A Plate O’ Lamb Meat at Xi’an Famous Foods – NYC

I was in the mood for noodle soup yesterday, but mistakenly ordered the Stewed Lamb Ribs & Spine ($9.75) at Xi’an Famous Foods. A mistake, but not a loss. The meat was tender and smoky with lots of different textures. Some parts were meaty, other parts more chewy or fatty. The stewed bones come with plastic gloves so you can eat with your hands. Chopsticks won’t work here except to poke out marrow and the spinal cord. David asked if I wanted him to sit next to me to keep me company. I said, “No, this is going to be a dirty affair.”

Stewed Lamb Ribs & Spine is only available as a special (not on the regular menu). It’s not served spicy, but if you like, you can ask for it extra spicy like I did.

Xi’an Famous Foods
81 St. Mark’s Place (near 1st Ave; map)
New York, NY 10003