Duplicate Review 1 of 2. Quality/Quantity - Slightly disappointed... Expected way more. Especially since we just visited Melbourne, Chinatown (oldest Chinatown in Australia) which was more than 3 times larger, while the city is much smaller. Future review to follow. Minimum shops and/or eateries, most of which we had little to no interest in visiting. Atmosphere - First known or documented Chinese Australian was in 1818. The Chinese came here just like in America in the 1850 due to the gold rush. In 1973, after Australia dismantled their policy against the Chinese, they opened the doors to more Chinese coming to Australia, but mostly coming from Hong Kong as China did not open their doors to let people out until 1983. Sydney Chinatown started in "The Rocks" area, then moved to Market Street near Darling Harbour and now is finally in the Haymarket area. Service - N/A. Price - N/A. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since the 1800's. I know this is a community and not a tourist attraction. read more

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Dixon is the heart of Chinatown, a narrow, shady pedestrian mall with restaurants & hawkers. The ornate dragon gates at either end have bamboo tiles, golden calligraphy and ornamental lions to keep evil spirts away. This eating district extends for several blocks north & sound into Koreatown & Thaitown. Lots of Asian restaurants with everything from Japanese cheesecake, moochi, teas, seafood, fried chicken, ramen, rice, dumplings, noodles, sushi ... read more

I don't know if it's an Asian thing but I feel like I have to go to every Chinatown anywhere I go, even though I am Korean and sadly there are very few Korean towns, only know and have been to them in Chicago, New York and in LA. There's always the standard gateway or entrance to the town to indicate that you have arrived and then of course buildings and writing switch from the native to Chinese characters. It's lucky if Chinatown spans more than a couple of blocks. You ate guaranteed to find some good and decent Chinese at least. read more

Chinatown - Local Flavor Near Me - Sydney, NSW

I love Chinatown....but even more so when there are festivals and street parties happening with cultural entertainment and loads of smiling faces. It's my place to meander up and down the streets looking at exotic foods and venues and wonder what they may be like, taking note and plans to visit to explore a meal. The street with overgrown trees with Chinese lanterns is my favourite but you are also destined to find something down the side streets and into the newer areas, moving from traditional into Asian/fusion styles. Bring on the warm sultry evenings to just sit out and eat your duck or dumplings. read more

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I'm always down for a walk around Chinatown. And by walk, I mean: eating everywhere (PS: This is the first place I ever tried sushi). We went to one restaurant that had a screen at every table, and everyone ordered and paid through the screen. It was so cool. About one minute after ordering anything, someone would set it on our table while strolling past. It was pure magic. This entire neighborhood has beautiful light displays, Chinese lanterns, and bright colors. I'd recommend this part of town to anyone visiting Sydney. read more

Chinatown Sydney is located in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Haymarket which is just south of Sydney CBD. I have visited numerous Chinatowns in the US, Canada, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand along with actually visiting China. I found this Chinatown to be a pleasant area to walk around in, though it isn't very large. It is smaller than cities like Bangkok and San Francisco, but on par with the size of Chinatowns in Honolulu, Seattle and Vancouver. The Chinatown gate pedestrian walkway of shops and restaurants here reminds me of the Chinatown in Kobe, Japan which has a similar long, but thin walkway like this that is primarily full of restaurants. While this Chinatown might not be very big, I really like the diversity of the types of restaurants in the area. It is not just one type of Chinese food available here. There are many including regional Chinese cuisines. There are also Malaysian and Singaporean restaurants which serve Chinese-influenced foods. Chinatown Sydney seems to be a bit more multi-cultural than other Chinatowns that I have visited. If you are looking for good Chinese food, that would be my primary reason for visiting Chinatown Sydney. And while you are in the area, I would suggest also checking out neighboring Thai Town which borders Chinatown to continue your Asian cultural lessons in Sydney. read more

