil. Most diners love the assertive seasoning, though a few find sauces salty or oily and report occasional off-days on noodle doneness. For families, it works if your crew likes noodles and can handle some heat: adjust to mild, or try stewed pork noodles, lamb or pork burgers, or cucumber salad. Vegan-friendly choices like liang pi and tofu custard appear on the menu despite one review claiming zero vegetarian options; seating is limited, so plan for off-peak if coming with kids.
At a Glance
- Chewy hand-ripped noodles with bold, aromatic spice
- Fast, affordable for NYC with generous portions
- Occasional consistency dips (overcooked noodles, salty sauces)
- Limited indoor seating and kiosk queues at rush
- A few serious safety complaints; majority of visits uneventful
What Sets It Apart
- house-made hand-ripped noodles
- signature cumin lamb dishes
- customizable spice and oil levels
What People Love
- Chewy, hand-torn noodle texture
- Signature cumin lamb flavor
- Customizable spice and oil
- Speedy service and good value
Points of Concern
- Some diners report oversalt or oil-heavy sauces; adjustments help
- Inconsistent noodle texture on a minority of visits
- Limited seating; can feel cramped and loud at dinner rush
- A few food safety/contamination complaints contrasted by many normal experiences
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$24-36 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- If vegetarian or vegan, consider Liang Pi (A1) and Chang'An Spicy Tofu Custard (F1).
- For milder options, request mild spice and less oil at the kiosk.
- Burger plus cucumber salad makes a lighter, budget-friendly combo.
Perfect For
- A quick, spicy noodle fix after the museum
- Solo lunches where speed matters
- Casual weeknight takeout
- Friends craving bold, cumin-forward dishes
Location Insights
Area: Residential Upper East Side block with steady local foot traffic; fast-casual spots serving museum-goers and neighbors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets typical of UES; occasional cleanliness complaints specific to venue, not area.
Nearby: Near 2nd Ave corridor, accessible to museums and parks; mix of apartments, cafes, and small shops.
Upper East SideThe dining scene here is characterized by upscale restaurants, classic New York delis, and elegant cafes catering to a well-heeled clientele. The atmosphere is generally refined and quiet, with many establishments focusing on quality and tradition rather than trendiness.
Lenox HillLenox Hill is known for its proximity to major hospitals and medical centers, attracting healthcare workers alongside wealthy residents. Dining options range from casual eateries to sophisticated bistros, often frequented by locals seeking a comfortable yet polished environment.
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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