Qin Xi'an Noodles

The most authentic Xi'an noodles ever! - from my SO who visited Xi'an and lived in China for a few years. People should be lining up to eat here. The owner is a sweet man and hand pulls the noodles like a pro. It's like watching an art form, the repetitive pull and tap on the table, flouring his hands while keeping the rhythm going, the noodles getting longer and chewier with each pull. Then into the wok or pot they go and out comes a steaming bowl of delicious and uber fresh noodles. The vibe here is low-key, very chill. It's just a small shop on the top of a hill, tucked between other stores. It definitely deserves more hype for the food, for the man who pulls the noodles, and the experience of sharing a meal of delicious food.

In Seattle, you will find the best Mandarin Noodle House on the hill. Introduced by a friend to me. I asked if we could go back on my way back to the airport. This is Qin Xi An. I got soup the first day. And noodles the next. This is the vibe of Japan's Midnight diner. Just a dude there by himself most days all day and night. The language barrier will be challenging if you don't know Mandarin. But he is so nice and friendly and humble. I can't remember the number this dish was. I think 14A. The dumplings. Amazing. And it's fairly inexpensive compared to other restaurants nowadays. Definitely don't bring impatient friends. Try to look at reviews and see what people recommend. Then just point to that number when he's ready to take your order. And sometimes he will just sit next to your table, kick back and just smile in Silence lol. He's good energy this guy. Just wanted to give a heads up if he sits near you and starts smiling lol. I wish I knew Mandarin. I'm sure he's got some stories. This place is just delicious. And an amazing low key experience. But the food .. maaaaan is good. He makes the noodles open kitchen. He stretches out the noodles and uses those for the non-soup dishes. He'll slice the noodles off his main block of dough right into the pot. The broth alone is amazing. It has 23 Herb's & spices. He has no translational name for it. I will come here every time I visit Seattle forever. I won't feel complete without a meal from here.

Came for dine in and ordered the HOT oil seared biang biang noodles… they were room temperature at best. Almost the same temperature as the liang pi cold noodles - which were ok. The noodles were nice and chewy though. I’d skip the lamb skewers - they were pretty hard and dry. The pork and chives dumplings weren’t anything special. I really liked the braised beef brisket hand pulled noodle soup. Super tasty and flavorful! Parking in the area is a pain.

While the place looks a little run down compared to before, the food does not disappoint. The liangpi could be a little saltier and more vinegar but the noodles are perfect. Condiments are right there at the tables. Small businesses have been hurt hard by the pandemic but I hope this place continues on stronger for it's authenticity