Around 50 traders and more than 25 cuisines are on offer at Hay St Market, which opened to much fanfare in Sydney in March. The multi-million-dollar transformation of a section of Paddy’s Market was several years in the making, and brings together dining, drinking and food-shopping under the one roof.
Chefs and restaurateurs Luke Nguyen and Mark Olive are among the high-profile chefs who have launched their own concepts within Hay St Market. Visitors can sample Nguyen’s father’s closely guarded pho recipe at Pho Chu Lap while Luke Luk Dumplings serves Singapore chilli crab and laksa dumplings, packed with big flavours in every bite.
Nguyen’s take on banh mi at Madam Banh Mi gives customers a journey through regional Vietnam. His signature bo kho features a tender braised wagyu beef brisket on a crunchy baguette with traditional trimmings, dunked into a bright fresh salsa.
Mark Olive fires up the grill at Little Midden, drawing on Australian Indigenous flavours with a seafood repertoire featuring his sensational smoked blue gum barramundi and bell pepper skewers, seasoned with a touch of salt bush and pepper berry.
As far as beverage choices go, there is a cans bar with more than 180 canned drinks from around the world, while Traders Bar offers craft brews, regional wines and nostalgic drinks. The market is fully licensed, meaning that visitors can walk through the entire market with a drink in hand (do note that this does not extend to the adjoining Paddy’s Market).
The bustling open space at the heart of Hay St Market shifts from daytime to an evening foodie destination: it is open from morning till after dark each day (closed Monday and Tuesday during winter). You can spend as little or as much as you like, with snack items starting from $5, right up to full meals.
Journey around the world with dishes such as sheftalies (lamb and pork sausages seasoned with cinnamon, onions and mint) from Nico’s Cypriot Chargrill, or authentic Mexican flavours at Taco Nixtamal with tortillas made using the traditional nixtamal technique and a salsa featuring three different types of chilli.
Enjoy European-inspired flavours at El Mercado Spanish Deli (stocking the finest Losada olives, 25-year-old aged Pedro Ximinéz vinegars and Don Bocarte Cantabric anchovies), Mika’s Deli featuring Polish and continental delicacies, and Italian classics at Pasta E Basta, Pizzarina and Biaggio Coffee and Cannoli with cannoli piped to order.
Middle Eastern favourites including a crispy gozleme from GozleME, and traditional shawarma with house made Saj bread from Najla’s Lebanese Street Food.
An 11-hour smoked BBQ Beef Brisket pie is one of the savoury favourites from The Pie Guy by Broomfields, while The Fish Co has a dedicated sushi and sashimi section, an oyster bar, an array of fresh prawns, and a live filleting station.
Among the retail on offer are a butcher, fishmonger, cheesemonger, deli, artisanal homewares, and a florist selling the most beautiful blooms. Greengrocer Signorelli Bros offers a tempting array of fresh fruit and veg. Another attraction is an urban garden by Greenspace.
It’s pleasing to note that the market was developed with sustainability in mind, with the use of recycled, upcycled and restored materials. Particularly eye-catching is the old-fashioned truck which takes centre stage near the entrance.
Hay St Market
Located in Paddy’s Markets
13 Hay St, Haymarket
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 8571 0622
www.haystmarket.com.au
