Whether you’re a local looking for a cheap feed or a visitor wanting to soak up some culture, Sydney’s Chinatown in Haymarket is the pulsing heart of the city's Asian food and heritage scene. It’s a place where the smell of sizzling satay mingles with the steam of hand-pulled noodles and where traditional gates stand in the shadow of neon-lit skyscrapers.

Here is everything you need to know about exploring Chinatown in 2026.

Sydney actually has a few areas that can be considered “Chinatown”, but the main one is located in Haymarket, in the CBD.

Sydney’s Chinatown is located in Haymarket, which sits between Central Station and Darling Harbour. While the heart is the pedestrianised Dixon Street, the precinct has spilled over into Sussex Street, George Street and the chic new Darling Square development.

While Chinese migration to New South Wales actually dates back to the early 1800s, Chinatown hasn’t always been in Haymarket. It actually began in The Rocks, then moved to the Market Street area near Darling Harbour. It finally settled in its current Haymarket home in the 1920s. Today, it stands as the largest Chinatown in Australia and a protected heritage area that continues to evolve with the city.

Chinatown is about more than just filling your belly (though that is a primary goal). Here’s what else you should check out:

You’re here for the food, right? Haymarket is a minefield of deliciousness, but these five spots are non-negotiable:

Cuisine: Szechuan Address: Level 4/25-29 Dixon St, Haymarket

Located on Level 4 of the Dixon St building. It’s famous for huge portions, authentic spice, and a very "cool" interior. Try the "Bone-in Potted Chicken."

Cuisine: Northern Chinese Address: Thomas Street, Haymarket

A Haymarket staple that was formerly located around the corner until mid-December 2025, this place is a must if you’re in Chinatown. Watch them pull noodles through the window and don’t skip the pork and chive dumplings.

Cuisine: Modern Cantonese: Address: Level M, Shop 31/1 Little Pier St, Haymarket

From the legends behind the original Golden Century. It’s located in The Exchange (the "bird's nest" building). You must order the XO Pippies with vermicelli.

Mamak

Cuisine: Malaysian Address: 15 Goulburn St, Haymarket

There’s always a queue on Goulburn St, and for good reason. The Roti Canai is flaky perfection, and the satay is smoky and sweet.

Cuisine: Korean BBQ Address: Shop 8/363 Sussex St, Haymarket

Located on Sussex St, this is an all-you-can-eat paradise. It’s huge, high-energy, and perfect for groups who want to grill their own premium wagyu.

If you find yourself in the city on a Friday night, you’re in luck. From 5pm to 10pm, Dixon Street transforms into a bustling Night Market.

It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. You can walk the length of the street and graze on everything from dragon beard candy and takoyaki to cumin lamb skewers and those famous custard-filled "Emperor’s Puffs." It’s the best way to sample a little bit of everything without committing to a full sit-down meal.

Absolutely. Even if you aren't a "foodie," the atmosphere, history, and proximity to Darling Harbour make it a staple Sydney experience. It’s one of the few places in the CBD that feels genuinely alive at all hours of the day.

While Haymarket is the "official" and most famous one, Sydney actually has several "suburban Chinatowns" that locals often prefer for even more authentic (and cheaper) eats. Major hubs include Burwood, Hurstville, Eastwood, Campsie, and Cabramatta (which has a strong Vietnamese-Chinese focus).