Sydney Hay St Market: the ultimate guide

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Hay St Market, the brand-new food hub at the historic Paddy’s Markets, opens today. This expansion has been in the works for three years now, with Sydneysiders pleased to see the space being given a new lease of life. Hay St Market is part of the larger Market City precinct, known for its vibrant shopping and dining options.We were given a sneak peek at the market last night, and this is what you can expect to find when visiting.

About Hay St Market

Paddy’s Market has a rich history and has long been Sydney’s largest market, but it’s fallen by the wayside over the years. It’s needed some rejuvenation for some time and it’s finally arrived in the form of Hay St Market.

Taking 3,000 square metres of market space and transforming it into a world-class destination is no mean feat. But when Hay St Market’s creators saw the space, they saw the potential to add another chapter to Paddy’s story. The likes of London’s Borough Market, New York’s Chelsea Market and Melbourne’s night markets cater for visitors looking for late-night dining options. Something that Sydney has been lacking for some time. Until now that is.

This sprawling new foodie destination is open daily, from morning until late. Visitors can snack on the go between sightseeing, linger over lunch and soak up the bustling market atmosphere, or settle in for the evening to try a variety of food and drink. The market also offers fresh produce, making it a vibrant hub for food lovers.

When does Hay St Market open?

Sydney’s hottest new dining destination opens just in time for lunchtime at 12pm on Wednesday March 26, 2025. It will then be open seven days a week, from morning โ€œtil lateโ€. Times are yet to be confirmed.

What food is available?

More than 43 traders have put their hat into the ring, serving more than 25 globally-inspired cuisines. There are bakeries and coffee roasters for early morning visits, bahn mi and souvlaki for filling lunches and licensed bars to take you long into the evening. Standout dishes include laksa dumplings from a well-known chef’s food stall and smoked blue gum barramundi by renowned Indigenous chef Mark Olive. Numerous groceries and the fresh food market mean visitors can take a portion of produce home, too, so you can flex your own culinary skills in the kitchenโ€”or plonk some of the finest Losada olives (thanks, El Mercado Spanish Deli) on the table for an authentic tapas table that’ll have everyone thinking you’re the hostess with the mostess. Read on for your full guide to Hay St Market’s vendors.

1. Little Midden

Mark Olive is Australia’s most renowned indigenous chef and continues his mission to share native foods with Sydney’s visitors at Little Midden. BBQ skull prawns chargrilled with eucalyptus butter and served with desert lime aioli, and salt bush and mountain pepper squid with lemon aspen tartare are among the dishes available at this new outpost. Find out what Mark Olive had to say about his new venture when we spoke with him.

2. Pho Chu Lap

Luke Nguyen has been involved in the Hay St Market project from day one, and has curated all of the Asian concepts at Hay St Market. Pho Chu Lap is named after Nguyen’s father, Chu Lap, whose secret recipe forms the basis of the Vietnamese soup selection. Choose from sliced beef, shredded chicken or tofu and veggies, served with fresh rice noodles and your choice of garnishes.

Luke Nguyen is among the celebrity chefs involved with Hay St Market. He's pictured cooking over a large flame.
Luke Nguyen is among the celebrity chefs involved with Hay St Market, where he curated all of the Asian options. Image supplied.

3. Luke Luke Dumplings

Another of Luke Nguyen’s outlets, come here for hand-crafted dumplings. Meticulously crafted dumplings are filled with fresh, high-quality ingredients that reflect the chef’s passion for authentic Vietnamese flavours and his innovative approach to traditional southeast Asian cuisineโ€”further enhanced by Nguyen’s signature crispy chilli oil (if you’re brave enough).

4. Madam Banh Mi

Crusty baguettes are packed full to create this  quintessential Vietnamese sandwich. Choose from crisphy pork crackling, grilled lemongrass chicken or BBQ pork belly, which are stuffed into the bread with chicken liver pรขtรฉ, mayonnaise, salted cucumber, fresh coriander, picked carrot and daikon, chilli, spring onion and a dash of fish sauce. Told you, packed full!

