First International Outlet of the Beloved Bakery‑Cafe,
When a home‑grown bakery that started in a modest kitchen suddenly pops up on a bustling Singapore lane, you know something special is about to happen. On 17 March 2026 the Filipino favourite Café Mary Grace opened its very first overseas branch at 52 Tras Street – a cosy 28‑seat nook that promises the same warm hospitality the brand has been dishing out across the Philippines for three decades.
Below is our full, down‑to‑earth walk‑through of the place – from the back‑story that still smells of buttered brioche, to the menu items that make the “ordinary” feel extraordinary.
- From Kitchen Table to 140‑Branch Empire
Founder Mary Grace Dimacali (yes, that’s the name on the sign) started baking birthday cakes for her five kids in 1994. Those early fruitcakes and lemon squares soon made their way to neighbourhood bazaars, then to a tiny kiosk in 2002, and finally to the first full‑blown Café Mary Grace in 2006.
Fast‑forward to today: the chain boasts over 140 outlets across the Philippines, and the founder still hand‑picks décor pieces for each new shop. She believes every pastry, every wall, and every handwritten note under the glass tables should whisper the same “home‑cooked love” that warmed her own children’s birthdays.
Takeaway for us ordinary diners: the brand’s soul is still very much alive in its décor and service – it’s not a faceless franchise; it’s a family recipe being shared abroad.
- What You’ll Find on the Menu
The Core Classics (still the heart of the brand)
Item Price (SGD) Quick Description
Ensaymada $5.50 Light, buttery brioche crowned with a pat of butter and a dusting of aged Edam cheese.
Cheese Roll $4.30 Soft, golden roll with a creamy, slightly salty cheese centre – perfect for dipping.
Mango Bene (Petite) $14.50 Layered meringue, velvety custard, and fresh Philippine mangoes; a mini tropical fiesta.
Mary Grace Hot Chocolate $7.50 Deep, cocoa‑rich and best enjoyed paired with a cheese roll.
Singapore‑Exclusive Twists
Item Price (SGD) Why It Works Here
Salted Egg Ensaymada $6.50 The ultra‑savory salted‑egg yolk glaze adds a local‑favorite umami punch to the classic.
Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll $5.30 Combining the beloved Singaporean kaya jam with fragrant pandan and a cheesy core – a sweet‑savory bridge.
Crabcake Brioche $27.00 A brunch‑centric mash‑up: golden crab cakes perched on an ensaymada‑style bun.
Angus Beef Tapa $25.50 Marinated beef strips, rosemary‑garlicked rice, and a sunny‑side egg – a hearty Filipino‑Western plate.
Grilled Chicken Inasal Focaccia $19.50 Char‑grilled chicken in a tangy achuete‑spiced focaccia – think “Filipino BBQ meets Italian loaf.”
Side notes:
Starters – Cassava Chips with Onion Dip ($12) and White Cheese Salad with Calamansi Vinaigrette ($18) are perfect for sharing.
Beverages – Alongside classic coffees, the café serves “cloud drinks” – light, frothy concoctions that feel playful next to the richer pastries.
- A Space Made for Connecting
The 1,211 sq ft interior is deliberately intimate. Warm wood accents, stained‑glass pendant lights, and a collaborative mural (by Filipino artist Amanda Lapus Santos and Singaporean Eunice Hannah Lim) celebrate the cultural meeting point the café strives for.
A charming tradition borrowed from the Philippine stores: hand‑written notes tucked under the glass tables. You’re invited to add your own doodle or message – a tiny reminder that the café is as much about community as it is about food.
- Gift‑Ready Treats (Because You’ll Want to Take a Piece Home)
If you’re looking for a sweet souvenir, the counter offers boxed Queso de Bola Lengua Thins ($24) and Butter Lengua Thins ($21). These crisp, buttery biscuits travel well and make thoughtful gifts for friends who might not be able to visit the café in person.
- Service & Value – The Verdict
Aspect Rating (5 ★) Comments
Warmth & Hospitality ★★★★★ Staff greet you by name (if you’ve been before) and are quick to explain the menu’s Filipino nuances.
Speed of Service ★★★★☆ Breakfast rush can be a tad slow (it’s a small kitchen), but the food arrives hot and fresh.
Price Point ★★★★☆ Most pastries sit under $7, making it a casual meet‑up spot. The more elaborate brunch plates (crabcake brioche, beef tapa) feel premium but still reasonable for Singapore standards.
Cleanliness & Ambience ★★★★★ The space is spotless, the lighting is soft, and the mural adds an Instagram‑worthy backdrop.
Overall Value ★★★★★ You get authentic Filipino comfort food, a touch of Singaporean flair, and a genuine, family‑run vibe – all for a modest price. - Bottom Line – Who Should Drop By?
First‑time Filipino visitors craving a taste of home.
Singaporeans curious about Southeast Asian pastries beyond the usual kaya toast.
Brunch lovers who enjoy a hearty protein plate with a twist.
Casual coffee‑shop seekers looking for a warm, community‑focused environment.
If you’re an “ordinary patron” who values food that tells a story, Mary Grace Singapore delivers exactly that: a heartfelt slice of Manila’s bakery culture, now seasoned with local Singaporean flavors.
Final rating: 4.5 ★ / 5 – A must‑visit for anyone strolling through the Civic District, especially on a leisurely weekend morning.
Quick Reference: Opening Hours
9 am – 6 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Address: 52 Tras Street, Singapore 078991
For the latest updates (pop‑up specials, holiday menus, etc.), keep an eye on their official website or follow the brand on social media.
Happy eating!