Xi'an Famous Foods is a chain of Chinese restaurants that has gained popularity across the United States for its unique blend of Middle Eastern and Chinese cuisine. The brand was founded in 2005 by Jason Wang, whose father, David Shi, ran a small food stall in Xi'an, a city in northwestern China known for its rich cultural heritage and flavorful cuisine.
David Shi's food stall, which sold a spicy and sour soup called liangpi, was a hit with locals and tourists alike. When Jason Wang immigrated to the United States with his family in the late 1990s, he noticed a lack of authentic Xi'an cuisine in New York City and decided to bring his father's recipes to a wider audience.
In 2005, Jason Wang opened the first Xi'an Famous Foods location in Flushing, Queens, offering a small menu of traditional Xi'an dishes such as hand-pulled noodles, lamb and beef roujiamo (Chinese burgers), and spicy and sour soups. The restaurant quickly gained a following, with customers drawn to the bold and complex flavors of Xi'an cuisine.
Today, Xi'an Famous Foods has multiple locations across New York City and other parts of the United States, and has been featured on numerous food television shows and in food publications. Despite its success, the brand remains committed to preserving the authentic flavors of Xi'an cuisine and sharing them with a wider audience.
The Story of Xi'an Famous Foods
Xi'an Famous Foods began as a small food stall in the bustling Chinatown of Flushing, Queens. The founder, Jason Wang, opened the first location in 2005, based on the recipes of his father, David Shi, who ran a food stall in the city of Xi'an in northwestern China. The initial location was a modest affair, selling a small menu of traditional Xi'an dishes such as hand-pulled noodles and lamb and beef roujiamo.
Despite its humble beginnings, the restaurant quickly gained popularity, with customers drawn to the bold and complex flavors of Xi'an cuisine. In 2009, the brand opened its first brick-and-mortar location in the East Village of Manhattan, which featured a larger menu and a more extensive dining area.
Over the years, Xi'an Famous Foods continued to expand, opening additional locations throughout New York City and beyond. In 2012, the brand was featured on the popular food show "No Reservations" with Anthony Bourdain, which brought national attention to the restaurant and helped to increase its popularity.
Today, Xi'an Famous Foods has multiple locations across New York City and other parts of the United States, and has become a popular destination for foodies and fans of Chinese cuisine. Despite its success, the brand remains committed to preserving the authentic flavors of Xi'an cuisine and sharing them with a wider audience.
The founders of Xi'an Famous Foods, Jason Wang and his father David Shi, have been deeply committed to preserving and sharing the authentic flavors of Xi'an cuisine with a wider audience. From the very beginning, their goal has been to introduce Americans to the rich and complex flavors of Xi'an cuisine, while staying true to the traditional recipes and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations.
To achieve this goal, Wang and Shi have gone to great lengths to source high-quality ingredients and spices, many of which are imported directly from China. They have also worked tirelessly to ensure that their chefs are trained in the proper techniques for making hand-pulled noodles, lamb and beef roujiamo, and other Xi'an specialties.
In addition to their commitment to authenticity, Wang and Shi have also made a point of educating their customers about the history and cultural significance of Xi'an cuisine. They have created detailed menus that explain the ingredients and preparation methods for each dish, and have also offered cooking classes and other events to help customers learn more about Xi'an cuisine.
Overall, the founders of Xi'an Famous Foods have demonstrated a deep respect for the culinary traditions of their homeland, and a genuine desire to share those traditions with a wider audience. Their commitment to authenticity and education has helped to make Xi'an Famous Foods a beloved and respected brand among foodies and fans of Chinese cuisine alike.
The Menu
Xi'an cuisine is a type of Chinese cuisine that is known for its bold and complex flavors, as well as its unique blend of Middle Eastern and Chinese culinary traditions. Some of the most famous dishes and culinary traditions that make Xi'an cuisine stand out include:
1. Hand-pulled noodles: Xi'an-style hand-pulled noodles are made by stretching and pulling dough until it forms long, thin strands. The noodles are typically served in a savory broth with meat and vegetables, and are known for their chewy texture and rich flavor.
2. Lamb and beef roujiamo: Roujiamo, also known as Chinese burgers, are a type of sandwich made with crispy flatbread and a filling of spiced lamb or beef. The meat is typically slow-cooked and then shredded or chopped, and is often seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and other aromatic spices.
3. Spicy and sour soups: Xi'an-style spicy and sour soups are a type of hot and sour soup that is made with vinegar, chili oil, and other spices. The soup typically includes a variety of ingredients, such as shredded pork, bean sprouts, and wood ear mushrooms, and is known for its bold and tangy flavor.
4. Rougamo: Rougamo is another type of sandwich made with crispy flatbread, but with a filling of chopped or shredded meat (such as pork or beef) that has been seasoned with cumin and other spices. The bread is often stuffed with fresh vegetables, such as cilantro and cucumber, and is a popular street food in Xi'an.
