Xi'an Famous Foods (original location)

Xi'an Famous Foods started as a basement stall in Flushing. Anthony Bourdain went in 2007 and filmed a segment for *No Reservations*. The stall became a chain. But the food is still extraordinary: hand-pulled biang-biang noodles thick as shoelaces, bathed in chili oil and cumin lamb; spicy cold skin noodles with vinegar and garlic; a cumin-lamb "burger" (actually a pita stuffed with hand-chopped spiced lamb) that ruins other sandwiches for you.

The St. Marks location is fast and cheap — order at the counter, grab a stool, eat, leave. Everything is $8-$14. Spice level is real. Ask for mild if you're cautious; ask for it their way if you're brave.

**Local tip:** The cold skin noodles (liangpi) are the signature — get them. The cumin lamb biang-biang is the second most famous dish. Soups come in styrofoam bowls; everything else in paper trays. Cash or card, no reservations, no tipping at the counter.

**Best for:** A fast cheap unforgettable lunch, heat lovers, solo diners.