Xian, Deliciously Famous Foods

So, in the past two weeks, I have had a new obsession.  A serious one this time.

It first started when Thanan and I made a spontaneous trip to Flushing because *he had never been!*  Can you believe that?  It's a travesty, if I ever heard one. 

We headed out to Golden Mall to eat my beloved Lan Zhou noodles (with duck, o'course)

and then we decided to try out Xian Famous Foods. 

From their website: "Situated in the western region of China rich in history, the ancient city of Xi'an is known as the first capital of China, and the resting place of the famous terra cotta soldiers. Having once been the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi'an celebrates its diversity and boasts a unique cuisine that may be best described as a fusion of Middle Eastern and Chinese foods."

I had tried it before with my old roommate, some cold skin noodles, which were good, but not instant love, since I personally prefer my noodles warm (and with meat, you know me!).  This time we decided to try out D1 - savory cumin lamb noodles, because there is nothing I love more in life than cumin seasoned lamb.

D-1 - savory cumin lamb noodles.  Fresh handmade noodles tossed in a spicy oil with bean sprouts and cumin seasoned lamb.

Thanan and I read a review on the wall while we were there that described the uneven noodles to the jagged bandages of an escaped convict, which was completely true.  They are a little hard to handle with chopsticks, but nothing we couldn't work around and pile into our giant mouths.

After that first introduction, Thanan and I cannot stop thinking about those ridiculously chewy noodles.  The beautifully spicy oils and
THAT LAMB.
Succulently flavored pieces of cumin infused lamb.  The things dreams are made of.  Yes, my dreams are made of lamb, don't be jealous!

Now, everytime I come back to New York, at least one of my meals has to be Xian.  Thankfully, Xian has gone viral since we discovered it; it has been featured on the Cooking channel, and also expanded into two other locations in Manhattan, one a subway stop away !!  One subway stop! 

The St. Mark's location features two two-top tables and a handful of seats along the bar.  Most people grab the food to go, but I wanted to try the noodles and was fortunate that my prayers were answered in line as a seat cleared up right after I ordered.  Now that it's becoming more brisk outside, I decided to try the savory lamb noodles in soup (I love how versatile these noodles are!).

Pictured menu items are posted along the wall. 

Noodles are cooked in a simple broth, with a spoonful of cumin lamb and hot oils added to the top. The broth was a fiery red.



The noodles were just as chewy in soup as in the regular plate. And the spicy factor was completely enhanced by the heat of the soup.  My stomach was warm for an hour after eating it.  Perfect winter dish!

I went a little crazy (Friday night, baby!) and also ordered a cumin lamb burger which was deeelish.  The bread was perfectly crispy and the bun was completely filled with that delectable lamb meat. 

Even after eating it last night, I can still eat another bowlful.  It's an infatuation.  I can't kick it!  I am totally eating it again today.  Aaah!

Xian Famous Foods
81 St. Mark's Place
New York, NY