5. Liangpi: Liangpi is a type of cold noodle dish that is made from wheat starch and served with a spicy and sour sauce. The noodles are typically topped with a variety of ingredients, such as bean sprouts, cucumber, and shredded pork, and are known for their refreshing and tangy flavor.
Overall, Xi'an cuisine is characterized by its bold and spicy flavors, as well as its use of aromatic spices such as cumin, chili powder, and Sichuan peppercorns. The cuisine is also known for its emphasis on handmade noodles and breads, as well as its use of fresh vegetables and meats.
Xi'an cuisine is known for its rich and complex flavor profiles, which are achieved through the use of a variety of ingredients and spices. Some of the most common ingredients and spices used in Xi'an cuisine include:
1. Cumin: Cumin is one of the most important spices in Xi'an cuisine, and is used to season meat dishes such as lamb and beef roujiamo. The spice adds a warm, earthy flavor to dishes and is a key component of the region's signature flavor profile.
2. Sichuan peppercorns: Sichuan peppercorns are a type of spice that are commonly used in Chinese cuisine. They have a numbing, tingling effect on the tongue and are used to add a distinct, zesty flavor to dishes.
3. Chili powder: Chili powder is used extensively in Xi'an cuisine to add heat and flavor to dishes. The spice is made from dried chilies that are ground into a powder, and is used in everything from soups to stir-fries.
4. Vinegar: Vinegar is a common ingredient in Xi'an cuisine and is used to add a tangy, sour flavor to dishes. Black vinegar, in particular, is a popular ingredient in the region and is used in sauces and marinades.
5. Soy sauce: Soy sauce is used to add depth and umami flavor to dishes, and is a common ingredient in Xi'an-style noodle dishes.
6. Garlic and ginger: Garlic and ginger are used extensively in Xi'an cuisine to add flavor and aroma to dishes. The two ingredients are often used together and are a key component of the region's signature flavor profile.
7. Suan cai (pickled vegetables): Suan cai is a type of pickled vegetable that is commonly used in Xi'an cuisine. It adds a tangy, sour flavor to dishes and is often used in noodle soups and stir-fries.
Overall, the combination of these ingredients and spices creates a unique flavor profile that is bold, spicy, and savory, with a subtle sweetness and sourness. The use of cumin, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili powder creates a warming, earthy flavor, while the vinegar and suan cai add a tangy, sour note. The use of fresh garlic and ginger adds a pungent aroma and depth of flavor, while the soy sauce and other umami-rich ingredients add richness and complexity. Together, these ingredients and spices create the distinctive flavor profile that sets Xi'an cuisine apart from other regional Chinese cuisines.
The Xi'an Experience
Xi'an Famous Foods' flagship restaurant is located in the heart of New York City's East Village, and offers a vibrant and lively dining experience. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by a bustling atmosphere, with the sounds of sizzling woks and steaming pots filling the air.
The decor of the restaurant is modern and minimalistic, with exposed brick walls, sleek wooden tables, and metal stools adding to the contemporary feel. Large black and white photos of the founders and their family members adorn the walls, adding a personal touch to the space.
The dining experience at Xi'an Famous Foods is designed to be fast and casual, with guests ordering at the counter and finding a seat at one of the communal tables. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, with everything from hand-pulled noodles to spicy lamb skewers and pork dumplings.
One of the highlights of the dining experience at Xi'an Famous Foods is watching the chefs prepare the food right in front of you. The restaurant's signature dish, the hand-pulled noodles, are made fresh to order and are a spectacle to watch as the chef expertly stretches and twirls the dough into long, thin noodles.
As diners enjoy their meals, they can take in the energetic vibe of the restaurant, with customers chatting and laughing over plates of steaming hot food. The overall atmosphere is lively and convivial, making it the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with friends.
Overall, the flagship Xi'an Famous Foods restaurant in New York City offers a memorable and authentic dining experience, with delicious food, a lively atmosphere, and a nod to the restaurant's humble beginnings as a small food stall in Flushing, Queens.
Xi'an Famous Foods has built a loyal following among customers, who rave about the restaurant's authentic and delicious food. Here are a few anecdotes and stories from customers who have visited the restaurant:
- One customer wrote in a Yelp review: "I've never had noodles like this before. It's like a party in my mouth!"
- Another customer described their experience at the restaurant in a blog post, writing: "There's something about the food at Xi'an Famous Foods that is both comforting and exciting. It's a taste of home, but with a twist that keeps you on your toes."
- The founders of Xi'an Famous Foods have also shared stories of customers who have traveled from far and wide to try their food. One customer, a chef from San Francisco, reportedly visited the restaurant multiple times in one day to sample all of the different dishes.