Chinatown - Chinatown Gate - Local Flavor Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Have I ever expressed to y'all my strong feelings about Chinatowns? If not, please let me rant for just a little bit. I grew up as an Asian American in a community that was about 50% Asian. My friends and I all grew up in suburbs with a heavy concentration of businesses that are tailored to the demographics of the community. China is a huge country, divided by cultures and dialects. In America, nearly every Chinatown was established by early Chinese immigrants, primarily from Canton (southern China) and these areas still retain that flavor today. My family immigrated to American about 25 years ago, around the same time as many other Mainlanders. We don't eat the same food, speak the same language, or even have the same traditions as the early immigrants and I honestly cannot relate. Chinatowns in America have also unfortunately become cheap and dirty tourist attractions where you can buy tacky souvenirs. I can't relate to the Chinatown experience at all yet most non-Asian Americans have no idea about suburban areas like the one where I grew up. Unfortunately, I've grown to dislike Chinatowns as they have never authentically reflected the Asian American experience that so many of us know. Now, what does all that have to do with Sydney Chinatown? I'm not great with Australian history but I suspect that the immigration pattern here is somewhat different than in the US. This Chinatown is much more diverse than US Chinatowns. It has a high concentration of excellent and authentic restaurants in a very small area. I can relate to the food and culture of the people here. The easiest way to put it is that I like this Chinatown. read more

Chinatown - Local Flavor Near Me - Sydney, NSW

I'm always down to check out chinatowns in different cities. It's interesting to see the traditional shops and restaurants. Fortunately for me, I was able to witness the night market and there were all these stalls opened up in the area and they served a variety of things so it was great and very convenient to try a little bit of everything without venturing very far. It reminded me of chinatowns in the US. There was the more traditional one and then near it, there is more of a modern one with all the different street foods. I was here literally every day when I was in sydney. There is just so much to choose from and with so little time, I tried to get as much of everything as possible. I'll be back here again I'm sure. read more

Along with Yelper Jim D., who actually speaks Cantonese Chinese rather well, matter of fact seems to handle it better than the locally spoken slang imbedded Australian, hit the Sydney Chinatown or what locals often refer to as the Haymarket area. Comparing it to the Chinatowns of other major cities I've visited such as in Toronto, Los Angeles and New York, I'd say it ranks up there as being pretty darn good and well worth a visit. You'll find all sorts of Chinese as well as other Asian foods and restaurants along with rock bottom bargain prices on just about everything. And if you're buying anything from any of the shops, the key to the best prices is with cash and little bargaining. read more

Chinatown - Local Flavor Near Me - Sydney, NSW

It's a china town in a big city. Nothing special about it. It has City Market and Paddy's Market which provide inexpensive food and merchandise. You could spend many hours in these markets if you like to shop. It's also close to Darling Harbor and George Street. To great attractions. read more

Chinatown - Entrance to China Town - Local Flavor Near Me - Sydney, NSW

I normally dislike Chinatown's but this one is pretty solid and surprisingly clean. The best part is that if you're on a budget you can find a lot of cheap food options in the area. There's an awesome mix of Chinese, Malaysian, Singaporean, Japanese, etc... There's a couple of markets and even a mall in the area. Come by and save some money...or spend it wisely? read more

Came during Lunar New Year for the street food festival and was let down by there only being 5-6 shops. Also felt bad for the restaurants in the area who were begging people to come in--they should set up stalls too! Beyond that, it's a standard chinatown. The streets are old and there is food and shops selling things I am not likely to try everywhere. We went in to one shop that did not have a single sign in English and could not figure out any of the items! Haha we left wondering what food it was :) read more

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I love feeling like a tourist in my own city and to me there is no better place to experience that than China Town. This culturally rich part of Sydney used to be in Rocks before moving near Darling Harbour in 1920. . The main strip of China Town is a walkway in Dixon Street - here you can explore a variety of Asian flavours from dumplings, green teas, herbal medicines or eclectic homewares. It's also an excellent place to find a fun gift or to discover a bargain... there's some wonderful little stores which make you feel like you're far far away from Australia. Here's a little fact for Sydney Siders about China Town on the corner of Hay Street and George - there's a a sculpture made from a dead tree trunk; named Golden Water Mouth, it was said by its instigators to bring good fortune to the Chinese community. I didn't know that - I thought it was a cool fun fact. At the southern side of Chinatown, next to Hay Street, you reach Market City which is a shopping mall with a variety of stores, eateries and factory outlets. Underneath you'll find Paddy's markets, a place where there a mix of flea market goods and fresh produce (Wednesday to Sunday) Parking is difficult and expensive so I suggest you catch a train to Central Station and walk down... Have fun... it's a really great place to visit. read more

