There is something different about a loaf of sourdough that has been given time.
The flavour is deeper. The crust has more character. The crumb has that satisfying balance between soft and chewy. And unlike bread made for convenience, naturally fermented sourdough is not something that can simply be rushed.
At The Starter Cafe, every loaf is naturally fermented for over 24 hours and handcrafted in limited batches. That is also why our sourdough is available mainly through pre-order.
But what does that mean for you as a customer?
Good sourdough starts with time
Sourdough is made using a natural fermentation process involving a sourdough starter, flour, water and time.
Rather than relying on a quick rise, the dough is allowed to ferment slowly. This gives the dough time to develop its flavour, aroma and texture.
That extra time is one of the reasons sourdough can taste so different from everyday bread.
And because fermentation takes time, our baking process needs to be planned too.
Why we recommend ordering ahead
Our sourdough is baked in limited batches each day.
When you order ahead, you are not simply reserving a loaf. You are choosing the flavour you want and planning when you would like to enjoy it.
It also means you do not need to make a trip to the cafe only to find that your preferred loaf has already sold out.
For the best chance of getting your preferred flavour and collection or delivery date, we recommend placing your order at least 7 days in advance.
Which sourdough should you try?
If you are new to sourdough, starting with a classic loaf is a good way to understand what naturally fermented bread is all about.
Our range also includes different flavours and styles, so there is something for different preferences.
You might prefer a simple Country loaf for everyday breakfasts and sandwiches.
Or perhaps you enjoy something more distinctive, such as Rye, Extra Sour or one of our topping loaves.
There is no right or wrong choice. It really comes down to how you like your bread.
Whole loaf or sliced?
This is another small decision that can make your order more convenient.
Choose a whole loaf if you enjoy slicing your bread fresh at home or want more flexibility in how you serve it.
Prefer convenience? Our sliced option makes it easier to enjoy your sourdough straight from the bag.
Think about how you normally eat bread, then choose the format that fits your routine.
A better way to plan your next loaf
We created our online ordering experience to make this part simple.
Instead of having to message us, check availability and arrange your order manually, you can browse the available sourdoughs, choose your preferred option and select your collection or delivery details online.
It is especially useful if you already know you want sourdough for the weekend, a family breakfast, a gathering or simply to keep a good loaf at home.
A little planning means you can enjoy the loaf you actually want, when you want it.
Your next loaf can start here
Take a look at the current sourdough selection, discover the different flavours and choose the one that fits your table.