Restaurant Guide

Spice Temple: Restaurant review

The discreet entry belies the popularity of this Suzie Wong inspired-China diner, which continues to attract a suited CBD lunching clientele.

Address

10 Bligh St
Sydney, NSW

Hours

Lunch Mon-Fri noon-3pm
Dinner Mon-Wed 6pm-10.30pm, Thu-Fri 6pm-11pm, Sat 5.30pm-11pm, Sun 6pm-10pm

Prices

E $18-$39
M $39-$55
D $17-$21
Banquet menus $59-$99

Several Chinese provinces can be found down this darkened stairwell in Sydney's CBD: Sichuan, Yunnan, Hunan and Shaanxi among them. In the bar, a suited lunch crowd tuck into bowls of crunchy chow mein, its accompanying fiery pork-mince sauce poured on cue. Whatever time, whatever table, the lamb pancake, a Spice Temple stalwart for a decade, is heady with cumin and ginger, the bubbly dough pan-fried Emperor golden. If "fire water" and "hot and numbing" aren't enough of a clue, or staff are lost in the dark corners of the dining room, a large part of the menu (the hottest part) is written in red font. But don't sweat it. Sweet relief is never far with the likes of abalone mushrooms in a garlicky broth, or one of the neat 100 wines. The fried rice, refreshingly, plays with smoke rather than fire, and makes heroes of smoked bacon and peas. Another wine, or another cinnamon-dusted spring roll filled with velvety duck-egg custard? It might be dark, it might be pricey, but this is Chinese worthy of the spotlight. Thankfully, each table has its own.
Phone:
(02) 8099 7088
Bookings:
Bookings recommended
Features:
  • Licensed
  • Bar
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Wheelchair access
  • Private room
Accepted card types:
  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Eftpos
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
Chef(s):
Andy Evans & Neil Perry
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide's reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.