Ayu Bakehouse
New Orleans, Louisiana
Our Story
Founded in 2022 by pastry chefs Kelly Jacques and Samantha Weiss, Ayu Bakehouse is an independent bakery located on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans' Marigny neighborhood.
The two met while attending culinary school in New York City and later worked together at Breads Bakery, where they developed their experience in artisan bread and pastry production. After years of honing their craft, they reunited in New Orleans to create a bakery that would bring together traditional baking techniques, global influences, and the distinctive flavors of Louisiana.
Pronounced like "bayou," Ayu draws inspiration from Kelly's Southeast Asian heritage, Samantha's New York background, and the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans. The bakery is known for its creative pastries and breads, including its signature Boudin Boy, muffuletta breadsticks, sourdough loaves, and croissant-style king cakes.
Since opening, Ayu has earned national recognition, including being named one of Bon Appétit's most exciting bakeries in America.
Through its commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and community, Ayu Bakehouse brings a fresh perspective to New Orleans' longstanding baking traditions.
Production Practices
Ayu Bakehouse combines traditional artisan baking techniques with inventive flavors inspired by New Orleans and cuisines from around the world.
Its bakers specialize in naturally fermented sourdough breads, laminated pastries, and handcrafted baked goods. From mixing and shaping dough to layering butter into croissants and preparing fillings, the bakery emphasizes careful technique and hands-on production.
Ayu's open kitchen allows customers to see the baking process firsthand, highlighting the skill and craftsmanship behind its products.
The bakery also incorporates regional ingredients and Louisiana culinary traditions into its creations, including locally sourced boudin in its signature Boudin Boy pastry and the flavors of muffuletta in its savory breadsticks.
By combining time-honored baking methods with creative recipes and a commitment to its local community, Ayu Bakehouse offers an independent alternative to mass-produced baked goods.