Xian Foods just opened Biang in Flushing, Queens

We've only heard about Xi'an City in China because of its popular  terra cotta soldiers. Xian was known as the first capital of China. Situated in the western region of China, Xian was once the starting point of the Silk Road.

Xian Foods does not serve typical Chinese dishes. Their cuisine is a fusion of Middle Eastern and Chinese foods. Some of the spices used in preparing their dishes are from the Middle East, like cumin which goes well with lamb.

This small of chain restaurant became popular because the son decided to create a website. Here's the link: http://xianfoods.com/

If you've been to the first restaurant in Flushing, you would not think this restaurant is part of the same chain. They started in basement restaurant with 6 stools. Still the crowd came for good food. They now have 5 restaurants in NYC.

The son of the owner has been interviewed in many food shows and by famous chef, like Anthony Bourdain.  Other food shows have also featured Xian Foods in their shows.  I presume the interest in this Chinese food chain was due to the fact that this  Chinese restaurant does not serve typical Chinese dishes.  

This restaurant was reviewed in New York Times.  That is the reason why non-Asian customers  line up for a bowl of their spicy noodles.

The restaurant was designed by the son of the owner who was inspired by famouns Momofoku

Service at Biang is decent compared to other Chinese restaurants in Flushing. Most of the other Chinese eateries in Flushing are manned by non-English speaking waiters.  The waiters were I presume are students and can communicate well in English.  It is a well known fact that Chinese restaurant owners does not want to pay expensive salaries to their waiter.  Owners of this restaurant are  genius and thought of hiring Chinese students.  After all, service counts in the success of  restaurant and not only good food.

Ripped noodles with lamb in spicy Xian sauce

The pulled noodles are made fresh when ordered.

Pork belly burgers on crispy hot buns.  It is similar to the pulled pork sandwich except the crispy buns and the Xian special sauce makes the difference.

I read that the fatty pork belly taste better than the lamb burger buns as the fat neutralize the spicy sauce that Xian Foods   is famous for.

Pork dumplings was Trina's choice.  Dumplings marinating in Xian sauce topped with cilantro.

I was not expecting that the crispy buns used for the pork belly burgers would make this as one of my favorites. I will surely order this again when i come to Biang.

The pork belly burgers and dumplings are not spicy.  This could be a good choice for the non-Asian customers who come to Biang after reading the reviews on New York Times.

Although we consider this meal as as snack (at snack prices), we were full after sharing a bowl of noodles, pork burgers and dumplings.  I did not eat dinner that day.

What a way to end one of my Summer Fridays.