A 3,000-square-metre food hall in Haymarket is turning heads with its mix of global eats, local flair and the kind of energy that makes people linger. Located inside the historic Paddy’s Markets, the newly opened Hay St Market brings together over 48 traders offering food, drinks and artisan products from more than 25 cultures.
It’s Sydney’s first fully licensed market, and it’s designed for all-day wandering—coffee in the morning, lunch with friends, late-night snacks, and drinks to go.
Start with the Stars
Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen is behind several standout venues at the market. At Pho Chu Lap, his father’s closely guarded pho recipe is served with a slow-cooked broth that simmers for 24 hours.
Just a few steps away, Luke Luk Dumplings packs big flavour into dumplings filled with Singapore chilli crab and laksa. Another of Nguyen’s spots, Madam Banh Mi, dishes up wagyu brisket rolls dipped in salsa, giving the traditional Vietnamese sandwich a bold upgrade.
Mark Olive, a well-known Indigenous chef, brings native ingredients to the forefront at Little Midden. His grilled skewers of barramundi and prawns are seasoned with pepperberry and saltbush, offering a taste of local culture that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Go Global with Every Bite
The market isn’t just about local names—it’s a food trip around the world. Taco Nixtamal serves tortillas made using the traditional nixtamal technique, offering rich textures and flavours in every taco.
Nico’s Cypriot Chargrill has house-made lamb and pork sausages seasoned with cinnamon and mint, alongside crispy loukamades drizzled with honey or miso butterscotch. El Mercado Spanish Deli stocks fine olives, aged vinegars, and premium tinned seafood for those who want to take a little Europe home.
The Cheese Table, curated by expert Christina Murphy, features a changing range of international cheeses with classic pairings. On the meat front, butcher Tim Casey—formerly of Rockpool—runs Love Me Tender, offering everything from prime cuts to charcuterie.
See, Sip and Snack
Hay St Market is built for grazing. Sip as you wander thanks to Sydney’s first drink-as-you-shop licence. Cans & Crates has over 180 canned beverages—ranging from international cocktails to local craft sodas—while Traders Bar pours nostalgic cocktails and wines from across Australia in a venue styled after Sydney’s mid-century bars.
Coffee lovers can stop at Hay St Roasters, where beans are roasted on-site using blends from Genovese. And for those with a sweet tooth, Biaggio Coffee & Cannoli pipes each cannoli to order. Fresh pastries also line the counters at Thomas Hay Bakery and Paddy’s Patisserie.
Take Something Home
The market isn’t just a place to eat. There are seasonal flowers from Flowers by Agnes Harrington, homewares and crockery at The Goods, and fresh produce grown and sold by Urban Farm by Greenspace. It’s a place where the everyday and the special occasion meet—whether you’re stocking up for dinner or just picking up a gift.
What Locals Are Saying
While some have noted that the market’s polished look doesn’t quite match the character of old-school markets overseas, the setup is designed to evolve. Every stall is operated under a central management structure, allowing vendors to rotate based on demand. Organisers say this helps keep things fresh and relevant to what people want to eat.
Haymarket has always been one of Sydney’s most diverse neighbourhoods, and Hay St Market adds a modern, food-focused layer to its story. Whether you’re popping in for pho or settling in for late-night cocktails, it’s a space built for the community—with enough variety to bring you back again and again.
Published 4-April-2025