5. The Pie Guy by Broomfields

His family were crowned Supreme Pie Champion of Great Britain, so you know The Pie Guy knows what he’s doing. Choose from a selection of award-winning sweet and savoury pies, including the 11-hour smoked BBQ beef brisket, chicken and leek or the vegetarian cauliflower, cheese and onion. Paired with mash, mushy peas or homemade tomato ketchup and gravy, it’s a slice of Britain in the heart of Sydney.

6. Nico’s Cypriot Chargrill

Rich Cypriot flavours come direct from Larnaca, by means of family recipes that have been passed down through generations. Smoky Sheftalies (lamb and pork sausages seasoned with cinnamon, onions and mint), marinated pork neck souvlaki and spiced yoghurt chicken souvlaki are on the menu. Pair your choice with house-spiced fries, grilled pitta , tzatziki and pickled red onions.

7. El Mercado Spanish Deli

Whether you’re hosting dinner guests soon or simply want a temporary escape to Espaรฑa, El Mercado brings a taste of Spain to your table. Stock up on pantry favourites including Losada olives, 25-year-old Pedro Ximenez balsamic vinegars, paella stocks and premium saffron threads to elevate your cooking.

8. Traders Bar

Capturing the spirit of 1940s and ’50s Sydney, this is Hay St Market’s main bar. Sip classic Australian brews, sophisticated cocktails or a crisp glass of wine while enjoying some respite from your city adventures.

9. Cans & Crates

The second of Hay St Market’s licensed bars, this is the place to come for canned beverages. There is an impressive selection of beers, wines, bubbles, ciders, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, too, to choose from. Created from old beverage crates slung from above, this is a Sydney first that we predict will become a popular Insta moment.

10. Signorelli Bros

As well as the ready-to-eat offering at the numerous street food vendors, there’s also a classic fresh food market selling the highest quality seasonal fruits, vegetables and other pantry staples for customers to take home, managed by the Signorelli Bros. Stop for leafy greens, crunchy apples and everyday grocery essentials.

11. La Charcuteria

Salami, cured meats, condiments and grilled bread galore: your charcuterie board game is about to be levelled-up. Select your Serrano, Parma or Chorizo before moving on the find the perfect homemade chutneys, pickled vegetables and olives to provide the finishing touches.

12. Pizzarina

Your go-to for a slice on the go. They cover the basics with the margherita and offer bolder flavour combos in the form of mortadella with Calabrian chili and green olives or confit potato with smoked scamorza. There are unusual options, too, including pumpkin with anchovies and ricotta.

13. Flowers by Agnes Harrington

Add a touch of colour to your day and treat yourself or a loved one to cut flowers, blooming bouquets, candles and gifts for any occasion from this charming little corner store.

14. Thomas Hay Bakery

Bread is an art-form here. Freshly baked sourdough and artisan loaves are crafted with care and tradition, and will satisfy all your carb cravings. The olive and herb fougasse and white cranberry sourdough are two particular highlights.

15. Paddy’s Patisserie

Sweet tooths: step into heaven. Packed full with handcrafted cakes, tarts and slices, the challenge will be choosing which you step away with. Indulge in yuzu meringue รฉclaires, or stick to tried-and-tested classic such as delicately layered mille-feuille and chocolate strawberry tarts.

16. The Fish Co

Freshly sliced, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi and expertly crafted sushi take centre stage here. Other fresh seafood, fish row, smoked and preserved specialities are also available, along with premium sauces and condiments, including Yarra Valley caviar. Fresh and flavoursome seafood at market prices; what more could you ask for?

17. Scoop & Sons

Refreshing sorbets like guava, creamy coconut and ginger and orange offer fruity refreshment, while rich chocolate, velvety vanilla and nutty pistachio or hazelnut satisfy those with a more classic preference. For those feeling more adventurous, try the likes of cinnamon or buttermilk.

