The popular Filipino bakery-cafe chain, Mary Grace, has opened its first international outlet in Singapore. Located in Tras Street the new 28-seater cafe will serve its signature Ensaymadas and Cheese Rolls, alongside traditional Filipino comfort food. There will also be Singapore-exclusive creations, such as Salted Egg Ensaymada and a Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll.
From a Home Kitchen to a Regional Brand
Founded by Mary Grace Dimacali in 1994, the brand began as a small home-based business. Mrs Dimacali originally baked birthday cakes and treats like fruitcakes and lemon squares for her five children. These handmade bakes eventually reached local bazaars and markets.
The business grew into a physical bakery kiosk in 2002. Four years later, the first Café Mary Grace opened in 2006. Today, the chain operates over 140 branches across the Philippines.
The founder continues to play a hands-on role in the business. She personally selects and arranges the decor for every new cafe. “Every pastry, every dish, every corner of the café carries the warmth and care we’ve shared with our guests in the Philippines for decades,” Mrs Dimacali said.
Menu Highlights and Local Exclusives
The Singapore menu will feature the brand’s signature pastries alongside items created specifically for the local market.
Signature Pastries
- Mary Grace Ensaymada ($5.50): A light brioche topped with butter and aged Edam cheese.
- Cheese Rolls ($4.30): Soft, golden rolls with a creamy cheese centre.
- Mango Bene ($14.50 for petite): A dessert featuring layers of crisp meringue, custard cream, and fresh mangoes.
Singapore-Exclusive Items
The cafe has developed three unique items for its Tras Street branch:
- Salted Egg Ensaymada ($6.50): A local twist on the traditional Filipino brioche.
- Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll ($5.30): This roll incorporates familiar Southeast Asian flavours.
- Crabcake Brioche ($27): A brunch dish featuring golden crab cakes on ensaymada brioche dough.
Hearty Mains and Savoury Sides
The cafe also serves traditional Filipino comfort food. Diners can order the Angus Beef Tapa ($25.50), which consists of savoury beef slices served with rosemary or garlic rice and eggs. Another option is the Grilled Chicken Inasal Focaccia ($19.50), marinated in a tangy achuete-spiced blend.
For starters, the menu includes Cassava Chips with Onion Dip ($12) and a White Cheese Salad with Calamansi Vinaigrette ($18).
The beverage menu features several pairings designed to complement the bakery’s signature snacks. A highlight is the Mary Grace Hot Chocolate ($7.50), which is described as rich and deeply satisfying, often paired with the cafe’s cheese rolls. Patrons can also choose from a variety of aromatic coffees and a selection of “cloud drinks,” which provide a lighter, more playful option to accompany their meal.
A Space Designed for Connection
The 1,211-square-foot space on Tras Street aims to recreate the intimate atmosphere of the Philippine branches. It features stained-glass pendant lights and warm wood accents.
A notable feature of the interior is a collaborative mural by Filipino artist Amanda Lapus Santos and Singaporean artist Eunice Hannah Lim. The artwork symbolises the meeting of the two cultures.
Following a tradition from its home country, the Singapore outlet includes photographs and handwritten notes tucked beneath the glass table tops. Guests can leave their own messages during their visit.
For those looking for gifts, the cafe sells boxed versions of its signature bakes. These include Queso de Bola Lengua Thins ($24) and Butter Lengua Thins ($21), which are thin, crisp biscuits.
Mary Grace Singapore
52 Tras Street, Singapore 078991
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Closed on Mondays
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