If Basque burnt cheesecakes and pillowy mochi daifuku sound like your ultimate sweet treat, then there’s a new spot in Adelaide’s north east that you’re going to want to check out.
LaMala is a Japanese-style patisserie that has been winning over Adelaide dessert lovers with handcrafted sweets, seasonal flavours and a focus on fresh, low-sugar treats. After building a loyal following through its online store and popular Rundle Mall pop-up, the business has now expanded into Tea Tree Plaza, introducing even more locals to its delicate Japanese-inspired creations.
Behind the business are Melia and Joshua. They say the idea came from wanting to share a different style of dessert experience with Adelaide, inspired by Australia’s multicultural food scene and their own cultural background.
“Australia is a multicultural country, and we wanted to bring our own cake style and flavour inspiration to Adelaide to share with the local community,” shared Joshua. “We saw an opportunity to introduce something a little different while still creating desserts that feel welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.”
While Adelaide is no stranger to bakeries and dessert bars, the patisserie’s Japanese-inspired approach is what really sets it apart. They’ve got a focus on lighter flavours and lower sugar content in their desserts, which they handmake daily.
“Our desserts are 100 per cent handcrafted, and we regularly release seasonal products alongside our core menu,” shared Joshua. “We love giving customers fresh surprises throughout the year by using ingredients that suit the Australian seasons.” As for standout menu items, the team says it has to be their wildly popular Basque burnt cheesecake and soft, chewy mochi daifuku, both of which have quickly become customer favourites.
Tea Tree Plaza was chosen as the next step in the business’s expansion after the success of its Rundle Mall pop-up, with Joshua sharing that many of their online customers are already based in Adelaide’s north east.
The business now operates online, in Rundle Mall and at Tea Tree Plaza, with plans already being considered for a potential third location in the future, and Burnside Village is firmly on the radar. But growing the business hasn’t come without challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges was convincing people that low-sugar patisserie could be well received in Adelaide, and that freshly made daily desserts could be maintained consistently. We overcame this through the support and encouragement of our returning customers, whose recognition and appreciation gave us the motivation to keep going and stay committed to serving only fresh products.”
That community support has gone beyond repeat orders too, with customers regularly bringing flowers, coffee and even soup noodles as gifts for the team.
Looking ahead, the owners hope the business can become more than just a dessert destination, with long-term plans to establish a youth pastry learning centre for aspiring young bakers interested in the industry.
For now though, Adelaide dessert lovers are sure to welcome this new location and its handcrafted cheesecakes, mochi and seasonal sweet surprises with open arms.
LaMala Patisserie
Where: Tea Tree Plaza
For more information, click here.
