Sydney
Asian Cuisine
Asian cuisine enjoys a strong presence in Sydney, reflecting the city's multiculturalism with dishes from Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and other cuisines.
Sections
1. Popular Asian Dishes in Sydney
Sydneyโs Asian food scene spans a wide range of cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indian, and more. Here are some must-try dishes:
Chinese Cuisine
- Dumplings: Pork, prawn, or vegetarian dumplings, often served steamed or pan-fried.
- Peking Duck: Crispy duck served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and spring onions.
- Xiao Long Bao: Soup dumplings filled with broth and meat.
- Hot Pot: A communal dining experience where diners cook meats, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering broth.
Japanese Cuisine
- Sushi and Sashimi: Fresh seafood served as rolls or thinly sliced raw fish.
- Ramen: Noodle soup with rich broth, often topped with pork, egg, and vegetables.
- Tempura: Lightly battered and fried seafood or vegetables.
- Okonomiyaki: Savory Japanese pancakes with various toppings.
Korean Cuisine
- Korean BBQ: Grilled meats cooked at the table, served with side dishes (banchan).
- Kimchi: Fermented vegetables, often spicy, served as a side dish.
- Bibimbap: Rice bowl topped with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg.
- Fried Chicken: Korean-style fried chicken with sweet or spicy sauces.
Thai Cuisine
- Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, peanuts, and tamarind sauce.
- Green Curry: Spicy coconut milk-based curry with chicken or seafood.
- Tom Yum Soup: Spicy and sour soup with shrimp and lemongrass.
- Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet dessert made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and fresh mango.
Vietnamese Cuisine
- Pho: Aromatic noodle soup with beef or chicken.
- Banh Mi: Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
- Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rolls filled with shrimp, pork, or tofu, served with dipping sauce.
- Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs.
Malaysian Cuisine
- Laksa: Spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, shrimp, and chicken.
- Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, egg, and bean sprouts.
- Roti Canai: Flaky flatbread served with curry.
- Nasi Lemak: Coconut rice served with sambal, fried anchovies, and boiled egg.
Indian Cuisine
- Butter Chicken: Creamy tomato-based curry with tender chicken.
- Biryani: Spiced rice dish with meat or vegetables.
- Dosa: Thin, crispy rice crepes served with chutneys and sambar.
- Chaat: Savory street food snacks like samosas, pani puri, and bhel puri.
2. Top-Rated Asian Restaurants in Sydney
Here are some of the best places to enjoy Asian cuisine in Sydney, categorized by cuisine type:
Chinese
- Golden Century Seafood Restaurant (Chinatown): Famous for live seafood and Peking duck.
Average Cost: AUD 50โ80 per person.
Nearby Landmark: Darling Harbour. - Din Tai Fung (Multiple Locations): Renowned for its Xiao Long Bao and dumplings.
Average Cost: AUD 30โ50 per person.
Japanese
- Tetsuyaโs (CBD): High-end Japanese fusion dining with a focus on seafood.
Average Cost: AUD 250+ per person (degustation menu).
Nearby Landmark: Hyde Park. - Sokyo (The Star, Pyrmont): Modern Japanese cuisine with sushi and sashimi specialties.
Average Cost: AUD 80โ120 per person.
Korean
- 678 Korean BBQ (Haymarket): Authentic Korean BBQ with premium meat cuts.
Average Cost: AUD 40โ60 per person.
Nearby Landmark: Capitol Theatre. - Arisun (Chinatown): Known for Korean fried chicken and beer.
Average Cost: AUD 30โ50 per person.
Thai
- Chat Thai (Multiple Locations): Popular for authentic Thai street food dishes.
Average Cost: AUD 20โ40 per person.
Nearby Landmark: Central Station. - Long Chim (CBD): Upscale Thai dining with bold flavors.
Average Cost: AUD 60โ100 per person.
Vietnamese
- Pho PHD (Marrickville): Famous for its pho and rice paper rolls.
Average Cost: AUD 15โ30 per person.
Nearby Landmark: Marrickville Metro. - Banh Xeo Bar (Newtown): Specializes in crispy Vietnamese pancakes.
Average Cost: AUD 20โ40 per person.
Malaysian
- Mamak (Haymarket): Known for its roti canai and satay skewers.
Average Cost: AUD 20โ30 per person.
Nearby Landmark: Paddyโs Markets. - Ho Jiak (Chinatown): Offers authentic Malaysian comfort food like laksa and nasi lemak.
Average Cost: AUD 30โ50 per person.
Indian
- Spice Alley (Chippendale): A food court with multiple Asian cuisines, including Indian curries and street food.
Average Cost: AUD 15โ30 per person.
Nearby Landmark: Central Park Mall. - Malabar South Indian Restaurant (Darlinghurst): Specializes in dosas and South Indian curries.
Average Cost: AUD 30โ50 per person.
3. Average Pricing
- Casual Dining/Street Food: AUD 15โ30 per person.
- Mid-Range Restaurants: AUD 30โ60 per person.
- Fine Dining: AUD 80โ250+ per person.
4. Dining Etiquette and Cultural Considerations
- Chopsticks: In Chinese, Japanese, and Korean restaurants, chopsticks are commonly used. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as it is considered bad luck in many Asian cultures.
- Sharing Dishes: Many Asian cuisines encourage sharing dishes family-style. Itโs polite to serve others before yourself.
- Spice Levels: Thai, Indian, and Malaysian dishes can be quite spicy. If youโre not accustomed to heat, ask for mild options.
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but it is appreciated for excellent service (5โ10% of the bill).
- Reservations: For popular or fine-dining establishments, itโs recommended to book in advance.
- Dietary Accommodations: Many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Always inform the staff of dietary restrictions.
5. Unique Cultural and Local Considerations
- Chinatown: Sydneyโs Chinatown in Haymarket is a hub for authentic Asian food, with bustling markets, food courts, and restaurants.
- Night Markets: Visit the Friday night markets in Chinatown for street food and snacks.
- Asian Groceries: Stores like Thai Kee IGA (Market City) and H Mart (Strathfield) offer Asian ingredients if you want to cook at home.
- Festivals: Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney feature special menus, food stalls, and cultural performances.
6. Nearby Landmarks
Many Asian restaurants are located near Sydneyโs iconic landmarks, making it easy to combine dining with sightseeing:
- Darling Harbour: Close to Chinatown and several waterfront dining options.
- Circular Quay: Home to upscale Asian fusion restaurants with views of the Sydney Opera House.
- Newtown and Marrickville: Trendy neighborhoods with a mix of Vietnamese, Thai, and Malaysian eateries.
Sydneyโs Asian cuisine scene is a culinary adventure that reflects the cityโs multicultural identity. Whether youโre craving a quick bowl of pho or an elaborate Japanese degustation, thereโs something for everyone. Enjoy your gastronomic journey!