Xi'an Impression: Authentic Shaanxi Street Food in North London

Nestled directly opposite Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Xi'an Impression offers Londoners a genuine taste of northwestern Chinese cuisine that stands apart from typical Cantonese fare. This small, unassuming restaurant has built a devoted following for its authentic Shaanxi province specialties, particularly its hand-pulled noodles that have earned critical acclaim.

Signature Dishes Worth Seeking Out

The restaurant's biang biang noodles are the undisputed star—wide, hand-pulled ribbons with a satisfying chewiness, typically served with chili oil and various toppings. The name comes from the sound made when slapping the dough against the counter during preparation. Other standouts include the Xi'an beef burger (ru jia mo), featuring spiced meat in a toasted flatbread, and cold skin noodles (liang pi) with their distinctive slippery texture and punchy dressing.

The bread in beef broth (pao mo) offers a comforting alternative—chewy bread cubes soaking up aromatic broth with black mushrooms and glass noodles, served with chili relish and pickled garlic for added dimension.

Atmosphere and Experience

The restaurant is small (around 20 covers) and functional rather than fancy, with a casual, energetic atmosphere. It's particularly popular with Chinese students and locals who appreciate its authenticity. The restaurant operates as BYOB, making it excellent value for a group meal.

Chef Wei Guirong, who hails from Xi'an and previously worked at Soho's Barshu, brings genuine expertise to the kitchen. Her commitment to traditional techniques and bold flavors has made Xi'an Impression a destination for those seeking Chinese cuisine beyond the familiar.

Whether you're an Arsenal fan looking for pre-match sustenance or a curious food lover exploring regional Chinese cooking, Xi'an Impression delivers an authentic culinary journey through one of China's most historic food regions—all at remarkably reasonable prices.