Some supermarkets sell groceries. Pasadena Foodland, part of the Adelaide’s Finest Supermarkets group, sells an experience. On a recent Saturday morning, we joined their monthly food tour and discovered just how much there is to learn, taste and appreciate when you slow down and let the experts guide you through.
The tour runs for several hours, winding through the store’s specialist departments with tastings, demonstrations and conversations with the people who know their craft. It is part education, part indulgence, and entirely worth putting in your diary.
Flowers and spices set the tone
We began at the flower bar, where seasonal blooms were laid out in all their colour and texture. The team shared tips on extending the life of cut flowers, the kind of practical knowledge that transforms a bunch of stems into a fortnight of beauty on your kitchen table.
From there, we moved to the spice section for an introduction to the Blue Zone philosophy, exploring spices known for their health benefits in longevity cultures around the world. We sampled a fragrant tea and spiced almonds, easing us gently into what lay ahead.
Croissants, coffee and the art of pastry
The patisserie stop was a highlight. Pasadena Foodland’s pastry chef, an award-winning craftsman, walked us through the fine art of croissant making. This was not a demonstration to observe from a distance. We rolled up our sleeves, took the dough in hand, and learned the technique for ourselves. There is something deeply satisfying about shaping laminated dough, knowing the layers of butter will puff into golden, flaky perfection.
The coffee area followed, with three varieties to taste alongside the patisserie’s finest offerings. The pairing of a well-pulled espresso with a buttery pastry is a simple pleasure, elevated here by the quality of both.
From paddock to plate
The fruit and vegetable section offered more than a display of produce. The team explained their sourcing relationships with local growers and introduced us to rare and seasonal fruits, each one sampled and discussed. It is the kind of behind-the-scenes access that changes how you shop, knowing where your food comes from and who grew it.
At the salumi bar, we were handed the controls. Using their professional slicer, we shaved truffle prosciutto paper-thin and paired it with a curated cheese and cracker selection. A glass of wine accompanied this stop, as it should.
Bread, oysters and bubbles
The bakery section brought another hands-on moment. The bakers demonstrated their sourdough technique, then guided us through kneading and shaping our own loaves. There is a rhythm to working dough that feels almost meditative, and the smell of that bakery alone was worth the visit.
The seafood section took the morning to another level. With a glass of sparkling wine in hand, we tasted freshly shucked oysters while learning about the South Australian fisheries that supply the store. The connection between sea and counter has never felt closer.
A three-course finish
The tour concluded with a three-course lunch that drew on everything we had seen and tasted throughout the morning. Each dish was beautifully prepared, and by that point we had earned it.
This is a food tour that respects both the produce and the people who want to learn about it. It would make an exceptional gift for someone who appreciates good food, or simply a morning well spent with friends who share your tastes.
The food tours run monthly from the Pasadena Foodland location. Check here for upcoming tours: adelaidesfinest.com.au. We highly recommend attending!
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