Xi'An Flavour Restaurant Richmond

Xi'An Flavour: Award-Winning Shaanxi Cooking and Biang Biang Noodles in Richmond

Xi'An Flavour is a Richmond restaurant specialising in the food of Xi'an, the ancient capital of Shaanxi province in northwest China and one of the places often credited as the birthplace of noodles. Despite its modest strip-mall setting, it earned a place on the Chinese Restaurant Awards' Elite 30 Canada list in 2025, a rare national honour for a casual neighbourhood spot.

Here's what to order and what to expect.

About Xi'An Flavour

Xi'an sits at the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road, and its cooking reflects centuries of trade: hearty wheat noodles and breads, lamb, cumin, chili oil and dark, tangy vinegar. Northern-style noodles were once a curiosity in Vancouver, and restaurants like Xi'An Flavour have helped turn them into a local favourite.

Its biang biang noodles are a must. The noodles are so wide they sprawl across the bowl, and the Chinese character for biang is famously one of the most complicated in the written language, with nearly 60 brush strokes.

The Menu

How It Works

Order a bowl of noodles each and share a few larger plates. Lamb dishes and dumplings are among the kitchen's best.

What to Order

• Biang biang noodles: extra-wide, chewy hand-pulled noodles slicked with chili oil and tossed with egg, potato and green onion.
• Hand-grasped lamb ribs: tender lamb ribs, a northwestern specialty eaten by hand.
• Fermented sour broth fish: fish in a tangy, aromatic broth.
• Green pepper chicken: a spicy, fragrant stir-fry.
• Lamb dumplings: juicy dumplings with a classic Xi'an filling.

Dietary Needs

Many dishes contain wheat and lamb. Ask staff about vegetarian noodle options and spice levels.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

Xi'An Flavour is casual and unpretentious, focused squarely on the food.

• Best for: noodle lovers, casual dinners and adventurous eaters
• Noise level: moderate
• Dress code: casual
• Good to know: spice levels can be adjusted for many dishes

Location: Garden City, Richmond

Xi'An Flavour is at 1105–4731 McClelland Road, Richmond, BC, in the Central at Garden City shopping area near Alderbridge Way and Garden City Road. Parking is available on site, and Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line is a short walk or bus ride away.

Hours of Operation

Xi'An Flavour serves lunch and dinner. Call ahead to confirm current hours.

Reservations

• Walk-ins are common; call ahead for larger groups.
• Phone: 604-782-1188.
• Takeout is available.

Price Range

Xi'An Flavour is affordable, with noodle bowls priced as a casual meal and larger lamb and fish dishes made for sharing.

Awards and Recognition

• Chinese Restaurant Awards Elite 30 Canada: No. 27 (2025)

Contact Information

• Address: 4731 McClelland Rd #1105, Richmond, BC
• Phone: 604-782-1188
• Neighbourhood: Garden City, Richmond
• Cuisine: Shaanxi, Xi'an, Northern Chinese

Frequently Asked Questions

What are biang biang noodles?

Biang biang noodles are wide, belt-like hand-pulled noodles from Xi'an, usually served with chili oil, vinegar and toppings.

What is Xi'an food known for?

Wheat noodles and breads, lamb, cumin, chili oil and tangy black vinegar, reflecting Xi'an's place on the ancient Silk Road.

Where is Xi'An Flavour?

At 1105–4731 McClelland Road in Richmond, in the Central at Garden City area.

Has Xi'An Flavour won awards?

Yes. It ranked No. 27 on the Chinese Restaurant Awards Elite 30 Canada list in 2025.

Is Xi'An Flavour spicy?

Many dishes are spicy, but you can ask for milder versions.

What should I order at Xi'An Flavour?

Biang biang noodles, hand-grasped lamb ribs, lamb dumplings and fermented sour broth fish.

Is Xi'An Flavour expensive?

No. It is a casual, affordable restaurant.

Does Xi'An Flavour offer takeout?

Yes. Call 604-782-1188.