The iconic grapes hanging from the ceiling are back, and so are the original owners of one of Chinatown's most beloved noodle houses.
Chinese Noodle House TG2 has reopened at TG2/8 Quay Street in Haymarket, marking the triumphant return of husband-and-wife restaurateurs Xinjiang Sun and Susanna Chen—a decade after they sold the business while remaining landlords of the site.
"We're calling it Chinese Noodle House TG2," Chen explained, noting the shop number has been added to distinguish it from similarly named venues across Sydney. "TG2 is the shop number, which we've added to the name."
The modest Thomas Street eatery closed its doors in late 2025 under previous operators, prompting an outpouring of grief from devoted fans. "If the world is against Chinese Noodle House, then I am against the world," wrote one Instagram user at the time. Long queues formed for final visits to the restaurant that had become synonymous with authentic handmade noodles.
But the closure proved temporary. When the lease came up for renewal, Chen and her husband—who also run Newtown's popular Chinese Dumpling Master—decided it was time to return to their culinary roots.
The couple has spruced up the interior with fresh paint and expanded into the neighbouring space, increasing capacity to around 40 seats. Most importantly, those signature plastic grapes—a traditional indicator of owners from North-West China—are once again adorning the ceiling.
Menu favourites including the legendary braised eggplant and signature noodles with "fragrant spicy sauce" are returning, alongside exciting new additions: wontons with Sichuan sauce, roast duck pancakes, and duck fried rice.
The reopening comes at a pivotal moment for Chinatown, which is undergoing a $44 million revitalisation project. Despite the departure of stalwarts like Marigold and Golden Century in recent years, Chen remains optimistic.
"It's quite different now," she acknowledged. "But we're excited to be back and serving our community again."
Chinese Noodle House TG2 is open for lunch and dinner daily.