Spice Temple Sydney

10 Bligh Street Sydney, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2000, Sydney CBD

About

Spice Temple Sydney

Where Ancient Chinese Traditions Meet Modern Culinary Excellence

★ 4.2-4.4 Rating | 1000+ Reviews | Travelers’ Choice Award

1. Basic Business Information

Business Name: Spice Temple Sydney
Business Category: Modern Chinese Restaurant / Fine Dining / Regional Chinese Cuisine
Founder & Chef: Neil Perry AM (Founder)
Andy Evans (Executive Chef/Head Chef)
Year Established: January 2009 (15+ years in operation)

Tagline

“Descend into Sydney’s most seductive dining experience – where the fiery soul of China’s regional cuisine comes alive in an intimate underground sanctuary.”

Full Business Description

Spice Temple Sydney is more than a restaurant — it’s a transformative culinary destination that has been captivating Sydney diners for over 15 years. Located in the sub-basement of the historic Art Deco Mutual Building in Sydney’s CBD, this underground dining sanctuary offers an immersive journey through China’s lesser-known regions, celebrating the bold, aromatic flavors that define authentic regional Chinese cuisine.

Founded by acclaimed Australian chef Neil Perry AM in 2009, with Andy Evans as Executive Chef, Spice Temple charts an exciting spice trail through China’s most dynamic provinces including Sichuan, Yunnan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Xinjiang. Unlike traditional Cantonese-focused establishments, Spice Temple showcases the diverse culinary heritage of mainland China through dishes that feature heady spices, numbing Sichuan peppercorns, and an array of dried, fresh, salted, pickled, brined, and fermented chilies.

The restaurant’s philosophy centers on world-class service paired with the highest quality produce, incorporating traditional Chinese cooking techniques such as stir-frying, tea smoking, dumpling mastery, steaming, and pickling. The intimate dining room features warm, dramatic lighting, plush seating, and subtle influences from Chinese street hawker food markets, creating a seductive atmosphere that’s simultaneously elegant and relaxed.

The experience extends beyond food with expertly crafted Zodiac cocktails inspired by the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, featuring house-made infusions and premium spirits, plus one of Sydney’s most unique Baijiu selections. With a meticulously curated wine list of exactly 100 Australian and imported wines, knowledgeable sommeliers guide guests through perfect pairings.

2. Contact & Location Details

Complete Address: 10 Bligh Street
Sydney CBD, New South Wales 2000
Australia
Phone Number: (02) 8078 1888
Alternative: (02) 8099 7088
Website: tiffinservice.com.au/spice-temple-sydney/

Service Areas & Location Notes

  • Primary Location: Sydney Central Business District (CBD)
  • Unique Feature: Located in the sub-basement of the Art Deco Mutual Building
  • Nearby Landmarks: Hunter Street, Sydney CBD financial district
  • Parking: Onsite parking available
  • Service Area: Sydney CBD, with delivery and takeout options

3. Operating Hours

Day Lunch Service Dinner Service
Monday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Important Notes:

  • Peak Hours: Lunch service popular with CBD professionals; Dinner service busiest Thursday-Saturday evenings
  • Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekends
  • Special Service: Earlier dinner start times on Thursday-Saturday (5:30 PM)

4. Menu, Services & Products

Menu Philosophy

Spice Temple’s menu celebrates China’s most dynamic regions with over 50 dishes designed for banquet-style sharing. The menu features aromatic and fragrant dishes with heady spices and various preparations of chilies. Dishes marked in red font indicate the hottest, spiciest options featuring Sichuan peppercorns.

Featured Regional Specialties

🔥 Signature Dishes & Popular Items

  • Raw Yellowfin Tuna – Buttery ruby-red tuna with sweet caramelized chili-spiked orange oil
  • Fish Drowned in Heaven Facing Chilies – Leatherjacket Sichuan style
  • Beef in Fire Water – Wagyu beef strips in chili broth with Sichuan peppercorn
  • Three Shot Chicken – Prepared with beer, chili, and soy
  • Kung Pao Chicken – Classic Sichuan preparation
  • Hot and Numbing Crispy Duck – Features Sichuan peppercorns
  • Lamb and Cumin Pancake – Frisbee-sized pancake with crisp pastry and aromatic spice

Dumplings & Wontons

  • Lamb and Prawn Wontons – Served with black vinegar and chili
  • Lucky Money Dumplings – Traditional preparation
  • Delicate Dumplings – Various fillings available

Seafood

  • Whole Fish – Choice of preparations: Four chillies, XO sauce, Ginger & shallot
  • Tingling Prawns – With Sichuan peppercorns

Pork, Lamb & Beef

  • Guangxi Style Roast Pork Belly
  • Stir-Fried Wagyu Brisket – With chili paste
  • Stir-Fried Beef with Green Chilli

Noodles & Rice

  • Crunchy Chow Mein – With fiery pork-mince sauce
  • Fried Rice – Featuring smoked bacon and peas

Beverage Program

🍸 Zodiac Cocktails

  • Sichuan Negroni – Sichuan pepper, spiced Campari, dry gin ($26)
  • Yunan Old Fashioned – Smoked whisky, Chinese five spice ($29)
  • Guangxi Punch – Coconut & pandan rum, cherry liqueur ($29)
  • Hunan Margarita – Jalapeño infused mezcal ($26)

🍷 Wine List

Exactly 100 handpicked Australian and imported wines selected to complement regional Chinese flavors. Wine pairings available with banquet menus.

Baijiu & Traditional Chinese Spirits

One of Sydney’s most unique Baijiu selections – centuries-old Chinese spirit.

Banquet Options

Premium Banquet Menu: Comprehensive tasting experience featuring multiple courses. Wine pairing highly recommended. Generous portions – excellent value for groups.

Standard Banquet Menu: Curated selection of regional specialties designed for sharing.

5. Reviews & Ratings

TripAdvisor Rating:
★★★★☆ 4.2/5
1,090+ reviews
Ranked #88 of 4,583 restaurants
Travelers’ Choice Award
OpenTable Rating:
★★★★☆ 4.4/5
469+ diner reviews
Restaurant Guru:
★★★★☆ 4.2/5
3,751 reviews
Google Reviews:
★★★★☆ 4.3/5
Based on user feedback

Featured Customer Testimonials

“Simply a lovely dining experience. The ambience was good, the food great, the service from our waitress was exceptional. We have travelled the world and rate her skills and manner at the top of the list.”
— TripAdvisor Reviewer
“Absolutely fantastic experience! The food was bursting with bold, authentic flavours and every dish was perfectly cooked. The atmosphere was elegant yet relaxed, and the staff were attentive and knowledgeable.”
— Restaurant Guru Reviewer
“3rd visit to Spice Temple and again the food, service and ambiance were 100%. We had the Premium banquet which was worth every $. The waiters explained each course and were very attentive.”
— TripAdvisor Repeat Customer

6. Social Media & Online Presence

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook: facebook.com/spicetemplesydney
Instagram: @spice.temple
YouTube: Spice Temple Channel

Media Mentions & Features

  • Broadsheet Sydney: “Descend To Spice Temple, a Luxe Chinese Restaurant in Sydney’s CBD”
  • Time Out Sydney: “Sydney’s subterranean diner Spice Temple is still hot as hell”
  • Gourmet Traveller: Restaurant Guide listing and review
  • Sydney.com: Official travel destination listing

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a reservation?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekends. Book via SevenRooms or call (02) 8078 1888.
Q: How spicy is the food?
Spice Temple specializes in bold, spicy regional Chinese cuisine. The hottest dishes are marked in red on the menu. Spice levels can be adjusted upon request.
Q: Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Inform the restaurant of dietary restrictions when booking.
Q: What’s the dress code?
Casual dressy or smart casual. The restaurant has an upscale atmosphere. Business attire is common during lunch.
Q: How much should I budget?
Expect $80-150+ per person for dinner depending on drinks and dishes. The Premium Banquet offers good value for groups.
Q: What are the must-try dishes?
Raw Yellowfin Tuna, Beef in Fire Water, Lamb and Cumin Pancake, Fish Drowned in Heaven Facing Chilies, and the Zodiac cocktails.
Q: Is it good for groups?
Absolutely! Designed for banquet-style sharing. Private dining rooms available: 12-seater intimate room and 50-guest Eastern Room.
Q: Where is the entrance?
10 Bligh Street in Sydney’s CBD. The restaurant is in the sub-basement of the Art Deco Mutual Building. Look for signage near Hunter Street intersection.
Q: Do they offer takeout or delivery?
Yes, both takeout and delivery are available. Contact (02) 8078 1888 for details.
Q: What makes Spice Temple different?
Focuses on lesser-known regional Chinese cuisine from Sichuan, Yunnan, Hunan, rather than mainstream Cantonese. Founded by Neil Perry with 100 wines, unique Zodiac cocktails, and intimate underground fine dining atmosphere.

📍 10 Bligh Street Sydney, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2000, Sydney CBD

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