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In fact, the owners take pride in the 2,000 years it took to perfect the food they serve.
Lili’s in Amherst is an authentic Chinese restaurant specializing in dishes from the Xi’an, Shaanxi region. Everything right down to the noodles and dumpling dough is made from scratch. Much of the food at Lili’s was developed from recipes that can be traced back centuries.
Their motto is “We bring 2,000 years of perfected Chinese food to you.”
Owned by wife and husband team JiLi “Lili” Jia and Naitan Wang, the menu at Lili’s is decidedly small - just the best of the best. In March, there were 16 items on the menu. Standouts included Sao Zi Noodle, Pork Dumplings, Biang Biang Handmade Noodles, and the Twice-Cooked Pork (pork belly stir-fried with fresh vegetables).
Online reviewers have been raving about the Biang Biang noodles, which are hand-pulled and served in a pepper, chili, garlic sauce.
Yelp foodie Maggie Z. of Boston said Lili’s makes the best noodles in the state.
“This place has the best authentic hand-pulled noodles in Massachusetts. This little place reminds me of a lot of Xi'an noodle places in New York,” Maggie Z. said. “Their menu is not extensive but they do everything on their menu very well. I really love their Biang Biang homemade noodles, dumplings, and Saozi noodle soup. I really recommend supporting small businesses during these times of uncertainty. If you are craving Chinese food, this is the place to go. The owners/workers are extremely nice as well.”
Yelp foodie David G. of Manhattan encouraged people to “believe the hype” about Lili’s. In March, the restaurant had 148 reviews on Yelp - 129 of them gave Lili’s 5 stars and 15 awarded 4 stars.
“I'm Chinese and the Biang Biang noodles are some of the best noodles I've EVER tasted in my life. I live in NYC so that's saying a lot,” said Dave G. “MUST MUST stop. Believe the hype and do yourself a favor - order the noodles and you'll be hooked like I am.”
At Lili’s the focus is on the food. The decor is plain with wood tables and chairs, white and dandelion yellow walls. There’s a soda fridge next to the open kitchen (now behind partitions for COVID-19 safety), and the menu is often affixed to a bulletin board. Before the pandemic, there was seating for 20 people. The restaurant serves a lot of take-out.
Yelp reviewers said in addition to the great food is a great staff.
“This restaurant is superb. From the moment you walk in, to the moment the freshly homemade food hits your lips, to when you are wished a great day as you leave, this place is terrific. The owner is accommodating and kind,” said Yelp foodie Courtney C. of Belchertown. “He took the time to explain everything. His staff have great talent and are incredibly professional. This small business is one for the record books.”
Lili’s Restaurant, 197 North Pleasant St., Amherst, is open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and closed on Monday. Contact the restaurant at (413) 253-5888 or lilischinesefood.com.
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