18. Mika’s Deli

Find high-quality cheeses, cured meats, continental specialities and sauces at this high-quality delicatessen. International cheeses are presented alongside the likes of San Daniele prosciutto continental vinegars.

19. Pasta e Basta

Continuing Hay St’s Italian offering, tuck into fresh handmade pasta with a variety of toppings. Keep it simple with spaghetti cacio e pepe or carbonara, or turn things up a notch with bolognese or braised beef ragu. If you find your new favourite pasta or sauce, you can even take some home with you to cook and enjoy at homeโ€”the white truffle oil sauce or caramelised onion and sage are two standouts.

20. The Cheese Table

Artisan cheeses from Australia, Italy, France, the UK and beyond are sold here. Perfect your pairing with gourmet crackers and grissini, fruit pastes and quince, or stop for a cheese toastie which is made with freshly baked sourdough.

21. LMT (Love Me Tender)

This is master butcher Tim’s patch. Tap into his 50 years’ of experience to find the perfect cut for your cooking needs, whether its beef cheeks, rib eye cutlets, wagyu rump or gourmet sausages. Each cut is chosen for it’s exceptional flavour and tenderness.

22. Yuki โ€“ Izakaya Bar

Japanese flavours are given a modern twist at this authentic izakaya restaurant, where dishes are designed be shared. Savour the rich umami of king oyster mushrooms, melt-in-your-mouth miso sake cod, crispy chicken crackling teriyaki and tender 9+ wagyu outside skirt.

23. Wan Chai Wok

Sink your teeth into the crispy seafood chow mein and you’ll be transported to the streets of Hong Kong. From the savoury kick of the noodles to the tangy sweetness of pepper beef with tomato fried rice, the standout has to be Luke Nguyen’s roasted pork with rice.

24. GozleME

Championing Turkish street food, expect to taste mint, feta, cumin and paprika. There’s garden greens for a light bite or slow-cooked chicken with melted peppers or rich lamb confit provide something a little heartier.

25. Burger Box

It wouldn’t be a street food market without a good burger and there are plenty to choose from here. Breakfast burger, smashed cheese burger with pickles and homemade sauce, or the plant-based chickpea and pea burger: pick your player. Finish it off with a side of fries.

26. Loukamades

Traditional Greek donuts are served hot and fresh with toppings such as lavender honey, cinnamon or roasted walnuts to choose from. Customise yours with a drizzle of hot chocolate sauce, salted peanut butter or miso butterscotch sauce. Sound too heavy? Opt for simple cinnamon sugar or fresh strawberries to garnish instead.

Try tender flank steak tacos at Taco Nixtamal at Hay St Market.
Taco Nixtamal at Hay St Market. Image supplied

27. Taco Nixtamal

Bold, authentic and vibrant Mexican flavours sing out at this taqueria. Pork neck tacos come with a tangy garnish of pineapple; crispy baha fish is freshly fried and topped with tomatillo salsa and pickled red cabbage, or tender flank steak comes with black means and salsa matcha.

28. Curry House

Travel across India, Malaysia and Thailand without leaving Hay St Market, as a world of bold flavours opens up at this eatery. Creamy butter chicken is a safer option while the beef rendang packs a punch. Paired with fragrant basmati rice or roti paratha, dishes can also be enhanced with tomato raita, refreshing cucumber or mint, or tangy tamarind and ginger chutney.

29. Najla’s Lebanese Street Food

Shawarma is king here. Freshly made saj bread is made using age-old methods that have been passed down through generations. The choice of how these are filled is then up to you: lamb, chicken or falafel is the first decision, then, which dips or condiments? Hummus, baba ghanoush and toum; refreshing tabouli, sumac onions or jewelled cracked wheat pilaf salads are next, then zhoug and tahini are the final touch.

30. Hay St Roasters by Genevose

Follow the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans which fills the air and you’ll find this on-site roastery. Perfectly crafted espresso, cappuccinos or flat whites are complemented by a selection of Italian biscotti, fresh panini or Nonna’s tiramisu. It’s a coffee aficionado’s dream.

