Market City Shopping Centre — Local services in Sydney

Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Berkeley, Wollongong, truly lives up to its name, "Paradise of the South." As the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, it's more than just a place of worship; it's a sprawling complex that offers a tranquil escape, cultural enrichment, and surprisingly delightful culinary experiences. From the moment you step onto the immaculately maintained grounds, a sense of peace envelops you. The majestic architecture, with its vibrant colours and intricate details, is awe-inspiring. The main shrine, housing thousands of Buddha statues, is a sight to behold, inviting quiet contemplation. You can wander through the beautiful gardens, adorned with lotus ponds and serene statues, or take a guided tour to learn about Buddhist philosophy and the temple's fascinating history. The sheer scale of the temple is impressive, yet it never feels overwhelming, rather, it encourages a gentle exploration. Beyond its spiritual and architectural grandeur, Nan Tien Temple also boasts a wonderful vegetarian restaurant, the Dew Drop Inn Tea House, which is a highlight for many visitors. Whether you're a devout vegetarian or simply curious, the food here is a pleasant surprise. The menu features a variety of traditional oriental and Australian café-style meals, all prepared with fresh, plant-based ingredients. On my visit, I was particularly impressed by the "Auspicious Noodle Soup," a hearty and flavourful bowl brimming with fresh vegetables and delicate noodles. The salt and pepper tofu was another standout, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Many visitors also rave about the vegetarian BBQ buns and the "Arhat's Feast," a dish celebrated for its rich and varied flavours. While the portions are often described as simple and not overly large, they are incredibly satisfying and leave you feeling nourished without being heavy. The Dew Drop Inn offers a peaceful setting, with natural timber decor and views of the temple gardens, making for a truly relaxing dining experience. They also offer a range of exotic teas and coffees, perfect for unwinding after exploring the temple. There's also a more casual dining hall, which offers a selection of vegan hot foods on a bain-marie, providing a convenient and affordable option. While some might find the temple a touch commercialised given the gift shops and various offerings, it's clear that the revenue contributes to the upkeep and educational programs of this significant cultural centre. The staff, though sometimes busy, are generally friendly and helpful, adding to the overall...

Such an enormous variety of products. From downstairs there are numerous stalls selling all kinds of fruit and vegetables. And so often the prices are well below other outlets and much fresher. I find the experience quite exhilarating. I never buy too much on account of the distance that I have to travel to return to my place of abode. The burden of buying too much also becomes heavy. Then in another area you get outlets of stalls selling everything from suitcases and wallets to (well you name it they have it). The prices are way within one's means. Elsewhere in the city area and inner city suburbs the prices are far too high. The fact that many products are direct from the manufacturer and the middle service man is eliminated is probably the reason for cutting costs. Further upstairs is a dining place full of different sumptuous food kinds. I often eat there when the situation is right. They close the food court relatively early around 6 pm. I must admit that the food prepared is fresh and tasty. Further upstairs there are a number of outlets selling haberdashery, linen and clothing. Amazing. I am not sure why or how it got the name " Paddy's Market " but I will look into this. Apparently the place was established many years ago, once I noticed a year of 1911 plastered somewhere around the building. Well go and find out for yourselves. I can only share what...

Market City Shopping Centre (MCSC), Haymarket is a multi-cultural shopping centre located in the Haymarket area of Sydney's CBD, specifically within the Chinatown precinct. It's known for its combination of factory outlet shopping, diverse retail stores, and its location is above Paddy's Markets (ground floor). Paddy’s Markets is Australia’s oldest traditional market in Sydney in 2 locations, Haymarket and Flemington (located 15 minutes from CBD). Hay St. Market on the ground floor is Australia’s biggest foodie market with over 20 different cuisines. The MCSC is housed in a heritage-listed building, originally established as a fruit and vegetable market in 1909. There is an Asian food court on the 1st floor. The 3rd floor has some other dining options. The shopping centre is on the 2nd floor. MCSC is easily accessible, being a short walk from...