Chefs’ Warehouse, in the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills, is one of my favourite places to shop in the whole world. Last time I was there, they kindly let me take photos to share with you.
They’re only open Monday to Friday, and if you live in Sydney and you’ve never been there, take a half-day off work and go. Make sure you take plenty of money with you, because you’ll need it!
This is Sydney’s premier hotel, restaurant and catering supplier, and the cheapest source I’ve ever found for Callebaut Belgian chocolate. It’s available in 5kg blocks, or in callets (choc chips) in 2.5kg or 10kg bags (they’re the huge sacks on the bottom shelf).
My friend Dot insists that this is the best vanilla extract in the universe. As we make our own, I’ve never tried it…
…but I can vouch for their vanilla beans, which are always plump, juicy and ridiculously cheap when bought in bulk. 500g gives you well over 100 vanilla beans, making them less than 75c each. I bought a packet last year and gave half to Maude for her birthday.
There is a wonderful assortment of unusual food items (on this visit I found French hazelnut oil)…
…and more bakeware than you can poke a stick at.
All the best cookbooks are there, at great prices…
…as are top of the line kitchen machines. This is just a small sample; there are also slicers, icecream makers, pasta machines, sauce makers and much more.
Up high, an array of copper pots and pans glow…
…contrasted by this large selection of black paella pans and burners.
As well as the hazelnut oil, I came home with a Spanish terracotta plate (see the photo at the very top), some Australian sea salt and a tub of fabulous fondant patissier from France. Can you see why it’s one of my all-time favourite places to shop?
PS. Don’t be put off by the “Trade Only” sign at the front door. They do sell to the public, but trade get an additional discount.
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Chefs’ Warehouse
111-115 Albion St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
(02) 9211 4555
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 