Chinatown - Local Flavor Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Chinatown was a must see for me when in Sydney it was just a shame my companion did not feel the same. I wanted to wander all around the place and try one of the karoke bars but it wasn't meant to be. We did have what i can describe as one of the best chinese meals i have ever had. I cant remember the name of the restaurant but the fact there was a queue outside said it all! Lots of little shops to have a browse in and plenty photo opportunities. Well worth a visit ... i just wish i had went alone!! read more

Chinatown - Local Flavor Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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What else can you say about China Town?! Great oriental experience for food! Love Super bowl and probably because i haven't tried much else :(, As we are creatures of habit we tend to go to super bowl every time were in the area. Always get the salt and pepper squid, with green beans and another main dish to share. Then after if we still have room we get ice cream at Gelatissimo! Friday nights they generally have food stalls in the walkway area. read more

I came on my last day in Sydney after getting off my Royal Carribean cruise. Since my food was pretty non-ethnic for the past 13 days I was desperately craving ANY kind of ethnic food. Our gracious host led us here after a shopping at Paddy's which was great and I have only positive words for that place at all. This Chinatown was so lively and filled with tons of people whether it were Sydney residents or tourists. Some much going on. There was tons of restuarants to choose from for all kinds of budgets. I saw some yogurt places, a Morning Glory ( which doesn't exist in the U.S., at least in California it doesn't), and a yummy boba place. My group and I ended up eating at a restuarant further back from the entrance ( the name escapes me). The owners were very accomodating and the food was so tasty. Visiting Chinatown in Sydney is definitely a must see, even if for a few hours. You will not regret spending time here. read more

Ah, this particular China Town brings back the fondest memories. By far the most top-notch China Town compared to the most overrated ones in Los Angeles and San Francisco. I miss the authenticity of the food here, not only was it genuine, delicious Chinese food, but also quite inexpensive as well. There's a wide array of businesses from little stores full of ingredients, butcheries, places to get your tea-fix and random nicknacks to take home. One thing I love is that it is completely ALIVE, especially at night. It is also right next to Paddy's market, Darling Harbour (favorite place), Trams, and more of Sydney's wondrous entertainment to explore. You WILL love it here! read more

Things that Sydney loves about Chinatown (aka Haymarket): 1. Yum Cha! 2. Annual Chinese New Year Celebrations 3. Darling Harbour nearby 4. Sydney Entertainment centre nearby 5. self service bakeries with cheap danishes, pork buns and egg tarts - mmmmm! 6. Surprisingly good coffee 7. Sydney's only tram line 8. Market City - Sydney City's only DFO equivalent 9. Great (cheap) asian eats 10. Seagulls...just kidding (be careful with your maccas chips) 11. Culture, culture, culture. 12. Top educational institutions on your doorstep 13. Ample public transport (buses) 14. Some good pub crawlers 15. Cheap homewares and asian stationery My 3 cents worth per star...enjoy! read more

From shops to restaurants, there's plenty of things to do or eat... or both. Not to mention, the cuisine is not limited to different Chinese restaurants, but they all have Malaysian, Filipino and other various parts of Asian cuisine. read more

Love Chinatown for a variety of foods! Great place to visit if you're not from Sydney. Good to go to with a large group of friends and family as well! read more

