Famous Filipino Bakery-Cafe Mary Grace To Open In Tanjong Pagar—Here’s A First Look

Cafe Mary Grace is opening in Singapore on 13 March

Great news for Filipinos craving a taste of home: right on the heels of Shawarma Shack’s debut in Singapore comes Cafe Mary Grace, a popular bakery cafe slated to open along Tras Street on 13 March 2026. This Tanjong Pagar cafe marks the brand’s first international outlet!

For the uninitiated, the brand started as a small bakery in 2002, with the first cafe opening in 2006. They currently have over 140 outlets and kiosks in the Philippines. They first launched in Singapore with their Batch #001 pop-up that took place from 11 to 13 September 2025, which sold out quickly thanks to overwhelming demand. 

We had the privilege of visiting the new cafe before it officially opened—read on for our honest review!

Food at Cafe Mary Grace

Much of Cafe Mary Grace’s appeal lies in its pastries, which have earned the brand a loyal following in the Philippines. Fans will be happy to know that the iconic Mary Grace Ensaymada ($5.50++), the cafe’s signature cheese bread, is available here.

I first tried Mary Grace’s ensaymada last year while visiting Manila, and it completely won me over. The Singapore version features a pillowy brioche slathered with butter and topped with a generous layer of aged Edam cheese imported from Holland.

While the bakes are prepared in a central kitchen using the same recipe and ingredients, I noticed a few differences. The local version was slightly larger and noticeably less sugary than the bun I had in the Philippines. I suspect that the recipe has been tweaked slightly to better suit local tastes, especially since many Singaporeans tend to prefer desserts that are less sweet.

It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but I preferred the OG Filipino version as I found it more shiok.

For something richer, try the Salted Egg Ensaymada ($6.50++), a Singapore-exclusive flavour. Think liu sha bao, but in cheese bread form.

Another crowd favourite is the Mary Grace Cheese Rolls ($4.30++). These soft, rectangular buns hide a smooth, creamy cheese filling and are best enjoyed warm.

My Filipino colleague preferred the one in the Philippines, as he felt this version had a little too much cheese. As for me, I love cheese, so I’m not complaining.

I highly recommend dunking the cheese roll into the Mary Grace Hot Chocolate ($7.50++), a rich, velvety drink that’s perfect for an afternoon treat. Like the pastries, this beverage was less sweet—and therefore less jelak—than the one I tried in the Philippines, though no less chocolatey.

I preferred the Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll ($5.30++), another Singapore-exclusive bake, zhnged up with a house-made pandan kaya filling for that perfect balance between sweet and salty.

FYI: The breads are served toasted by default if you’re dining in.

If you’re after something savoury, the menu also includes a selection of Filipino comfort bites and brunch fare.

I’m happy to say the Cassava Chips with Onion Dip ($12++) were just as good as I remembered. The paper-thin cassava chips, paired with a creamy onion dip, made for the perfect starter while waiting for your mains.

One thing to note is that the chips turned slightly soggy over time—faster than in the Philippines, possibly due to Singapore’s higher humidity—so I’d recommend digging in as soon as they arrive.

You can cut through the richness of your meal with the White Cheese Salad with Calamansi Vinaigrette ($18++), which features lettuce, charred tomatoes, and fried halloumi nuggets tossed in a zesty citrus dressing. Between the two starters, the cassava chips were the highlight.

Whatever you do, don’t leave without getting the Angus Beef Tapa ($25.50++), a Mary Grace staple starring sirloin beef strips, eggs done your way, and your choice of garlic or rosemary rice.

I’m told that the cut of beef used in Singapore is more premium than the one served in the Philippines. The Angus beef slices, marinated in a sweet-umami sauce for 24 hours, were fork-tender and delicious.

We opted for the garlic rice, which paired excellently with the meaty beef, runny yolk, and trio of condiments: tomato salsa, mango salsa, and a light vinegar dressing for acidity.

Another popular pick is the Grilled Chicken Inasal Focaccia ($19.50++). For the uninitiated, chicken inasal is a popular Filipino grilled chicken dish known for its slightly tangy, umami-packed marinade of calamansi, vinegar, garlic, and lemongrass. It’s usually served with garlic rice, but the Singapore outlet swaps the carb for house-baked focaccia instead.

The chicken was flavourful and perfectly seasoned, with crispy skin and juicy meat within. That said, I think rice would have been a better canvas for the savoury chicken thigh.

Besides the aforementioned classics, the menu also features the Crab Cake Brioche ($27++), which is exclusive to the Singapore outlet. It comes with a deep-fried crabmeat and tiger prawn patty, topped with Gruyere and Emmental cheese, and served with a passionfruit and dill mayo.

I quite enjoyed the patty, though the portion felt slightly small for its price.

Nonetheless, all mains are priced under $30—a pleasant surprise for a spot as central as Tanjong Pagar.

Ambience at Cafe Mary Grace Singapore

The cosy 28-seater cafe stays true to the brand’s signature aesthetic, with stained-glass pendant lights and warm wood accents. The homey atmosphere was a highlight for me, with photographs and handwritten notes tucked beneath the tables.

Cafe Mary Grace Singapore is a five-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station.

Cafe Mary Grace Singapore – Eatbook review

While there were a few hits and misses, my experience at Cafe Mary Grace was an enjoyable one overall. Between the warm, friendly service and the delicious bakes, it’s a cafe worth adding to your must-visit list. Just note that reservations are filling up quickly, so you’ll want to book a table soon to avoid disappointment.

Check out our Instagram Reel below for our full review!

This bakery-cafe is just one of several Filipino brands making their way to Singapore. JT’s Manukan Grille, a well-loved chain, arrived to much fanfare in April last year, while Gerry’s Grill Singapore, another popular Filipino restaurant chain, has been long-standing here.

Address: 52 Tras Street, Singapore 078991
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9am to 6pm
Website
Mary Grace is not a halal-certified eatery. 

Photos taken by Paula Grace Formantes.
This was a media tasting at Cafe Mary Grace Singapore.