A Visit to the Chinatown of Sydney

In the past, a visit to the Chinatown of Sydney would be only for getting a taste of oriental and Cantonese dishes because the early migrants of Asian origin in Australia were from Southern China, Macau and Hong Kong. But now, Chinatown has become the centre of cuisines as well as cultures from several Asian countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Japan.

Many people now call this place the ‘Little Asia’ within Australia, for the region is lined with Chinese grocery stores, bakeries, supermarkets and eateries, including Szechuan, Peking and Cantonese duck places. Among them, there are some really interesting attractions and restaurants worth a mention.

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Located just next to Chinatown and the southern end of Darling Harbour, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is an escape from the hectic city life with its authentic features of a genuine oasis including pretty gardens, waterfalls, stone paths, pagodas, bridges, still ponds and also a teahouse.

Paddy’s Markets

Situated in the Hay and Sussex streets, Paddy’s Markets has been in existence since 1834 when it got separated from the cattle market of Campbell Street. The place is notable for its fresh Asian produce at cost-effective rates. In fact, it can be said about Paddy’s Market that it is the cheapest area to shop within the city, especially Asian herbs, fresh greens, and fruits.

Market City

Market City is located just above Paddy’s Market and can make someone feel like they are in Bangkok or Beijing. From Asian supermarkets and cafes serving bubble drinks to the best fish shop in the city, Market City has got it all. Besides, there are several Hello Kitty stores, cheap clothes shops and fashion boutiques within the centre of this place.

Chinese Bakeries

Chinatown has got a few oriental bakeries, including the most popular in all of Sydney - Emperor’s Garden Cake and Bakery, situated in Dixon Street. The bakery is a branch of the Emperor’s Garden Restaurant itself. Served fresh, some of the popular delicacies of this bakery are Chinese steamed buns, baked buns, deep-fried buns, sweet pork buns, egg tarts and coconut buns.

For travellers, exchange students and tourists, Chinatown is an excellent spot for enjoying regular meals at affordable rates. Besides, there are several hotels, motels and other lodging facilities in close proximity to this place that offers affordable accommodation in Sydney. In short, it can be safely said that there are not many places outside China which can boast of such versatility as the Chinatown of Sydney.