Spice Alley is Sydney's hawker centre (an open-air food centre). It is located about a 5 minute walk from Central Station.
I have been here a number of times before. It is a place I come back to repeatedly. The time of day as well as the day you choose to go impacts the atmosphere and vibe of the centre. On a weekday lunch, it can be a bit quiet, but weekends tend to be bustling and busy, which is what I find exciting about hawker centres. On this particular occasion, I found the atmosphere to be excellent. The place has vibrant wall art, lots of hanging lanterns of assorted sizes, and decorations from the various cultures of the food stores there. There was upbeat music playing at just the right volume in the background.
Service on this occasion was really good too. Staff worked hard and well as a team to keep customers fed and moving along. Even though there were a lot of diners, the place was clean. All staff I interacted with were friendly, helpful and courteous.
What I like about this hawker centre is the mix of cuisines offered. There is Singaporean, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Hong Kong, Japanese and Thai. There is also a store selling pasta for those who would prefer that. You could eat a starter from one culture and then a main from another! It is a good opportunity to mix and match. It is good for share plates and I feel there is a bit of everything for everyone. There are also two bars where you can purchase drinks from. Spice Alley is good for solo dining, a meal with family or friends, or to take a visitor to Sydney.
The food to me is average, though. There are some hits and misses. The food isn't the best there is in the city but it isn't bad either. The prices are also on the expensive side, especially for the serving size. A starter and a main would be a reasonable meal or else 3 main meals shared between 2 people. In most cases, food is served on disposable plates and bowls with bamboo cutlery. The venue is also cashless and there is a card transaction fee.
Nevertheless, Spice Alley is a fun...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreSpice Alley in Sydney is a hidden culinary gem that transports diners into the heart of Asia without ever leaving the city. This charming and vibrant food destination offers a diverse range of Asian cuisines, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and delightful experience.
The first thing that strikes you at Spice Alley is the ambiance. The alleyway is adorned with colorful lanterns, creating an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of the bustling streets of Asia. The communal seating arrangements add to the convivial vibe, encouraging diners to interact and share their culinary experiences.
But it's the food that truly steals the show. The array of Asian cuisines available here is astonishing. From mouthwatering Thai curries to delectable Malaysian satay, from savory Chinese dumplings to fragrant Vietnamese pho, Spice Alley offers a culinary journey through the flavors of Asia.
Each vendor takes pride in preparing dishes that stay true to their cultural roots, resulting in an explosion of taste with every bite. The freshness of ingredients, bold use of spices, and skilled preparation make every dish a masterpiece.
The prices at Spice Alley are reasonable, making it accessible to all. Whether you're an adventurous foodie or just craving a familiar Asian dish, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds.
In conclusion, Spice Alley in Sydney is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the rich and diverse flavors of Asian cuisine. Its enchanting ambiance and exceptional culinary offerings make it a standout destination for food lovers. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on a gastronomic journey through Asia in the...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreWe always head over to Spice Alley after the HIFI SHOW at the Novotel Haymarket late for something to eat, I love the vibe and atmosphere and you can even select items from Gluten Free Menus from some stalls. I love that it is happening to 10pm and the food is nice and affordable as we're always heading over after an awards presentation late evening after 9pm. You just order and collect and find a table in the seating area. People can go to various shops and order what they want and then meet you back at the table, perfect if you have dietary restrictions and they don't! There is also alcohol available to have with your meals from other vendors. We've also eaten at some of the surrounding restaurants Viet and Gin Lane and they're great too.... before going to the cinema next door in the past as well.
It's got a street market food vibe, with open area outdoor seating and cute red lanterns and other Asian modern vibe and we always look forward to going again. We order from the same particular vendor, from their gluten free menu - typically salt and pepper squid š and Singapore noodles. Dessert my husband got sticky rice š and mango š„ and it was delicious š šš¼ ...
We then walk back to the hotel parking and make the long trek back home to the Blue Mountains. I can't comment much on the parking there other than to say there is some but not much and I'd probably look to park within wishing distance possibly at Broadway...
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