In the Philippines, Mary Grace Cafe is a household name. It has long been known as the go-to spot for comfort food and quiet conversations, earning a reputation as a favorite among “Titas of Manila” for its pastries, hearty meals, and distinctly homey ambiance.

Now, the beloved brand takes a significant step forward as it opens its first international branch in Singapore. During a press conference held on March 26, 2026 at its Power Plant Mall café in Makati City, founder Mary Grace Dimacali and her daughter, Chiara Dimacali-Hugo, executive director of Mary Grace International, shared the story behind this milestone and what makes the Singapore café both familiar and new.

For Mary Grace herself, the expansion is both a personal and professional leap. What began 30 years ago in a home kitchen, with a small oven and a passion for baking, has grown into a brand that resonates far beyond Philippine shores. “When I started Mary Grace, I was simply trying to share what I knew best. Good ingredients, heartfelt cooking, and a warm table for everyone,” she said. “It fills my heart that we have brought this feeling to a whole new community in Singapore.”

The decision to open in Singapore was shaped by both strategy and circumstance. The city is home to a thriving Filipino community, offering a built-in audience that already understands the brand’s appeal. At the same time, its dynamic and food-driven culture presents an ideal environment for introducing Filipino flavors to a broader market. Mary Grace also shared that having family on the ground made the move more intuitive, with her daughter Chiara living there and helping navigate the market firsthand.

Meanwhile for Chiara, Singapore serves as a testing ground for global expansion. “It’s a market with a strong appetite for quality and heritage products,” she explained. “If we can make it in Singapore, then it gives us confidence to grow further.”

Beyond its location, the Singapore café stands out for its carefully curated menu, which blends Mary Grace classics with flavors tailored to local tastes. Signature items such as ensaymada and cheese rolls remain at the core, made using the same recipes but baked fresh in Singapore to preserve quality and authenticity.

At the same time, the menu introduces exclusive offerings that reflect the local palate. Among them are the Salted Egg Ensaymada and Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll, both inspired by flavors familiar to Singaporeans. These items are served toasted and available only for dine-in, creating a unique experience distinct from the Philippine branches.

Other notable additions include the Crab Cake Brioche and the Ube Coconut Cloud, while Filipino staples like beef tapa have also found unexpected popularity among international customers. Even the cakes have been slightly adjusted, with a lighter sweetness to suit local preferences while maintaining the brand’s signature comfort.

“We wanted to create something that feels familiar but also new,” Chiara said. “It allows people who didn’t grow up with our food to still connect with it.”

The design of the café plays an equally important role in delivering that experience. Located in Tanjong Pagar, the 28-seater space mirrors the intimate feel of Mary Grace’s first café in Serendra. Every detail, from the tiles and lighting fixtures to the decorative elements, was carefully transported or recreated to reflect the original look and feel.

At the same time, the space embraces its Singapore setting through thoughtful collaborations. Local mural artists worked alongside a Filipino artist to create wall art that incorporates orchids, bird cages, and other motifs inspired by Singaporean culture. The result is a space that feels both rooted and adaptive, staying true to the brand while engaging with its new environment.

“We wanted customers to feel that they’ve stepped into the world of Mary Grace, even if they’re in Singapore,” Chiara said. “At the same time, we wanted to show that we are here to blend and collaborate.”

That intention has resonated with customers. Since opening on March 13, the café has drawn steady crowds, with long lines and daily sellouts of its signature baked goods. More than just the food, guests have responded to the feeling the space evokes.

“They come in and say, ‘This feels like home,’” she shared. “And that’s exactly what we hoped for.”

As Mary Grace Café begins this new chapter, the focus remains on nurturing its presence in Singapore. While future international expansion is on the horizon, the goal for now is to build a community and establish the café as a place of comfort for both Filipinos abroad and new customers discovering the brand.

From a small kitchen in Manila to a café in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, the journey of Mary Grace continues to be guided by the same principle that started it all: bringing the goodness of home to every table.