31. Paolo Panino

Homemade breads, brushed with olive oil and sea salt, are freshly baked and made to order. Five signature fillings include prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and vine ripened tomatoes, mortadella with semi-dried tomato, Scamorza and spicy zucchini, or roast suckling pig with fennel, Calabrian chilli, truffle honey and rocket.

32. The Bagelry

New Yorkers look away; these aren’t your classic bagels. Plain, seasame or poppy seed look normal enoughโ€”until you reach the filling. Cured salmon basturma, chicken katsu with miso mayo and the veggie egg and herb mayo option are among the options.

33. The Goods

Discover a treasure trove of curated culinary delights here. The goods. Every corner offers something special, from artisanal homewares and captivating books to teas, spices, nuts and chocolates, you can restock your cupboards and find the perfect gift in one go.

34. Haymarket Health Lab

The health-conscious among us will find juices, smoothies, yoghurt cups and salad boxes, alongside healthy all-day snacks such as vegetable cruditรฉs with hummus, chia cups and granola.

Biaggio Coffee and Cannoli serve Italian cannoli at Hay St Market. Image supplied
Biaggio Coffee and Cannoli at Hay St Market. Image supplied

35. Biaggio Coffee and Cannoli

Using coffee beans ground at Hay St Roasters Coffee, your cuppa is given an Italian twist when served alongside freshly-made cannoli. Filled with classic ricotta, chocolate custard or candied orange and strega, there’s a pairing that’s bound to pique your interest.

36. The Fish + Chippery

Satisfy your cravings with crisp battered or grilled fresh fish with seasoned chipsโ€”sea salt or chilli salt?โ€”and optional slaw, tangy tartare sauce or homemade garlic aioli. They’re right next door to The Fish Co.

37. K-Pocha

Falling foul to a fried chicken craving? Look no further. Fried to perfection with a tender, juicy centre, the original fried chicken features a perfectly seasoned batter. This basis is further enhanced when you go for something a little bolder. Soy garlic offers a savoury, aromatic crunch, while the Gochujang comes with an extra kick courtesy of the signature Korean chilli paste.

38. Urban Farm

Sustainability meets innovation in this vertical farm space, where greens and micro herbsโ€”including kale, green mustard, pink stem radish, basil, coriander, parsley, sorrel, mint, warrigal greens, river mint and saltbushโ€”are cultivated. Get a glance at the future of food and farming at this glass-encased space.

39. Donny’s Donuts

Another sweet treat option, the classic cinnamon donut is served warm, fresh from the frier. The sweet and spicy, soft and crisp-coated treat is the perfect pick-me-up.

40. Mundo de Pasties

Calling all pastel de nata-lovers! Delicate crisp and buttery pastry shells are filled with a rich and creamy custard, in a remake of the classic Portuguese dessert.

41. Gigi’s Hot Dogs

Crafted with high-quality ingredients and packed with layers of flavour, Gigi’s cooks up innovative dogs with a twist. The cheese kransky is paired with dijon mustard, homemade ketchup, white onion, sauerkraut, jalepeno relish and, of course, oozing cheddar. A more adventurous option is the Pigs Head Sausage which is topped with peanut satay ketchup, crunchy slaw, sriracha aioli, crispy onions and fresh coriander.

42. Thiago’s Empanadas

Pastry parcels are filled with beef, sherry, chorizo and egg; chicken, pea, green chilli and anchovy; or traditional bacalao, potato and green olive. Whether you’re looking for an on-the-go snack or hungry enough to try a selection, these Latin delicacies are perfect any time.

43. Ruby’s Iced Tea

Quench your thirst with a refreshing premium iced tea in a variety of flavours. Watermelon, rose and mint, pineapple and mango are among the flavourful blends on offer. Served in convenient pouches, these cooling drinks can be enjoyed on-the-go too.


Hay St Market

Address: Ground Floor, Paddy’s Markets, 9/13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, morning until late. Times to be confirmed.
Contact:

Find out more at haystmarket.com.au


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