25 Spices at Market City Introduces New Pay-by-Weight Hunan Lunch Concept
Sydney Times FOOD Guide Publicity article/Posted Monday 13 April,2026
SYDNEY – 13 APRIL, 2026 – 25 Spices at Market City is bringing a new fast-casual dining format to Sydney, introducing a pay-by-weight buffet-style Hunan lunch menu and offering diners a flexible new way to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine.
“Located on the ground floor of Market City in Haymarket, 25 Spices is now serving a weekday lunch experience inspired by the popular “build your plate, pay by weight” format widely embraced across Asia, where customers select from a rotating spread of freshly prepared dishes and pay $2.99 per 100 grams.” (Pictured above )
Available Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 4:00pm, the lunch offering features approximately 13 authentic Hunan dishes daily, spanning meat, seafood and vegetarian options, with both spicy and non-spicy selections. Popular dishes include pork with long green chilli, beef with pickled chilli, and shrimp with crispy
chilli.
25 Spices Chef and Founder Vincent Wei, the chef behind cult-fave Newtown spot Pappa’s Stew, says the concept responds to changing weekday dining habits and growing demand for quality meals delivered quickly.
“We’ve seen a clear shift in how people are dining during the week — there’s a strong demand forsomething that is both high-quality and efficient. This format allows us to showcase authentic Hunan flavours in a way that suits the pace of the lunch crowd, without compromising on variety or experience,”said Vincent Wei.
“This is quite different from a traditional buffet. Everything is prepared fresh daily, and instead of an all-you-can-eat model, it’s about choice and quality — customers build their own plate and pay by weight. It’s a very common format across Asia, but still relatively new in Sydney, particularly for a cuisine like Hunan.”
The new format allows customers to try multiple dishes in one meal, discover new flavours, and tailor portions to suit appetite and budget, with no waiting to order.
“Lunch can often feel rushed or limited in options. We’re removing that friction — there’s no waiting to order, no compromise on variety, and no pressure to commit to just one dish. It’s designed to be quick, but still satisfying and full of flavour,” Wei added.
The new offering further strengthens Market City’s reputation as one of Sydney’s leading food and market precincts, with 25 Spices joining over 80 restaurants and retailers at Market City.
“At Market City, we’re always looking to bring new and relevant food experiences to our visitors,” says Ray Khoury, centre manager at Market City. “25 Spices’ new pay-by-weight lunch format offers something distinctive for the precinct – authentic Hunan flavours delivered in a way that is fast, flexible and of great value.”
WHAT: 25 Spices pay-by-weight buffet-style Hunan lunch
WHERE: Ground floor, Shop 1B 9-13 Hay Street Haymarket NSW
WHEN: Monday to Friday, 11:30am – 4:00pm
PRICE: $2.99 per 100g
Follow Market City:
Website: https://www.marketcity.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketcity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketcity/
About Market City:
Market City is home to both Paddy’s Markets and the new Hay St Market. Located in the heart of Chinatown, Market City is one of Sydney’s most iconic urban destinations—offering an energetic mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, just minutes from Central Station. Market City brings together over 80 retailers including TK Maxx, Adidas, Cotton On Mega, Foot Locker, Bonds, and Thai Kee IGA—Chinatown’s largest Asian supermarket—alongside the beloved Paddy’s Markets and Hay St Markets. On Level 3, discover the 1909 Dining Precinct, serving up some of the city’s best Asian cuisine in a fully licensed setting. Favourites include The Eight Restaurant, The Dollar Shop Hot Pot, Mr Meng, FuJi Chaoshan Seafood, and Kogi Korean BBQ, with late-night entertainment at MM Karaoke and Timezone. With something new to discover on every visit, Market City offers a uniquely Sydney experience—making it a must-visit for locals and travellers alike
