Looking for cheap, filling, and authentic Chinese food/Xian food near UW?
Taste of Xi’an is a go-to spot for UW students craving real flavor without the high price.
From hand-made Biang Biang noodles and crispy Roujiamo to juicy lamb skewers, our menu has plenty of options—mild to spicy, quick or hearty.
With many items priced between $1–$10, it’s easy to grab a full meal on a student budget.
Perfect for:
• UW students
• Study breaks & late meals
• Cheap eats near campus
Big portions. Bold flavors. Student-friendly prices.
Hot pots, BBQ & pulled noodles are among the specialties of this casual, modern Chinese restaurant.
Abby Wang
I’m taste of Xian’s number one fan, if you asked me where I’m eating every time without fail I’m saying Taste of Xian. I come here at least biweekly and have put all my friends on. Taste of Xian will cater my wedding and my funeral.
The food is superb, tasty, authentic and comforting. The Dan Dan noodles are my favorite and the cucumber salad and green beans are delicious 2. Frankly you can’t go wrong with a single dish on the menu and the price is good too.
The service is good as well and the waiters are super friendly. The atmosphere is always nice as well and the restaurant is clean and food comes out fast.
I highly recommend!!
… moreLun Z
Hands down the most authentic Northwestern Chinese restaurant in the entire Seattle area. The BBQ selection is extensive and outstanding — the lamb skewers are perfectly seasoned and juicy, the chicken gizzards are tender with great texture, and the black pork is incredibly flavorful. The garlic grilled eggplant is a must-try, fragrant and rich with a unique depth of flavor. And don’t miss the Xi’an-style hand-pulled noodles with chili oil — one bite instantly takes you back to Xi’an. If you’re craving true Northwestern Chinese flavors, this place is absolutely worth it. Highly recommended!
… moreKirei
This place does authentic Northwestern Chinese flavors really well—especially their biangbiang-style noodles. In my opinion, it easily ranks among the top spots in Seattle for that Shaanxi taste. The staff are attentive and friendly, the food comes out quickly, and they also offer QR-code ordering, which is really convenient when you don’t feel like talking much.
I highly recommend the Hot oil Pulled Noodle. The noodles are wide and nicely chewy—very different from the thin, soft noodles you often get elsewhere. The hot oil brings a fragrant, savory aroma that ties the chili and seasonings together without feeling greasy. Personally, I like it with the “Tomato & Egg” and “Bean Paste w/Meat (Pork)” add-ons—it adds more flavor and makes the bowl more satisfying.
I also recommend the Steamed Cold Noodle—refreshing and delicious. If you have a nut allergy, it’s best to ask the staff before ordering that dish.
Highly recommended—I’ll definitely be back.
… moreMichael ‘Misha’ Litchev
As an American who spends a fair bit of time in China, and who is generally underwhelmed with Chinese food in Seattle, I am here to tell you that this is the best spot in the whole city – at least, from a northern Chinese perspective (not including Sichuan, or coastal, or dimsum). The prices are very reasonable, compared to how ridiculously inflated everything in Seattle has become, and the quality of the dishes is so high. It tastes like home, which for me in China is in Xi’an. In addition to the noodles (which is their specialty), they have great skewered BBQ lamb, and BBQ potatoes/tofu. I would recommend getting the cold noodles (liang pi), the rou jia mo (Chinese burger) and the biang biang mian.
… moreAnna Y
I really enjoyed the cold noodlesand the pork bun here. I order these two every single time and they never disappoint. Both were flavorful, fresh, and very satisfying. The portions are good and the prices are very affordable, especially for the quality.
… moreZhuoyang He
A must try located at University District ❤️ I came for the soup and it exceeded my expectations The BBQ meat was delicious as well. The dessert was amazing. Not super sweet. I bought several more to go and it’s easy to warm up at home.
… moreElaine Carter
This was the most satisfying meal I had during my 20-plus days of travel. It honestly felt just like being back in Xi’an, China.
Highly recommend the Liangpi (cold skin noodles), Roujiamo (Chinese crispy burger), Lamb Skewers, and Yangrou Paomo (lamb soup with crumbled flatbread) — the flavors were even richer and more aromatic than what I’ve had back in China.
… moreforest
a really great place to eat on the ave, and pretty affordable! i always get the cold noodles in hot and sour sauce – so so delectable and refreshing. the cucumber salad is also a much, pretty light garlic flavor that soaks into the cruncy cucumbers. i would personally not reccomend getting the wontons in chili oil as they’re a bit expensive and the flavor of the wonton filling isnt my favorite- its a little to porky. the eggplant with potatoes is so good too!
… moreDaniel Nguyen
Amazing food and atmosphere! Lots of people and lively chatter all throughout the restaurant! The food was great, we ate family style and shared a lot of their great hand pulled noodle dishes, veggies, fried rice, skewers, and so much more
… moreChristian Martin
Please ignore the messy picture. I was really hungry and forgot to take a picture before I started.
I got the biang biang noodle (with all the optional toppings), bbq pepper skewer, and a cumin beef bun.
The biang biang noodles are a must. Super flavorful and are even better when you add all the toppings.
I’ve had the same type of food as the beef bun at other restaurants, but this bun was a bit tougher. Still really good!
The pepper had a lot of cumin on it.
… more