Xi'an Famous Foods

The must-have cookbook from the iconic restaurant, revealing never-before-published recipes.

"Vibrant photography . . . as satisfying to flip through as it is to cook from." ―New York Times

"For any cook or foodie, having access to these recipes is almost unfair." ―Richard Blais, winner, Top Chef All-Stars

"A cultural chronicle of both cuisine and the immigrant experience in America." ―Vogue

From a six-seat stall to a global culinary phenomenon, Xi'an Famous Foods has brought the complex, explosive flavors of Xi'an, China, and the province of Shaanxi to the New York City spotlight—and now to your kitchen.

The foods of Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, are defined by a unique blend of Middle Eastern and Chinese flavors. Think hand-ripped, chewy biang-biang noodles, cumin-laced lamb, fiery chili oil, and savory rougamo (Chinese burgers).

In this long-awaited debut cookbook, founder Jason Wang and his father, David Shi, share their family's story of immigrant success and the recipes that built their culinary empire. This book dives into the region's culinary history alongside 75 recipes for signature dishes, including:

• The iconic Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles
• The fragrant, peppery Spicy and Sour Lamb Soup
• Crispy, savory Stuffed Flatbreads (Roujiamo)
• Simple, foundational recipes for making their essential chili oil, versatile broths, and, of course, their perfect hand-ripped noodles from scratch.

This is more than a cookbook; it's a celebration of family, the Silk Road's culinary heritage, and the determination required to build a taste of home in a new world. Transport yourself to the busy streets of Xi'an with every flavorful bite.

Wang writes in his introduction: "Here it is, the never-been-told version of how the XFF empire came to be—the random weird pit stops along the way; the family drama behind the scenes; the labor hidden in the secret recipes, and, yes, some really f*cking good spicy cumin lamb."

This unique, extraordinary cookbook helps home cooks make the dishes that fans of Xi'an Famous Foods line up for while also exploring the vibrant cuisine and culture of Xi'an. Transporting readers to the streets of Xi'an and the kitchens of New York's Chinatown, Xi'an Famous Foods is the cookbook that fans of Xi'an Famous Foods have been waiting for and makes a perfect gift.