Cafe Mary Grace review: Filipino favourite lands in Singapore with iconic bakes and cosy cafe vibes

Cafe Mary Grace brings its iconic Filipino bakes and cosy vibes to Singapore’s Tras Street.

It feels like years since we first heard about Cafe Mary Grace debuting in Singapore. Well, the wait is officially over: the Filipino heavyweight has landed in our little red dot! This is the brand’s first-ever expansion outside of its home country, and of course, there’s plenty of anticipation and excitement for it. My colleagues and I managed to get a sneak peek before Cafe Mary Grace officially opens its doors – here’s a play-by-play of our experience.

Cafe Mary Grace in Singapore review: Details at a glance

Best for: Filipino comfort food, ensaymada lovers, and cosy cafe catch-ups
Must-try items: Kaya pandan cheese roll; wild mushroom soup; angus beef tapa; mango bene; ube coconut cloud
How much: Signatures from $4.30; starters from $12; all-day brunch from $16; cakes from $10; crafted drinks from $10
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am to 6pm
Address: Cafe Mary Grace, 52 Tras Street, Singapore 078991

A home away from home

Located five minutes from Tanjong Pagar MRT station, Cafe Mary Grace proudly showcases its culture and heritage. The exterior mixes Peranakan and Filipino influences, from familiar patterned tiles to warm, inviting tones. Its storefront immediately stands out along Tras Street’s streetscape.

Stepping inside, my first thought was, “Wow, it looks like Swensen’s back in the day,” probably thanks to the stained-glass pendant lights above the display counters. Family photographs line a wall, and handwritten notes tucked beneath the tables make the space feel homely – like we were guests invited to linger rather than casual diners passing through.

Even the toilets continue the theme (yes, I’m going there). There’s both a toilet bowl with a seat warmer and a standing urinal. Hand lotion is provided too, giving the space that rich friend’s house-but-not-too-extra vibe. Honestly, it’s the kind of touch that makes you think, “Am I at a cafe or someone’s home?”

In the main dining area, two features really stand out: the hanging lights, which add a warm, inviting glow, and the colourful mural. Created in collaboration between Filipino artist Amanda Lapus Santos and local talent Eunice Hannah Lim, the artwork injects a fresh burst of energy that complements the wood accents and soft tones throughout the space.

I later learned the one and only Mary Grace Dimacali – the brand’s founder – personally handpicked and arranged all the decor, which perhaps contributed to the comforting vibes. A mother’s touch, as they usually say.

Iconic bakes that hit the mark

There’s always a lot of buzz when it comes to Mary Grace’s menu, but my mission today is to answer one thing: is it worth the hype? Yes! Let’s start with the iconic ensaymada ($5.50). As a self-professed cheese lover, I approve of the premium aged Edam cheese, which adds dimension to light, buttery brioche.

The salted egg ensaymada ($6.50) is one of two Singapore-exclusive creations, and it’s no surprise that this worked extremely well in their favour. The generous salted egg filling goes hand in hand with the cheese, making this a super savoury (and uniquely local) dish. It might be a little overpowering for some, so take this with a pinch of salt… or maybe not.

Next up: the cheese roll ($4.30). It’s beautifully golden and bouncy to the touch, with a luscious creamy cheese centre that makes it a joy to sink your teeth into. Dunk it into the hot chocolate ($7.50) for a sweet-savoury combo, or you can polish it off on its own, which was what I did.

The second Singapore-exclusive item is the kaya pandan cheese roll ($5.30), which almost stopped me in my tracks. “How will that work?” I thought to myself as the staff placed the bake on our table. Thankfully, I was proven wrong. The kaya pandan isn’t too sweet and plays well with the cheese, presenting a deliciously balanced flavour profile that made my head giddy with excitement. I will definitely order this again.

Neighbourhoods

Tanjong Pagar is a foodie utopia

Hearty plates and sweet treats

Besides the iconic bakes, cafehoppers can also dive into starters, all-day brunch options, and cakes. The cassava chips with onion dip ($12) may look basic, but my table loved how crunchy the chips were. We caught ourselves reaching for them without even realising it. Shoutout to the addictive onion dip, too! That said, it probably wouldn’t be the first thing we’d order on a return visit.

If you want something simple yet hearty, you won’t go wrong with the wild mushroom soup ($12). Wait, come back – it’s not made from Campbell in a can! Mary Grace’s version is thick and creamy, with plenty of mushroom chunks for added texture.

Be sure to order the angus beef tapa ($25.50), which comes with your choice of rice companion (we went with the garlic rice). This dish… 10/10. No notes! The tender beef slices mean your jaw won’t be going through a workout gnawing at them, while the garlic rice played the supporting role commendably. The salsa, vinegar, and mango toppings complement the dish well, too.

Now, what’s a Filipino food spot in Singapore without sweet treats? My colleagues and I unanimously loved the mango bene ($14.50), which is brimming with fresh mango slices and layered with fluffy, crispy meringue. Close behind is the ube coconut cloud ($10), a refreshing concoction fitting for our hot weather. One sip was all it took for our seal of approval.

Is Cafe Mary Grace worth the visit?

Cafe Mary Grace arrives in Singapore at a time when fellow Filipino brands are branching out beyond their home country and humble beginnings. But that’s unlikely to stop this beloved cafe from drawing crowds, especially given its reputation in the Philippines. I can easily imagine curious diners stopping by for the iconic bakes and staying for the cosy, homely ambience.

If you have the option, dine in rather than get takeaways so you can enjoy the bakes fresh. But if takeaway is the only choice, consume them as soon as you can – the breads don’t take well to reheating and tend to turn oily when warmed again.

Either way, this new cafe in Singapore has made a strong first impression, offering comforting Filipino flavours alongside a space that genuinely feels welcoming.

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