Sweet Expansion: Mary Grace Cafe to Bring Iconic Filipino Treats to Singapore in 2026!

If you're a fan of buttery, cheesy pastries that melt in your mouth, get ready to rejoice. The beloved Filipino bakery chain, Mary Grace Cafe, is set to open its first international outpost in Singapore next year, hot on the heels of a wildly successful sold-out pop-up that had locals clamoring for more. This expansion marks a sweet milestone for the brand, which has long been a staple in the Philippines, and it's poised to introduce Singaporeans to the joys of authentic Pinoy baking.

A Taste of Home: The Story Behind Mary Grace Cafe

Mary Grace Cafe's journey is as heartwarming as its signature ensaymadas. It all began in the 1980s when founder Mary Grace Dimacali, a devoted mother of five, started experimenting with baking to bring joy to her family. By 1983, she was whipping up personalised birthday cakes for her kids, and in 1986, after honing her skills with a baking course in the US, she perfected her now-legendary ensaymada recipe, a fluffy brioche-like pastry topped with butter, sugar, and grated aged Edam cheese.

The real leap came in 1994 when Dimacali joined her first bazaar, selling ensaymadas and cheese rolls alongside her supportive husband. Fast-forward to 2002, and the first Mary Grace store opened its doors in the Philippines, aiming to capture that "Christmas joy" year-round with its festive treats. By 2006, the brand evolved into a full-fledged cafe, adding hearty meals, sandwiches, and the indulgent Mary Grace Hot Chocolate to the menu. Today, with over 140 outlets across the archipelago, it's a go-to spot for comfort food that feels like a hug from home.

What sets Mary Grace apart? It's the unpretentious charm, think family-inspired recipes passed down with love, emphasising fresh ingredients and that irresistible Filipino twist on classics.

Pop-Up Mania: Why Singapore Couldn't Get Enough

The buzz around Mary Grace's Singapore debut kicked off last month with a low-key, three-day online pop-up from September 11 to 13, 2025. Despite minimal marketing, the event sold out in a flash, proving the brand's universal appeal. Hungry fans snapped up boxes of the star attractions: the fluffy ensaymadas (priced at SGD $31.50 for a set of six, with flavours like classic cheese, cinnamon apple, and chocolate) and the gooey cheese rolls.

This overwhelming response wasn't just luck, it highlighted a growing appetite among Singapore's diverse food scene for bold, nostalgic flavours from Southeast Asia.The pop-up's success was the green light the team needed to commit to a permanent presence.

What's Baking: Details on the Singapore Outlet

While the exact location and opening date remain under wraps, the new outlet is slated to debut sometime in 2026. Expect the full Mary Grace experience: a cosy cafe vibe with all-day breakfast options, fresh sandwiches, and an array of baked goods that blend Filipino heritage with crowd-pleasing twists.

Anticipate these must-tries on the menu:

• Ensaymada: The crown jewel, soft, coiled pastry loaded with cheese and butter. Pro tip: Pair it with their signature hot chocolate for ultimate bliss.

• Cheese Rolls: Crispy on the outside, melty cheddar-filled on the inside, a savoury-sweet snack that's addictive.

• Cakes and Bars: Indulge in moist carrot cake, nutty banana bread, tangy lemon bars, or layered strawberry shortcake.

• Savoury Bites: Filipino-style breakfast plates, club sandwiches, and pasta dishes for a complete meal.

This isn't just a bakery, it's a slice of Filipino warmth in the heart of Singapore, potentially boosting local tourism ties with airlines like Singapore Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

Why This Matters for Singapore's Food Lovers

In a city-state bursting with global cuisines, Mary Grace's arrival adds a fresh layer of cultural exchange. For the Filipino community here (one of Singapore's largest expat groups), it's a homecoming in pastry form. For everyone else? A delicious excuse to explore the rich, comforting world of Filipino baking.

As Mary Grace steps onto the international stage, it's clear their "spread joy through baking" ethos is resonating far beyond the Philippines. Mark your calendars for 2026, we can't wait to queue up for that first ensaymada fix! Photos: Mary Grace Cafe