Customers have been flocking to the Chinese Noodle House in Haymarket, Sydney, renowned for its hand-pulled noodles and casual outdoor seating, as the beloved establishment prepares to close its doors on December 12. The closure marks the end of an era, but it also heralds the beginning of a new chapter, with plans for two identically named diners set to emerge from the original’s ashes.
The landlords, who managed the eatery until 2016, intend to reclaim the Thomas Street venue and open a new restaurant under the same name, Chinese Noodle House. Meanwhile, the current tenant owners are determined to reopen nearby, also retaining the iconic name. This unusual situation is likely to cause some confusion among patrons, yet it is not entirely unprecedented for the brand.
The Legacy of the Chinese Noodle House
The Chinese Noodle House has long shared its culinary identity with its neighbor, the Chinese Noodle Restaurant, with both establishments offering similar menus and decor, complete with the signature plastic grape decorations. This shared heritage traces back to former restaurateur Xiaotang Qin, whose various “Chinese Noodle” locations across Sydney are now operated by his family and former staff.
Eric Zhang, a member of the tenant family, expressed regret over leaving the location they have rented for a decade but remains optimistic about continuing their business elsewhere. “We make the business boom, go up and up … we’re working so hard,” Zhang stated. “All our customers are standing behind us, they said they’re going to come back and they always support us … We’re very touched.”
Behind the Scenes: Disputes and Decisions
Tina Wang, Zhang’s mother-in-law and a former employee of the Chinese Noodle Restaurant, acquired the business in 2016, securing a ten-year lease from John Sun. However, disputes over rent and deteriorating relationships have led to the current situation, with Sun and his wife, Susanna Chen, opting to return to the premises with their original kitchen team and menu. “We built this restaurant, we do everything, the menu, everything, from the beginning,” Chen explained. “We already built a business, a very good foundation.”
Chunfeng Zhang, owner of a nearby restaurant, commented on the landlords’ ultimate control over the decision, stating, “The tenant has no decision-making power. That is an unchangeable fact.” Despite the business rivalry, there is a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia among the local restaurateurs.
Community Reactions and Future Prospects
The announcement of the closure has sparked a surge in customer visits, not only to the Chinese Noodle House but also to the Chinese Noodle Restaurant. Andy Dong Lin, a dumpling shop owner and former colleague of Wang, expressed his sadness over the closure. “I knew them since I was a student, they are very nice people,” he said.
Elvis Kernaghan, a loyal customer from the Gold Coast, was initially devastated by the news, believing his favorite “greatest restaurant in Australia” was closing.
“It’s a highlight of every year – I have to come minimum 1,000 kilometres, sometimes 3,000,” he shared. “My dad was coming here before I was born … I was very sad last night when I saw the news …”
His relief came when he realized it was the Chinese Noodle House, not the Chinese Noodle Restaurant, that was closing.
Regular patron Fiona, who works at the ABC, vowed to remain loyal to the original business. “That’s terrible, it’s not the same,” she said of the impending replacement. “There’s a real allegiance, you’re either a Chinese Noodle Restaurant or a Chinese Noodle House person.”
As the dust settles, the future of Sydney’s noodle scene remains uncertain. The emergence of two competing Chinese Noodle Houses may lead to a culinary rivalry that could redefine the local dining landscape. For now, loyal customers and curious newcomers alike will be watching closely as the story unfolds.