Beyond its popularity with customers, Xi'an cuisine holds significant cultural significance in China and beyond. Xi'an was the capital of China for over 1,000 years, and its cuisine reflects the diverse cultures and traditions that have shaped the city's history.
Xi'an's location at the crossroads of the Silk Road also contributed to the development of the region's unique blend of Middle Eastern and Chinese flavors. Today, Xi'an cuisine is celebrated throughout China and around the world for its bold and distinctive flavors.
In recent years, Xi'an Famous Foods has helped to popularize Xi'an cuisine in the United States, introducing a new audience to the rich cultural and culinary traditions of the region. Through their commitment to authenticity and passion for sharing the flavors of their hometown, the founders of Xi'an Famous Foods have helped to cement Xi'an cuisine as an important part of the global culinary landscape.
Recipes and Cooking Tips
Here are some recipes inspired by Xi'an Famous Foods' menu that you can make at home:
1. Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lamb, sliced thinly
- 8 oz dried wheat noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tbsp chili flakes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp black vinegar
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a dry wok or skillet, toast the cumin seeds and Sichuan peppercorns over medium heat until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetable oil, chili flakes, and garlic to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the sliced lamb to the wok and stir-fry until cooked through.
5. Add the soy sauce and black vinegar to the wok and stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and stir-fry for another minute.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.
2. Xi'an-style Biang Biang Noodles
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dried wheat noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp black vinegar
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a dry wok or skillet, toast the chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorns over medium heat until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetable oil and garlic to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Add the soy sauce and black vinegar to the wok and stir to combine.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.
Tips:
- For the cumin lamb noodles, you can adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chili flakes.
- When assembling the pork dumplings, be sure to press the edges together tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out.
- The Biang noodles are traditionally made by stretching the dough by hand, but if you don't have the time or skill to do so, you can use store-bought wheat noodles instead.
3. Xi'an-style Spicy and Sour Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz ground pork
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp chili bean paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp black vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup wood ear mushrooms, soaked and sliced
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1/4 cup dried lily flowers
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground pork and stir-fry until cooked through.
3. Add the chili bean paste, soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and salt to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Add the chicken broth, wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and dried lily flowers to the pot and bring to a simmer.
5. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
6. While the soup is simmering, slowly pour in the beaten eggs, stirring gently to create egg ribbons.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.
Tips:
- You can adjust the spiciness and sourness of the soup by adding more or less chili bean paste and black vinegar, respectively.
- You can also add other ingredients such as tofu, spinach, or sliced beef to the soup, depending on your preference.
Enjoy these delicious Xi'an Famous Foods-inspired recipes in the comfort of your own home!
To replicate the authentic flavors of Xi'an cuisine at home, it's important to pay attention to the key ingredients and cooking techniques used in the dishes. Here are some insights into these:
1. Spices: Xi'an cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, which are achieved through the use of a variety of spices such as Sichuan peppercorns, cumin, fennel seeds, and chili flakes. These spices are often toasted or fried to bring out their flavors before being added to the dishes.
2. Vinegar: Black vinegar is a staple ingredient in Xi'an cuisine, and is used to add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. It is made by fermenting rice, wheat, or barley, and is often used in marinades, dipping sauces, and soups.
3. Noodles: Xi'an cuisine is famous for its hand-pulled noodles, which are made by stretching and pulling a dough until it becomes long and thin. The dough is usually made from wheat flour and water, and is seasoned with salt and sometimes alkaline water, which gives the noodles a distinctive texture.
4. Lamb: Lamb is a popular ingredient in Xi'an cuisine, and is often used in dishes such as lamb skewers, lamb roujiamo (Chinese burgers), and lamb soup. The lamb is typically seasoned with cumin, chili flakes, and other spices to give it a bold and flavorful taste.
5. Fermented foods: Xi'an cuisine also incorporates a variety of fermented foods such as pickled vegetables, tofu, and bean paste. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the dishes, and are often used in soups and stews.
When cooking Xi'an cuisine at home, it's important to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the seasoning and cooking techniques used in the dishes. To replicate the authentic flavors, don't be afraid to use bold and spicy flavors, and experiment with different spices and ingredients to find the perfect balance of flavors.
In summary, Xi'an Famous Foods is a chain of Chinese restaurants that originated in Xi'an, China and now has multiple locations across the United States. The founders are committed to preserving and sharing the authentic flavors of Xi'an cuisine with a wider audience. Xi'an cuisine is known for its unique blend of Middle Eastern and Chinese flavors, bold and spicy tastes, and use of hand-pulled noodles and fermented foods.
Visiting a Xi'an Famous Foods restaurant is a great way to experience the cultural significance of Xi'an cuisine and try some of their signature dishes. Alternatively, trying to cook Xi'an-inspired dishes at home can also be a fun and rewarding experience. By celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage of Xi'an cuisine, we can help ensure that these unique flavors and culinary traditions are passed down to future generations.
Comments