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Xi'an Famous Foods 40th Street

4.5
·402 reviews·New York, United States

Iconic NYC eatery serving bold, spicy Xi'an-style Chinese fare, famous for hand-pulled noodles and flavorful street food.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday lunch

Beat the weekend crowds

CrowdMedium
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small storefront on a busy street

Xi'an Famous Foods 40th Street

Best Time

Weekday lunch

Beat the weekend crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic NYC eatery serving bold, spicy Xi'an-style Chinese fare, famous for hand-pulled noodles and flavorful street food.

4.5
(402 reviews)

"Great value and flavor! Totally stop by if looking to have a great meal that won’t break your wallet."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌶️ Adjust Spice Level

Ask for less spice if you're sensitive. Many dishes pack a punch!

📱 Touchscreen Ordering

Order easily via touchscreen kiosks. It's fast and efficient.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 402 reviews

Type

Chinese Restaurant

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles

Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles

Main Menu

Iconic wide, chewy hand-pulled noodles drenched in chili oil with tender cumin lamb. A must-try for spice lovers!

Liang Pi Cold-Skin Noodles

Liang Pi Cold-Skin Noodles

Main Menu

Refreshing, tangy noodles with a nutty, garlicky, and spicy kick. A great contrast to the richer dishes.

Spicy & Sour Pork Dumplings

Spicy & Sour Pork Dumplings

Appetizers

Thick, chewy dumplings with a juicy filling and a flavorful sauce that balances the heat.

Lamb Burger (Rou Jia Mo)

Lamb Burger (Rou Jia Mo)

Sandwiches

A flavorful lamb filling sandwiched in a savory flatbread. A classic Xi'an street food experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Spice

Xi'an Famous Foods is known for its bold, spicy flavors. If you're sensitive to heat, consider ordering milder options or asking for less spice. Many TikTok creators recommend adjusting the spice level to your preference.TikTok+1

Quick & Casual Dining

This is a counter-serve spot, perfect for a fast and delicious meal. Ordering is typically done via touchscreen, and seating can be limited, especially during peak hours. It's ideal for a grab-and-go experience.TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday lunch
Why
Beat the weekend crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
More relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Xian Famous Foods #nycfoodie #nycrestaurants #nycfoodrecs #cheapeats #noodles
@felieats
30.2K likes • 522K views

🌶️ Adjust Spice Level

Ask for less spice if you're sensitive. Many dishes pack a punch! TikTok+1

📱 Touchscreen Ordering

Order easily via touchscreen kiosks. It's fast and efficient. TikTokReddit

Lunch Break Series | Episode 4: Xi’an Famous Foods 🍜🥢 Xian Famous Foods is one of NYC’s most iconic Chinese restaurants, famous for their spicy hand-pulled “biang biang” noodles and street-style lamb burgers. We tried the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Pulled Noodles ($14) wide, chewy noodles drenched in chili oil and tossed with tender cumin lamb — plus the Lamb Burger (Rou jia mo $7) packed with slow-bra...
@imonalunchbreak
500 likes • 10.7K views
Mission accomplished: I got my hands on these Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles from Xian Famous Foods 🔥 This iconic New York spot has been dishing out bold Western Chinese flavors since 2005, starting in Queens and now with over 14 locations across the city. Even Anthony Bourdain was a fan of this family-run gem, and now I know why! When you’re in the city, don’t miss out on these unforgettable noodles! 🍜...
@tonguetiedfoodie
3.8K likes • 91K views

🤝 Share Dishes

Portions are generous; consider sharing to try more items. Reddit

🚶 Grab & Go Ready

Limited seating, so it's perfect for a quick meal on the go. Reddit

These are my top 4 noodles in Chinatown - any others worth adding to the list? 🍜 Places mentioned: 🍜 Super Taste 📍 @Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 🍜 Shu Jiao Fu Zhou 📍 Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles #nyceats #noodles #chinatown #nycfoodie #cheapeats
@tasty.tours.nyc
3.3K likes • 89.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌶️ Adjust Spice Level

Ask for less spice if you're sensitive. Many dishes pack a punch! TikTok+1

📱 Touchscreen Ordering

Order easily via touchscreen kiosks. It's fast and efficient. TikTokReddit

🤝 Share Dishes

Portions are generous; consider sharing to try more items. Reddit

🚶 Grab & Go Ready

Limited seating, so it's perfect for a quick meal on the go. Reddit

✨ Try the Dumplings

Even critics rave about the dumplings – a safe bet! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(402 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Xi'an Famous Foods is celebrated for its authentic, bold flavors and incredible value, particularly its signature hand-pulled noodles and dumplings. While many praise the affordability and taste, some find certain dishes lack complexity or are overly spicy, with a few experiencing digestive discomfort. The fast-casual, no-frills atmosphere is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

"First time to try Xi’An famous foods. We got N1-lamb noodles, F8-Pork Dumplings & B2-lamb burger. After the lunch both ppl stomach have been grouchy for the rest of the day! It seems like the flavor/sauce was full of preservatives and additives. Not particularly healthy ingredients.

