Big Dan Shanxi Taste

Easy to get seating when you arrive early in the day. I've seen this place completely packed by 1 pm. We arrived shortly after 10 am and a couple tables were filled. We ordered the spicy intestines noodle soup and the lamb haggis noodle soup. Loved the noodles. They feel handmade and have great texture. The intestines could be softer. The spicy broth is surprisingly spicy. It sounds obvious but I have been to many spicy Chinese places where the spicy tends to be medium spice for my tolerance. I really enjoyed the light lamb broth. Great place to enjoy an inexpensive meal! I would come back to try other menu items in the future.

All the food I grew up with! Fresh made hand pulled noodles with delicious sauce. Highly recommend the Tomato Egg Noodles and beef noodle soup. The food comes out so quick and in such big portions! We were wimps and couldn’t handle the spice level. So be careful when you ask for 🌶️! It was also cool to see this mom and pop place show up on our favorite Netflix show.

Checked this place out after it was featured in “Somebody Feed Phil”. Great customer service tasty yummy noodles. 🍜 lamb burger was delicious as well. We would def visit again when we return to visit. Ate so quickly forgot to take pics 🤣 its in a supermarket and we didn’t mind at all, we are there for the food.

Although Big Dan Shanxi Taste should technically be known as “Big Dan’s Shaanxi Taste” with two aa’s thanks to its focus on cuisine from Xi’an, that hasn’t stopped the small eatery inside Shun Fat Supermarket in the Pacific Asian Plaza from becoming acclaimed by locals and critics alike. A one-time James Beard Award Foundation regional semifinalist in the Best Restaurant and Chef categories, an almost unheard of achievement for someplace inside a Grocery Store with no website, Big Dan is owned by Hongrui Chen, husband Peter Xing and children named Daniel and Dan. Largely populated by Chinese patrons who’ve frequented the Restaurant and Market since before the Pandemic, noon on Sunday finding only one table available, it was under the guidance of someone fluent in Mandarin that seven items were ordered plus an extra order of fragrant Cold Noodles with a good chew and dueling Sauces. Offering imported Orange Soda and housemade Plum Juice, medium sweet and not to be confused with salty versions found in Hong Kong, dishes detailed as “spicy” live up to their billing without reaching Sichuan and Guizhou levels – though the Braised Beef Noodles in a deep red Broth certainly aren’t subtle. Also popular for Burgers, Pork or Beef not nearly as well-regarded as loosely-packed Lamb teaming with Cumin, do not ignore the Lamb Stir-Fry with tremendous complexity or Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup that is both comforting and excellent for refreshing the palate between more vibrant dishes. Adding on some Dumplings, hand made with choice of Fillings, another signature is Dan’s Biangbiang Mian “Belt Noodles” that are served thick, wide and long on their own or topped with Pork & Vegetables or Tomatoes with Eggs that is far more delicious than it sounds.

Big Dan Xi-An Cuisine – A Hidden Gem for Authentic Northwestern Chinese Flavors Tucked inside the Shun Fat Supermarket at Pacific Asian Plaza, Big Dan Xi-An Cuisine is a hidden gem offering traditional, no-frills Northwestern Chinese food, especially the distinct flavors of Xi’an cuisine. While the location is a bit hidden, the restaurant has a prominent sign outside that helps guide first-timers. Once you step into the market, head to the left side to find the restaurant. Atmosphere The setup is simple and casual, with just a handful of tables and chairs. The dining area isn’t large, so expect potential wait times during peak hours. Still, the staff are welcoming and helpful, eager to walk you through the menu and recommend popular dishes. What to Eat Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce: A crowd favorite, often sold out if you arrive late. It’s savory, slightly spicy, and has a signature nutty sesame aroma—a refreshing choice for any time of day. Chinese Pork Hamburger (Roujiamo): A crispy flour-based bun stuffed with juicy diced pork. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside—this is a must-try for first-time visitors. Lamb Soup: Surprisingly light and clean-tasting, not as gamey as I originally thought. Loaded with vegetables, tofu, glass noodles, and thin lamb slices, it's a warm and comforting option, served with an extra flatbread for dipping. It’s also a relatively healthy choice on the menu. There are also a variety of noodle dishes, ranging from light to heavily seasoned, and word is they’re all deliciously crafted and true to their Xi’an roots. Final Thoughts Aside from the modest setting, Big Dan Xi-An Cuisine delivers exceptional value and authenticity. Whether you're craving a quick, hearty meal or looking to dive into regional Chinese specialties, this spot is absolutely worth seeking out. A true hidden treasure for Chinese food lovers in the area!

Authentic Xi’an flavors at their best! The hand-pulled noodles are perfectly chewy, the broth and sauces are rich and aromatic, and every bite is bursting with spice and depth. Feels just like eating in China—absolutely delicious!

Authentic Xi’an cuisine! Highly recommended the cold noodle and the Pita bread soaked in lamb soup. Will definitely come back again!

If ambiance is your thing, this ain't the place for you. It's inside an Asian supermarket. Not a date night or business lunch destination. But if you're looking for really fantastic Chinese, you can't go wrong with Big Dan's. I ordered the Hot and Spicy Braised Beef and Noodle Soup (#21) and it was wonderful. Big chunks of beef and thick noodles floating in a very flavorful broth. And you can choose your own heat level. I went for medium heat. I enjoy spicy food but that was as spicy as I'd go. The market was super cold when I was there so be prepared for that. Recommended.