There is never ever, ever a dull moment in Chinatown. From whole ducks hanging in shop windows, to the teensiest of nic nacs, there is so much to discover in this small, condensed city space. In list format, here are some of my favorite features of China Town: 1) The Morning Glory shop, with its abundance of tiny gift items 2) Paddy's Market, where you can always find that special item for tonight's fancy dress party 3) Barby's Bakery, where you can pick yourself up something crispy and spongy and cheesy and chocolaty- all at the same time 4) SWS Sweet - home to the nicest cosmetics and fragrance imports that Chinatown has to offer 5) Espionage, where you can get your "ghetto" on and pick up some sweet ass high top Adidas shoes 6) Marigold- the yum cha palace where anything and everything you want comes cruising by you in little carts, ready to grab 7) Lotus seed cake from Emperor's Garden Bakery 8) Korean BBQ from any of the places along Goulburn Street - try the seafood pancake! 9) Mamak, where you will taste the best roti in Sydney, that is if you can brave the queue 10) Rose bud tea from Eating World to clear your toxins read more

Like a miniature version of Asia sans plane ticket there. You get insanely cheap but tasty/authentic eats (and funky aromas of spices), very little english spoken (it adds to the atmosphere!), markets selling cheap goods (imitations?), k-pop playing from the nearest record store, and businesses which always change all the time (there's always something new here every few months - so you will never get bored). read more

One of the finest China towns out there, China town on Sussex St in Sydney is almost as good as being in the Far East Good luck finding a cheap eat :) read more

Je ne savais pas qu'il y avait autant d'asiatique à Sydney, beaucoup oui mais pas autant ! Surtout quand on est proche de chinatown, on peut ressentir un changement dans l'air, entendre des sonorités différentes, du cantonais, du chinois, du coréen... Chinatown est idéal pour - faire ces courses de tous les jours (les fruits et légumes de Paddy's market sont parfait et tellement moins cher que le supermarché !) - aller prendre un milk tea à chatime !! - manger des pâtisseries ou des petites bouchés vapeur mmm - acheter ses cadeaux souvenirs (paddy's market encore et toujours) - faire le marché nocture du vendredi (je crois que c'est le vendredi...) read more

Nice Chinatown. Its cool to see how different Chinatowns are around the globe! Faint fishy smell but that's what I would expect. Tasty little tea houses, dim sum restaurants and novelty shops all around. read more

If you ever need to kill time or eat in the Sydney CBD, Chinatown is the place to go. You'll find Chinese grocery stores, selling all kinds of exotic ingredients and foods, pharmacies selling Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese jewellery and gift shops, bubble tea joints, butcheries with roast ducks hanging in the windows, and of course restaurants. The restaurants in Chinatown range from hawker style stalls in dingy, crowded Asian food halls and hole in the wall cafeterias for workers and students, to opulent dining at East Ocean or Golden Century. Restaurants are mostly Chinese, but many are regionalised, meaning that they have Chinese dishes that you might never have seen anywhere before. There's also Indonesian, Malaysian, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai on offer in this neighbourhood. It is probably best to avoid the restaurants flanking Dixon Street Mall between Hay and Goulburn Streets, the majority of them (there's a couple of exceptions) are for tourists, and as a result serve very watered down versions of 'Chinese' cuisine, like the type you would get at an RSL. The northen part of Dixon Street Mall (above Goulburn Street) is a better bet if you want alfresco dining. The food halls are definately worth a visit, there's three located off Dixon Street Mall and a fourth in the Market City shopping centre. The four food courts combined would probably have around 50 stalls serving all types of Asian cuisine, with most charging $10 or less for a dish. Great value, and great food. But all in all, Sydney's Chinatown is definately worth a visit. read more

China town Sydney Australia was awesome. The hay street intersection was really busy with plenty of stores and Chinese restaurants to choose. It has a flea market vibe coming here in a good way. read more

If you love Asia and your in Sydney head for Chinatown, the best restaurants asian super markets and anything else you can think of are here

My relatives recommend me going to Chinatown in Sydney, but because I'm from San Fransisco this place was pretty disappointing. I was able to see the whole thing in less than 10 minutes. read more

You can feel the ancient Chinese atmosphere and try different exotic meals. You will spend some good time there. I appreciate the politeness of the people. read more

Lots of Chinese, Malaysian, Thai & Indonesian eateries on offer.

spend a day here. go to the markets, eat the food, take photos. just do the touristy thing. its lovely