Iconic Sydney Noodle House Reopens After Shock Closure Announcement
Just weeks after Sydneysiders mourned its sudden closure, the beloved Chinese Noodle House in Chinatown has announced it will reopen its doors. The restaurant, a fixture in Sydney's CBD, is set to resume operations on Sunday, February 1, 2026, under the stewardship of its original owners with significant changes.
A New Chapter with a Familiar Touch
The restaurant's founding couple, Xinjiang Sun and Susanna Chen, have reclaimed the venue they once sold over a decade ago. Having remained as landlords throughout the interim period, they are now returning to hands-on management. The revived establishment will operate under the new name Chinese Noodle House TG2.
"We're calling it Chinese Noodle House TG2," returning owner and landlord Xinjiang Sun confirmed. This rebranding serves a dual purpose: to distinguish it from similarly named eateries in Sydney and to mark a fresh start for the venue.
Expanded Space and Refreshed Interior
The couple has undertaken several physical upgrades to the modest space:
- Repainting the interior to give it a fresh look.
- Installing new tables and chairs throughout the dining area.
- Expanding into the neighbouring restaurant space, significantly increasing capacity.
These changes mean the venue can now comfortably seat approximately 40 customers, both inside and on outdoor seating.
Updated Menu Blends Classics with New Flavours
While the menu will see exciting additions, loyal patrons can rest assured that signature dishes will remain. The updated offering includes:
- Returning favourites like the braised eggplant and the restaurant's famous signature noodles.
- New culinary introductions such as wontons with Sichuan sauce, roast duck pancakes, and duck fried rice.
Background: A Decade of Change and Confusion
The story of Chinese Noodle House is one of family ties and naming confusion. Xinjiang and Susanna sold the business to their nephew, Eric Zhang, more than ten years ago but retained ownership of the property. Under Eric and his mother-in-law, Jin Hua Wang, the restaurant flourished into a Chinatown hotspot.
Its popularity was starkly evident when the closure was announced in December 2025, reportedly due to the lease not being renewed. The news prompted long queues of diners seeking a final meal and an outpouring of online grief from the foodie community.
"Farewell to an iconic Sydney institution," read one social media post. Another declared it "a dark day for humanity," while a third simply stated, "End of an era."
Adding to the narrative is the longstanding confusion with its neighbour, Chinese Noodle Restaurant, located just a few doors away in the same Prince Centre mall. Both are Northern Chinese eateries with remarkably similar names, menus, and even decorative styles—both are known for their signature hanging plastic fruit, earning the nickname 'grapes-on-the-ceiling restaurant'.
The original Chinese Noodle Restaurant was founded in 1991 by former concert musician Xiao Tang Qin. Later, in 2007, Xiao and his wife Helen Sun opened Chinese Noodle House as a spin-off. Xinjiang, Helen's nephew, worked there from the start, eventually taking over in 2008 and purchasing the site by 2010. He and Susanna ran it until the 2016 sale.
Looking Forward
Now, the couple returns to the Quay Street location, bringing with them experience from also running Newtown's Chinese Dumpling Master. From February 2026, Chinese Noodle House TG2 will be open daily for both lunch and dinner service, located at site TG2 on the ground level of the Prince Centre mall precinct.
