Overview
Over a year ago, a new Asian food hub began to unfold on the third floor of Haymarket's Market City.
Australia's second (and Sydney's first) Mr Meng Chongqing Gourmet outpost was the first venue to open in the 1909 Dining Precinct. The noodle franchise is known for its particularly spicy bowls and is run by the host of Chinese dating show If You Are the One, Meng Fei.
A large chunk of the other venues opening in mid-April last year, with the second bout of openings including Korean barbecue joint Kogi, Chinese eatery The Eight, Yayoi Japanese Teishoku Restaurant, a CBD outpost of Ashfield's famed Beijing Impression, sushi train Fugetsu and popular Macau hot pot chain The Dolar Shop.
Now, the precinct is finally complete, and is home to nine restaurants ranging from casual takeaway joints to theatrically designed dining rooms with custom-made rickshaw installations.. The latest spots to join the hub are sushi burger venture Gojima (by award-winning Sokyo chef Chase Kojima) and Nanyang Tea Club – a traditional Singaporean and Malay restaurant spearheaded by Kaisern Ching (Chef's Gallery) and Billy Chong (Ipoh Town).
Sushi burger from Gojima.
Nanyang Tea Club's 88-seater fit-out is reminiscent of colonial-era Singapore, featuring rattan furniture, antique finishings and a bespoke rickshaw installation. Food wise, the restaurants draws from both Chef's Gallery and Ipoh Town's culinary styles, boasting a menu of traditional dishes such as chilli crab, coconut chicken soup and the signature bak kut teh (pork rib broth).
On the more casual end of the spectrum, Gojima's American-Japanese fusion menu is more compact, with nine sushi burgers — made with a sushi rice and nori bun — and a selection of sides, such as Japanese-style southern fried chicken. For dessert, frozen custards and chocolate miso, green tea or strawberries and cream thickshakes are also available.
1909 Dining Precinct is located on Market City's third floor. It's open seven days a week until late.