Sydney's Chinatown, centered around Dixon Street in Haymarket, is the pulsating heart of the city's Asian culinary scene. This vibrant district is a treasure trove for food lovers, offering a dazzling array of authentic dishes from across the continent. From the comforting, hearty flavours of Northeast China to the fragrant, complex spices of Thailand and Malaysia, Chinatown delivers an experience that is both delicious and deeply rooted in tradition.

This guide will take you on a culinary tour of the area's must-visit eateries, moving beyond the main thoroughfares to discover hidden gems in food courts and up on the second floor. Whether you're craving a traditional yum cha brunch, a sizzling Korean BBQ feast, or a cheap and cheerful plate of authentic Thai street food, this is your map to the best Asian food Sydney's Chinatown has to offer. Prepare to eat your way through a world of flavour.

Chinatown is a hotspot for authentic Dongbei (Northeast Chinese) cuisine, known for its generous portions and robust, savoury flavours. Two restaurants, in particular, have captured the hearts and palates of locals, often drawing long queues.

First is Changbai Mountain Restaurant (长白山下) on Dixon Street. This spot is so popular it's said to share an owner with the famous Chen's in Burwood. It's a place where diners happily wait for a taste of their signature dishes:

• Old-Style Guo Bao Rou (老式锅包肉): A must-order sweet and sour pork, featuring thin slices of tenderloin in a crispy batter with a perfectly balanced sauce.
• Small Iron Pot Stews (小铁锅): Try the 'Pig-Kill-Stew' with blood sausage or the 'One-Pot Stew' with ribs and vegetables, served with fluffy steamed buns to soak up the flavourful broth.

Just a few doors down, you'll find New Dumpling House (东厨). This decade-old establishment is another temple to Dongbei cooking, offering fantastic value with dishes that are perfect for sharing. Their version of Guo Bao Rou is also a crowd-pleaser, crispy, tender, and delicious. Other recommended dishes include the flavourful Dry Pot Pork Intestines (干锅肥肠) and the classic Fish-Fragrant Shredded Pork (鱼香肉丝).

Chinatown is also a premier destination for authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, with several standout restaurants serving up the vibrant flavours of Thailand and Malaysia.

Khao Kang Maruay Thai Restaurant, located opposite Market City, has earned multiple recommendations from the prestigious Good Food guide. It's celebrated for its authentic Thai Northeastern (E-Sarn) cooking. Don't miss these showstoppers:

• Tom Yum Coconut Fried Rice (冬阴椰香炒饭): A genius dish served inside a whole young coconut, combining the fragrance of coconut with the tang of tom yum and the satisfying 'wok hei' of fried rice.
• Thai Coconut Seafood Hot Pot (泰式椰壳海鲜盅): A rich and creamy curry with seafood, also served in a coconut shell.
• Volcano Hot and Sour Pork Bone Soup (火山锅酸辣猪骨汤): A hearty, flavourful soup with tender meat.

For a taste of Malaysia, head to Ho Jiak Haymarket. This ten-year-old establishment is a local favourite for its consistent quality and authentic dishes. Must-try items include the Pai Tee (a crispy pastry cup filled with vegetables), Salted Egg Chicken Wings, and the incredibly tender Steamed Boneless Barramundi.

Beyond traditional restaurants, Chinatown offers a diverse range of dining formats, from classic dim sum halls to modern all-you-can-eat buffets and hidden food court gems.

For a classic Cantonese brunch, visit Garden Pavilion (花园阁) on Sussex Street. This popular yum cha spot is known for its freshly made dishes. Look out for the trolley carrying the beef and egg rice noodle rolls (滑蛋牛肉肠粉), which are made to order and not always available. Other highlights include the translucent chive and prawn dumplings, crispy spring rolls, fluffy BBQ pork buns, and creamy egg tarts.

If you're in the mood for an indulgent feast, the newly opened Gangnam BBQ offers an all-you-can-eat Korean buffet. For a single price, you can help yourself to a wide array of high-quality meats, including beautifully marbled wagyu and thinly sliced beef tongue, as well as a fresh seafood section with crab, scallops, and slipper lobster. You can find more information on Sydney's diverse food scene on the official tourism website.

For cheap and cheerful eats, the food court at the top of Sussex Shopping Centre is a local secret. Here you can find:

• Yummy Thai Food: Known for its hearty pig's trotter rice (猪脚饭) and garlic fried fish.
• Good Choice Sizzling & Hotpot: Serves up comforting, home-style dishes like sizzling chicken on a hotplate.