I've been to Xian, China, burial ground of the famous Terracotta Soldiers of Emperor Qinshihuang. And I've eaten spicy lamb noodles at their market in the city centre - probably one of the best market dining experiences in the entire world.

And I have to say I got very very very close to that experience at a fast food noodle shop in Manhattan.

But of course, the founder dad is from Xian and his co-founder son grew up eating these noodles on the streets of Xian until he was 8 years old and the family emigrated to the US.

Our favourite dish here is the Spicy & Tingly Beef Muscle Hand-Ripped Noodles. Anthony Bourdain's favourite is the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles.

You don't often equate fast food with exotic or scratch ingredients. But stop by any of Xi'an Famous Food outposts in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens and see how Biang Biang (bouncy-bouncy) noodles are hand-pulled in the back of each kitchen. The founder dad still personally makes the chili oil.

The chewy noodles and stewed meat soak up the special chili oil that's earthy, peppery and compelling. And incredibly delicious.

Bourdain's praise - well deserved - for the eatery helped put it on the map.

He said: "“Would I prefer to eat at the greatest restaurant in the world or this on an average day? Yeah, I’d prefer to eat here.”

I agree with him on the taste. But my personal recommendation is that you order the noodles to go and try to get home as quickly as possible to enjoy the fabulous food in a more civilised setting while it is still hot. It deserves it.

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https://www.xianfoods.com

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