Sydney’s Cantonese restaurants, often found within local clubs, are preparing for a surge in diners as the city’s Lunar New Year celebrations begin. The festivities officially kick off with the Sydney Lunar Streets festival in Haymarket on Saturday, February 14th, and continue through March 1st, marking the Year of the Horse.
The presence of these restaurants within clubs has historical roots dating back to the 19th-century gold rush era, when Chinese cooks found employment in country pubs and stations. This evolved into Chinese-owned “cookhouses” and, later, restaurants attached to clubs following the relaxation of Australia’s White Australia policy in the 1970s, according to historian Barbara Nichol’s research.
Markets Chinese Restaurant, located within the Markets Club in Homebush West, offers competitively priced live seafood, with a half-kilogram parrot fish available for $43.80. The restaurant emphasizes its “Chef’s Specials” menu and attentive service. Nearby, Ocean Treasure Asian Dining at Club Blacktown is also garnering attention for its Cantonese cuisine, rivaling establishments in the city center. Ocean Treasure boasts 25 percent off yum cha for members on weekdays, and a signature steamed “pyramid shaped” pork belly with preserved mustard greens.
Further west, Poppie’s Brasserie at Granville Diggers offers a unique blend of pub classics and Cantonese dishes, with popular yum cha specials available at discounted prices on weekdays. In Riverwood, Jade Swan at Club Rivers is a local favorite, known for its hand-pulled salt-baked free-range chicken with jellyfish and its enthusiastic waitstaff.
Southern Sydney residents flock to Crown Dragon at St George Leagues Club in Kogarah for its efficient yum cha service and classic dim sum offerings, including siu mai and har gow. Mounties in Mount Pritchard, home to Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, is offering a notable promotion: 50 percent off all live seafood for members on weekdays. Whereas service can be inconsistent, the discounted prices on items like live mud crab and XO pipis are attracting diners.
The Cabravale Club Resort in Canley Vale, recently renovated, continues to house Horizon, a popular Cantonese restaurant known for its deep-fried seafood rolls and ham sui gok. Finally, The Dynasty at the Canterbury League Club in Belmore, a local establishment, is recognized for its salt-and-pepper whitebait and mango pancakes. Jin Yan at Castle Hill RSL is also a popular choice, known for its bustling dining room and consistently well-received egg tarts.
The Sydney Lunar Festival, running from February 14th to March 1st, will feature events across the city, including dragon boat racing at Darling Harbour and lantern displays, as confirmed by the City of Sydney and SydneyExpert.com. The Haymarket street festival on February 14th will include lion dances and a DJ on Dixon Street, alongside market stalls and street food vendors.
