Vay V.
Google
Xi’an Famous Foods is one of those places you hear about so much that by the time you finally go, you expect the heavens to part, chili oil to rain down, and a cumin-scented angel to hand you a steaming bowl of noodles. Instead… I got slapped in the face with mediocrity and a side of regret.
This chain went from a tiny shop in Flushing to 18 locations across NYC, which is impressive. But after eating here, I think they expanded faster than their flavor did. Honestly, the food tasted like someone hit the “mute” button on what Xi’an cuisine is supposed to be: bold, sour, spicy, and unapologetic.
Let’s break it down:
Liang Pi Cold-Skin Noodles: Traditionally, this dish should be tangy, nutty, garlicky, spicy. Basically the life of the party. Mine was bland, boring, and about as refreshing as a room-temperature glass of tap water. Sesame paste? Garlic? Chili oil? Missing. It was like the noodles showed up but forgot to bring their personality.
Hand-Ripped Chicken Noodles: The famous biang biang noodles should be thick, chewy, and glorious but the flavor was all jalapeños and no balance. Spicy? Yes. Tangy and complex? Nope. It felt like the cook ran out of vinegar and just said, “Eh, throw in some green peppers, they’ll never notice.” Spoiler... I noticed.
Spicy & Sour Pork Dumplings: Finally, something that worked. Thick chewy skins, juicy filling, a sauce that actually made me smile. If this meal were a talent show, the dumplings were Beyoncé and everything else was a failed juggler.
Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger (Rou Jia Mo): The star dish of Xi’an, hyped on every TV show and food blog. I was ready for fireworks. Instead, I got dry flatbread and lamb so overcooked it could’ve doubled as jerky. The cumin... the whole point of the dish was MIA. It was like ordering a margarita and getting a Capri Sun. Truly offensive.
Ordering here is touchscreen easy, the space is fast-casual, and I don’t mind that. What I do mind is food this famous tasting this… forgettable.
Maybe I’m just spoiled coming from California, where Asian food actually smacks. But in Midtown, Xi’an Famous Foods felt like the “lite beer” version of Xi’an cuisine: all the calories and carbs, none of the buzz.
Final verdict: Save your hype for something else. Unless you really, really like dumplings, or want to practice disappointment in a controlled environment.