The Golden Century is where we go in a huge group, without a reservation, any time from midnight through 4am. Delicious Chinese food, speedy service, decent bill.
Crabs and perch swim in the tank. It’s late (very late). The noise is incredible. The staff seem to run on castors. Where are you? Well, no matter what condition your condition is in, you have to be at the famous Golden Century in Sydney’s Chinatown (minutes from the city centre)- and it has to be your first choice. Nowhere else will do in Sydney at this hour. Especially if there are three or more of you, and there’s a budget consideration.
This place picked up One Chef’s Hat in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide for 2011 for lots of reasons. We think consistency is one of them. It’s utterly dependable; always delicious.
Try the Congee, even if you’re new to it. It’s porridge, but not as you knew it when your parents made it. Delicious and bargainista. Then – Share the Salt and Pepper Squid for the first course and try to prepare yourself for the splendours to come.
This is a fantastic place to book a private room for a bon voyage party or a birthday. It’s open from 12 noon too, so if you feel like lunch (instead of the 3.30am bleary-eyed descent) then that’s fine.
Free-range chicken, steamed scallops, outstanding wine. What’s not to love?
It seats 600 people hence the noise and lack of caring, sharing, touchy-feely service – but if you go at peak times you may also have to stand in line. Popularity costs! We recommend trying to eat around the obvious hours. And yes, 3.30am is good. Do not expect ambience, intimacy, flattering lighting or a wealth of luxe ladies’ lavatories. Do expect sensational Chinese food, served as late as you want it. And a bill everyone is truly happy to share.
It’s musician-friendly so we’ve heard Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson came by here. Strangely, despite the crabs in the tank, it’s also vegetarian-friendly. Something for everyone.
The Golden Century, 393 Sussex Street, Haymarket, Sydney
Nearest Train Stations: Central or Town Hall
Website: www.goldencentury.com.au
