“After several trips to Japan and China, I was inspired by the vibrant dessert and cafe 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?”
Recently, Glam Adelaide caught up with Kim Quy Thai, owner of Sweetie Zone and Chicky Chuppy, to talk about her two newest ventures set to open right next door to each other. After owning successful restaurants in the past, Kim Quy Thai wanted her next venture to switch things up a bit…. but we weren’t quite sure what to expect from this drink–dessert hybrid, which promised treats that looked like they’d come straight out of Willy Wonka’s factory.
Curious, we decided to pop our heads in to visit them following their opening – and we can confirm, that they might have found a unique little niche in Adelaide’s dessert scene
On display in the fridge was a line-up of eye-catching desserts that had us genuinely asking, “real, or cake?” The drinks, too, were something else entirely. We tried the matchamisu – an iced matcha topped with light cream, a layer of matcha tiramisu cake, and finished with a dusting of matcha. It looked almost too decadent, the kind of drink that makes you brace for an overload of sweetness. But there was no need, the team clearly know what they’re doing. The drink itself was well-balanced, not overly sweet, nor bitter, letting the matcha shine. And once the last sip was gone, you’re left with a few perfect bites of matchamisu to round it all off. A dessert and a drink in one isn’t usually my thing, but Sweetie Zone definitely get away with it.
The interior is light and airy, with thoughtful touches. A koi fish mural and paper lantern pendants create a calm, inviting atmosphere that nods to its original inspirations.
The team even took us behind the scenes to show how their signature drinks are made, and it genuinely felt like watching a performance. As each layer of the matchamisu was poured, they melted into one another, providing the kind of aesthetic eye-candy you accidentally lose an hour to at 2am on TikTok. And I won’t pretend to be a matcha expert, but judging by the vivid green colour and smooth, earthy flavour, I think it’s safe to say they’re serving the real deal.
However, if you consider yourself a bit more of a matcha connoisseur and don’t just want to take our word for it, you can check it out for yourself. Have a scroll through their Instagram here to see what all the fuss is about. Or better yet, next time you’re in Rundle Mall, pop in and experience it all for yourself.
Sweetie Zone
Where: 17 Charles St Adelaide 5000
When: 11am – 7pm Sunday – Monday, 11am – 10 pm Friday – Saturday
For more info, click here.
