Xi Xia Chinese Cuisine
Throughout our blogging journey, we have become more particular and selective about the food we try. Although we still enjoy trying various foods, we prefer homemade and authentic flavors. When searching for Chinese food in Columbus, we often encounter Americanized options that don’t satisfy our cravings for authentic flavors. However, that all changed when Josh discovered the best Chinese food we’ve had in years!
Xi Xia opened on Kenny Road near Bethel shortly before the pandemic started. While the business initially thrived, the pandemic made things more challenging. After a change in ownership, the restaurant is returning and is more focused than ever on establishing its brand. The exterior is unassuming in one of Bethel Road’s strip malls. Upon entering, the ambiance undergoes a significant transformation. The restaurant feels spacious and inviting, with light wooden tables and white subway tile walls. The artwork on the walls, all sourced from China, features a bold style and adds vibrant pops of color to the room. I appreciated the character it brought to the cozy space.
However, the most crucial aspect is, of course, the food! Ordering at Xi Xia is primarily done by scanning a QR code and adding items to an online cart. Once submitted, the order is sent to the kitchen, which I found to be a clever use of technology. Each table has a unique QR code, so even though Josh and I placed our orders from different phones, they were all processed together for the same table and bill.
When ordering, the first thing that pops up is their most popular dishes, followed by their noodle dishes. While General Tso’s chicken and Hunan beef are on the menu, they are located towards the end. This is because Xi Xia focuses on their noodles, broths, and the authenticity of Western Chinese cuisine. Their bone broth is cooked for over 24 hours, and their noodles are handmade daily. We recommend asking the knowledgeable staff or owner for suggestions if you’re unsure what to order. They were accommodating and answered all of our questions.
We started with the popular appetizer of salt and pepper chicken. Even though it comes with sweet and sour sauce, the chicken has enough flavor on its own. Josh looks for flavor, and a little heat in his Chinese cuisine, and Xi Xia became his favorite Chinese restaurant in Columbus after trying the Dapanji Stirred Noodles. The dish consisted of wide noodles topped with veggies and marinated in a delicious sauce. The broth had a unique flavor with a hint of spice, and the jalapenos added an extra kick. I ordered the Yibin Fire Noodles, which had the perfect texture and a spicy flavor, with chopped peanuts on top. Josh enjoyed it so much that he finished his bowl and contemplated slurping the broth. We were beyond impressed by both the food and the hospitality. If you want to try authentic flavors and dishes while supporting a local business, don’t hesitate to visit Xi Xia Chinese Cuisine!
