Stepping off the kinetic energy of Sydney’s Haymarket and into the Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney felt like finding the neighbourhood’s cool, calm, and collected soul. I recently took a tour of the new property and settled in for a long lunch, and I immediately understood the vision: this isn’t just a hotel; it’s a fully realised community hub designed for conversation, creativity, and seriously good food.
If you’re planning a trip to Sydney or just looking for a new local favourite, here is your definitive answer to why you should be dining and staying here.
The heart of the entire venue is Talk Shop, the all-day café, bar, and lounge. Chef Yammi Cheung has anchored the menu around a brilliant philosophy: “Healthy vs Indulgent.” And we decided to dive headfirst into the indulgent side with their phenomenal slider lineup.
The Slider Showcase: Indulgence Meets Innovation
These sliders were the perfect introduction to the hotel’s modern, global approach to comfort food. Forget ordering just one—you need to try them all:
The ABB Slider: This was the standout. The Black Angus Beef patty is loaded with Smoked Bacon, creamy Avocado, and sharp American Cheese, all tied together with BBQ sauce. It’s an irresistible combination of high-end indulgence.
Korean Chicken Slider: The ideal mix of sweet and spice. The crispy chicken is coated in a Korean Sweet Chilli Sauce and balanced with a zesty slaw and pickles.
Krapow Slider: Capturing the spirit of Thai street food, this uses a Free Range Pork Patty, topped with a fried egg, crunchy slaw, Thai Basil, and Sriracha Mayo. It’s vibrant, fresh, and packs a memorable punch.
Classic Cheese Slider: The benchmark for comfort, featuring Black Angus Beef, cheddar, pickles, and caramelised onion.
Balanced Bowls, Boards, and Beyond
Even after the sliders, the tasting menu proved they master balanced eating too.
Me So Salmon: This bowl is a delicious way to eat clean. It features Miso Glazed Sustainable Tasmanian Salmon, served over soba noodles with wakame, edamame, and avocado in a light sesame dressing. It felt light but completely satisfying.
For nibbles, we loved starting with the perfectly seasoned marinated green olives and a platter featuring creamy Hunter Brie, Mortadella, and pickles served with grilled sourdough, ideal for social grazing.
The desserts are a playful nod to Haymarket’s rich Asian heritage, using Hong Kong-style egg waffles as their base. The waffle with vanilla matcha ice cream and Kit Kat was a definite winner, balancing the earthy green tea with sweet vanilla and crunch.
The food is the immediate draw, but the whole property’s vibe makes the stay worthwhile. This hotel is designed for the modern, curious traveller who wants authenticity.
The atmosphere is dominated by the incredible graphic illustrations of local Sydney artist Chris Yee, whose bold work covers the walls of Talk Shop. His art celebrates Haymarket’s street culture and history, making the space feel less like a temporary hotel and more like a permanent creative gallery where the community naturally converges. You don’t feel disconnected from the city, you feel immersed in its storytelling.
For those who value sustainable choices, the hotel impresses. The design incorporates upcycled furnishings, locally sourced produce, and strong zero-waste initiatives.
Plus, Talk Shop’s all-day approach means the hotel is highly functional: grab an early coffee (made with local Headlands beans), find a spot for remote work (the flexible seating and QR ordering are seamless), or join the locals for evening drinks (yes, their house iced teas are “spikeable” for extra fun!).
Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney
13 Parker Street, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
T: +61 2 9212 8123
