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Strolling down Rundle Mall recently, I spotted someone clutching what looked like half a tiramisu cake submerged straight into their coffee. What a tragedy, I thought – there goes their cake and their coffee. I’d have been devastated.
Turns out, that’s exactly how they ordered it.
A new wave of inventive cafés is blurring the line between what you sip and what you savour, dreaming up desserts that are as eye-catching as they are indulgent. The newest arrival on this scene is Sweetie Zone, opening in Rundle Mall on April 18th.
Ahead of launch, the team gave us a sneak peek at what to expect from their dessert-and-drinks concept, and how it all started with a few trips abroad.
“I previously owned a restaurant that had been running well, but after several trips to Japan and China, I was inspired by the vibrant dessert and café culture there. The level of creativity, presentation, and quality really stood out to me — and it made me think, why not bring something similar to Adelaide?”
If you’ve ever disappeared into a TikTok rabbit hole of jaw-dropping desserts and caught yourself asking, “Wait, is that dessert even real?” then you already know the kind of over-the-top treats Sweetie Zone is all about.
The centrepiece of the menu is a premium five-flavour cake collection, crafted for gifting, celebrations, and events.
“Each cake features refined design elements such as smooth textures, mirror glaze finishes, and sculpted forms. The collection includes Matcha Misu, Premium Chocolate, Oolong Lychee, Classic Tiramisu — and a Secret Flavour, revealed only when customers open the box.”
The craft behind these cakes hasn’t happened overnight. With years of experience combined, the Sweetie Zone team is well-versed in conjuring up sweet treats that look like something straight out of a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie.
“Our team has developed through hands-on experience and continuous refinement, with a focus on both technique and presentation.”
To wash it all down, they’ve carefeully planned out a drinks menu to match
“We offer tea, matcha, coffee, and frappé-style drinks to complement the desserts. Matcha pairs well with lighter cakes, while coffee pairs nicely with chocolate and tiramisu flavours.”
Not a sweet tooth? The team has thought of you too. Opening alongside Sweetie Zone, they are opening up an adjacent store named Chicky Chuppy – a Korean fried chicken restaurant built around fresh, daily-prepared chicken at prices that won’t sting.
“Chicky Chuppy was created with the idea of bringing Korean-style fried chicken to Adelaide using 100 per cent fresh chicken prepared daily. We noticed a large community of students and workers in the area, and with the rising cost of living, we wanted to create a place where people can enjoy good food at an affordable, student-friendly price.”
Sweet or savoury, it looks like Rundle Mall’s newest corner is set to cover all bases. Both Sweetie Zone and Chicky Chuppy open April 18th.
Sweetie Zone
Where: 17 Charles St Adelaide 5000
When: Opening April 18th
For more info, click here.
