Pull on the biang biang noodles at Xi’an Gourmet House, and you’ll find they extend as long as you are tall. This all-day restaurant tucked in Midtown serves hot bowls of soup, dumplings, and noodles with a core focus on the Xi’an region in China. It’s the place to hide out for a cozy lunch with a friend or a warm dinner well into the evening. With most dishes under $15, this no-fuss spot delivers on precise regional flavors and chill vibes.
What to order
- The Mount Qi biang biang pork noodle soup ($13) could cure any ailment. Tender pieces of pork, mushrooms, tofu, and chives wrap around thick, ribbon-like noodles in a restorative broth.
- The dry stir-fry tomato and egg noodles ($13) are a sleeper on the menu. It’s a great brunch dish, doused in stewed tomatoes with a hint of sweetness. Also, try the stir-fry cold-skin noodle bowl for its layered, warming spices.
- The lamb dumplings are a must; lamb lightly seasoned with cumin is a Xi’an regional specialty.
The vibe
Michelin-recommended Xi’an is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. most days, making the spot a casual, all-day dining restaurant with many options and a coffee shop ambiance. You order at large touchscreens and grab your tray of food when your number is called. Beware: the portions are large (and easy enough to get through). Xi’an also has a killer lo-fi playlist, with End of Beginnings by Djo setting the mood for relaxing times.
Insider tip
Grab extra napkins; the soup can splatter when you slurp up long noodles. Also, an Eater reader suggests ordering the mixed vegetable salad ($10) with cucumber, yuba (tofu skin), and wood ear mushrooms. Xi’an’s original location is in Duluth.
