Another hand-ripped noodle restaurant devoted to the spicy flavors of Xi’an has opened in New York City. Now Williamsburg has a new option for the idolized Chinese noodles with Xi’an Town, which just opened at 165 Bedford Avenue, on Eighth Street.
The new restaurant has a menu of hand-ripped noodles, dumplings, and a spicy cumin lamb burger similar to NYC favorite Xi’an Famous Foods, though the two are not related. Xi’an Town also serves appetizers such as cucumber and kelp salads, a chicken burger, pork buns, and vegetable, pork, and lamb dumplings. Dumpling soups are also available, as are plenty of noodle options ranging from cold vegetable and stewed pork noodles to prime short rib and chicken options. Sweet soy milk and juices made from aloe vera and plum are also on tap.
Xi’an Town was founded by three women from Xi’an, Jenny Zheng, Jay Zheng, and Helen Zhao, who wanted to change New York’s view on the cuisine by offering options they deem healthy, such as spinach wide noodles and spinach dumplings. The restaurant also claims that its ingredients are organic.
A spokesperson says most of the staff is made up of single moms and elderly women, and the goal is to attract families by making the food they once cooked at home for their children.
The well liked Xi’an Famous Foods, a full-blown chain with locations all over town, grew the popularity of Xi’an food in NYC in the last few years. Now, Xian Town joins a growing number of noodle specialists like Old Xi’an Delicacy, which opened in the Financial District last year, and Very Fresh Noodles, a noodle stand inside Chelsea Market, both of which offer a similar experience and menu.
Xi’an Town is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.