Store was clean and organized."

Julie T

"Great value and flavor! Totally stop by if looking to have a great meal that won’t break your wallet. Spent $11 and split the Pork "Zha Jiang" Hand-Ripped Noodles dish among 2 people."

Victor Martinez

"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."

Vay Van

What People Like

Authentic Xi'an flavors
Affordable prices
Chewy hand-pulled noodles

What People Dislike

Can be too spicy
Some dishes bland
Occasional digestive issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Xi'an Famous Foods 40th Street is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan. It's easily accessible via subway, with several stations nearby. The closest subway lines often include the N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, M, and 7 trains, depending on your starting point. Walking from Times Square or Bryant Park is also an option if you're in the vicinity.TikTok

Street parking in Midtown Manhattan can be very challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach Xi'an Famous Foods 40th Street. If you must drive, look for commercial parking garages in the area, but be prepared for high fees.

Yes, if you're visiting landmarks like Times Square or Bryant Park, Xi'an Famous Foods 40th Street is within comfortable walking distance. This allows you to experience more of the city on foot and avoid transportation hassles.TikTok

The closest subway stops typically include Times Sq-42 St (N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 7) and Grand Central-42 St (4, 5, 6, 7). From these stations, it's a short walk to the restaurant.

As a counter-serve establishment, accessibility can vary. The entrance is usually at street level, but seating might be limited. It's best to check the specific location's setup if you have concerns.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Xi'an Famous Foods is a casual eatery, not an attraction requiring tickets. You simply walk in, order at the counter or touchscreen, and pay for your food.TikTokReddit

Opening hours can vary slightly by location and day, but Xi'an Famous Foods generally operates during typical lunch and dinner hours. It's always a good idea to check their official website or a reliable online directory for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.

Xi'an Famous Foods operates on a first-come, first-served, counter-service basis. Reservations are not accepted or needed. You order and pick up your food at the counter.Reddit

Xi'an Famous Foods is known for its affordability. Most main dishes, like the hand-pulled noodles, range from $10-$15, making it a great value for a flavorful meal in NYC.TikTokReddit

Yes, takeout is a primary way to enjoy Xi'an Famous Foods. Many people opt for grab-and-go. Delivery services may also be available through third-party apps.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles are a signature dish, featuring wide, chewy noodles in a flavorful chili oil sauce.TikTok+1 Other popular choices include the Liang Pi Cold-Skin Noodles for a refreshing kick, the Spicy & Sour Pork Dumplings, and the Lamb Burger (Rou Jia Mo).Reddit

The spice level can vary, but many dishes are known for being quite spicy, often featuring chili oil and cumin. If you're sensitive to heat, it's advisable to ask for a milder preparation or choose dishes like the dumplings which are often less intensely spicy.TikTokReddit

While many signature dishes feature lamb or pork, there are options that can be made vegetarian or vegan. The Liang Pi Cold-Skin Noodles can often be prepared without meat, and some vegetable side dishes might be suitable. It's best to inquire with the staff about specific ingredients.

At Xi'an Famous Foods, you can often see chefs hand-pulling the noodles, which are then cooked and tossed with various sauces and toppings. The noodles are known for their thick, chewy texture, providing a satisfying bite.TikTok+1

Portion sizes are generally generous, especially for the noodle dishes. Many reviewers suggest that a single main dish can be a substantial meal, and some people even share larger bowls.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant colors of the noodle dishes, especially the glistening chili oil and fresh toppings.TikTok+1 The hand-pulling of noodles by chefs is also a dynamic visual to photograph.TikTok+1 Don't forget to snap a pic of the unique Lamb Burger!

Yes, taking photos of your food and the general ambiance is generally acceptable. However, be mindful of other diners and avoid obstructing staff or the ordering area. Focus on capturing the delicious food itself.TikTok

The lighting inside can be typical of a casual eatery. Natural light from windows can be great if available. Otherwise, use your phone's camera settings or a small portable light for food shots, focusing on making the colors pop.

The Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles, with their rich red chili oil and visible lamb, are very photogenic. The Liang Pi Cold-Skin Noodles also offer a unique visual with their pale noodles and green garnishes. The dumplings are also visually appealing.TikTokReddit

Popular hashtags include #XianFamousFoods, #handpullednoodles, #nycfoodie, #nyceats, #chinesefood, #spicynoodles, and #midtown Manhattan.

Xi'an Famous Foods 40th Street (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide