Cheap Eats: Providore, SA

They have a two-metre Belgian chocolate fountain. We repeat: they have a two-metre Belgian chocolate fountain. This is not a drill.

This review and its photos comes from this week's winner of our 'Cheap Eats for $20' challenge. If you'd like to win a $20 Eat Now voucher, send us a review and some snaps of your favourite affordable eatery!

With so many restaurants and eateries around the cities of Australia, it's hard to choose one to indulge at.

Whilst fresh produce, creamy cheeses and gourmet delights are at the forefront of the Adelaide Central Markets’ focus, it is not to be overlooked for decadent desserts and baked goods. With thousands of customers parting with their hard-earned cash each year at this venue, one stall in particular goes above and beyond in providing amazing food: Providore.

Situated in Adelaide, Providore is an amazing urban-style patisserie. Owners Ian Behrndt and Mark Gleeson have run the site since 1991, with the simple mission of providing South Australians with the highest quality gourmet treats available. Their stall is adorned with more than just fluffy, light cakes, phenomenal gateaux and spectacular chocolate truffles. Providore also offers a variety of rich cheesecakes, superb slices and a beautiful selection of quality seasonal specialties. Oh, and did I mention the two-metre Belgian chocolate fountain?

When I dine at Providore, I always go for a giant vanilla slice (pictured above), as well as chocolate-coated waffles. (Don’t tell anyone about my secret stash of their signature Belgian Chocolate Crackles.) Whilst definitely not for the calorie counter, it certainly is one for the tastebuds.

It’s obvious by now I love indulging in high quality produce made by hard working locals. When dining besides the beautiful patisserie, it’s also very easily established that the people of Adelaide feel the same way. The sheer amount of customers snaking their way through several rows of market stalls to catch a bite of the luscious products is a key reminder of just how in-demand this type of food really is.

For just $3.50, you are able to purchase a range of Providore's delightful desserts. From their decadent, gooey Rocky Road to their signature Belgian Chocolate Crackles, or enormous chocolate freckles to their nutty meringues, the stall's food really does cater for everyone. I chose a freshly-ground, rich and creamy coffee to accompany my delicious dessert, which also holds a price tag of under $4. If you're more of a savoury person, why not try their phenomenal Belgian waffles (chocolate fountain and berry topping optional) for under $5? At Providore, even the most complete post-dinner meal costs less than $10, which is something I know would make a lot of students happy (myself included).

Unlike a lot of other eateries, I haven’t come across a delicacy of theirs I haven't enjoyed. I would definitely recommend it to anyone (they serve the cutest baby cakes for the kids). It is honestly my favourite place to dine in Adelaide, and I will definitely be returning, but you already knew that.

Food: 5/5

Ambience: 5/5

Service: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Thanks to Jack for submitting this 'Cheap Eats for $20' review. Jack receives a $20 Eat Now voucher for his submission. For your chance to win, submit your 'Cheap Eats for $20' review here.