Xi’an Famous Foods Returns With Fiery, Tingly Noodle Meal Kits

Hit noodle chain makes a return to sell noodle meal kits

NYC noodle chain Xi’an Famous Foods is making a return — albeit only to sell meal kit versions of its hand-pulled, tingly noodles, for now. The popular chain has kept all of its locations closed since the shutdown on dining in went into effect in March, only keeping its online store open to sell its crowd-favorite chile oil.

The noodle kits all have four servings, and come in four different options: beef, pork, vegetable, and vegan. Each of the kits come with fresh vegetables, the Xi’an Famous Foods’ stew, spices particular to each noodle kit, and noodle dough pieces with instructions on how to pull them to create the dish. The meals take about 10 to 15 minutes to prepare.

“We’ve long pushed back on delivery of our food if it compromises our quality and taste, and meal kit deliveries is not in contradiction of that at all, but is an affirmation of it,” Jason Wang, the CEO of Xi’an, says in a statement. “They allow for folks get to have the fun of pulling noodles themselves at home and to enjoy the dishes freshly pulled like in the stores.”

For now, delivery is free, and is available in parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, with plans to expand the delivery zone to more parts of the city and New Jersey in the coming weeks. Customers can select delivery windows on Xi’an’s website.

In other news

— Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an order Thursday that would allow shops and stores — including restaurants — the right to deny customers entry if they don’t wear masks or face coverings.

— After four years in the Meatpacking District, all-day cafe the Wild Son — from the team behind cocktail hits the Wayland and Goodnight Sonny — is reopening in the East Village today at 132 First Avenue, at St. Marks Pl. For now, the restaurant is open for takeout and delivery, and is offering a selection of sandwiches, salads, and rice bowls.

— Gramercy casual Italian favorite Follia returns for takeout and delivery today after initially shutting down temporarily due to the novel coronavirus.

— Two former chefs from Olmsted and Rezdôra, respectively, are set to debut a new Roman-inspired restaurant on the Lower East Side on June 1. For now, Forsythia will do takeout only from a ghost kitchen at 104 East 7th Street before fully opening at 9 Stanton Street, between Bowery and Chrystie Streets, when dining-in is permitted again. The restaurant will be open Monday to Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a weekly rotating menu and meal kits.

— Los Tacos No. 1’s newest location at 125 Park Avenue, between E. 41st and 42nd Streets has opened for business starting today, according to the owners. The spot will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

— Weekend inspiration: