Xi’an Famous Foods, a renowned New York City culinary institution, is celebrated for bringing the bold and unique flavors of Xi’an, China, to the American palate. According to a report by Washingtonian, the popular eatery that has been endorsed by the likes of the late Anthony Bourdain is now searching for a location in Maryland, with Montgomery County (Rockville) as a potential spot.
The Washingtonian report states that the northern Chinese hotspot recently debuted quietly in Alexandria with a takeout-only location at the ghost kitchen facility, Four Mile Food Co. Additionally, the restaurant is planning to expand its presence in the DC area with a traditional brick-and-mortar venue and is also exploring opportunities in Arlington and Rockville.
What started as a humble basement food stall in Flushing, Queens, in 2005 by David Shi and his son Jason Wang, has grown into a beloved chain across the city, earning a loyal following and widespread acclaim, including endorsements from culinary figures like Bourdain and others. The family-run business is celebrated for its commitment to authentic Shaanxi cuisine, a regional Chinese food characterized by its spicy, sour, and “fragrantly spicy” (xiang la) profile, with a heavy emphasis on wheat-based dishes.
The menu at Xi’an Famous Foods features a concise yet impactful selection of dishes that have become iconic in the New York food scene. Their most celebrated offerings include hand-ripped noodles, particularly the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles, which showcase wide, chewy “biang-biang” noodles coated in a rich, flavorful sauce and tender, cumin-spiced lamb.
Another standout is the Liang Pi “Cold-Skin Noodles,” a refreshing and tangy dish of chilled wheat flour noodles with bean sprouts, cucumber, and seitan, dressed in a signature soy sauce and vinegar. Their “burgers,” such as the Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger and Stewed Pork Burger, served on crispy, house-made flatbreads, are also highly popular. The secret to their distinctive taste lies in their proprietary chili oil, made with over 30 ingredients, which provides a deep, aromatic spice that sets their food apart.