Zelda Bakery: Kosher Sourdough with Soul
When Maaryasha Werdiger received a sourdough starter as a gift in Jerusalem, she didnβt know it would change her life. A licensed physiotherapist by trade, Werdiger is now the unlikely founder of Zelda Bakery, a fully kosher micro-bakery in Ripponlea that draws crowds and sells out within hours.
A Starter, A Story, A Community
Her sourdough journey began during maternity leave in 2011. With a newborn in tow, Werdiger spent late nights perfecting her loafβreturning to Australia with a rare find: a great kosher sourdough. Encouraged by friends, she began hosting workshops and baking to order from her Elsternwick home. Over time, her kitchen turned into a micro-bakeryβand eventually, she outgrew the space. In 2021, Zelda Bakery opened its doors on Glen Eira Road, offering kosher bread and pastries made with care, tradition, and a deep sense of purpose.
A Changing Menu, Always Fresh
The offering rotates, but some staples remain: crusty sourdough loaves, thick sesame rings, fluffy focaccia, rich chocolate babka, and soft, braided challah. Look out for Portuguese tarts, fruit danishes, croissants, and her signature βsourdoughnutsβ too.
Strictly Kosher, Deeply Personal
Everything at Zelda is strictly kosher: dairy and non-dairy are prepared separately, ingredients are certified, and the dough is blessed after mixing. The bakery closes on Shabbat, in keeping with Jewish tradition. More than just bread, Zelda Bakery is a story of faith, resilience, and communityβhand-shaped, slow-fermented, and baked to share.
A sourdough micro-bakery by beloved baker Maaryasha Werdiger, whoβs drawing loyal crowds with her sourdough loaves, fluffy focaccia, intricately braided challah, and swirled chocolate babka.