Mary Grace Cafe @ Tras Street - Beloved Filipino Bakery-Café Makes Singapore Debut with Signature Ensaymadas and Comfort Classics

The beloved Filipino bakery-café chain Mary Grace makes its international debut in Singapore with its first overseas outpost along Tras Street. Officially opening on 13 March 2026, the homegrown favourite from the Philippines. With over 140 branches, it brings its signature bakes, comforting Filipino classics, and warm hospitality to our local dining scene. Alongside well-loved staples like Ensaymadas and Cheese Rolls, diners can also look forward to Singapore-exclusive creations.

Mary Grace Ensaymada 4.2/5

A must-try is the Mary Grace Ensaymada ($5.50), the brand's signature take on the classic Spanish-Filipino pastry. The brioche is soft, fluffy and buttery, crowned with premium-aged Queso de Bola (Edam cheese) from Holland. Unlike traditional versions, this rendition is lightly toasted, adding a delicate crispness that enhances both texture and aroma, especially bringing out the cheese's richness. There is also a Singapore-exclusive Salted Egg version for those seeking a local twist.

Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll 3.8/5

Another exclusive item is the Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll ($5.30). This variation features homemade pandan kaya paired with a savoury cheese core, all wrapped in the café's signature soft bread and finished with a light coating of caramelised coconut sugar. The combination delivers a comforting balance of sweet and savoury flavours.

Mary Grace Hot Chocolate 3.5/5

Pair your bakes with the Mary Grace Hot Chocolate ($7.50), made from premium Belgian cocoa. Rich and indulgent, it works well both as a drink and as a dip for the pastries.

Ube Coconut Cloud 4/5

For something refreshing, the Ube Coconut Cloud ($10) offers a delightful mix of coconut water topped with creamy ube foam and toasted coconut flakes. It is light, fragrant and very tropical.

Cassava Chips with Onion Dip 4.2/5

Beyond pastries, the menu also showcases hearty Filipino fare. The Cassava Chips with Onion Dip ($12) are paper-thin and crispy, but the addictive onion dip truly steals the show.

Angus Beef Tapa 4/5

The Angus Beef Tapa ($25.50) showcases a Filipino classic, featuring tender sirloin strips marinated for 24 hours. The sweet-savoury flavours are well-balanced and deeply satisfying. It comes with a choice of garlic or rosemary rice and eggs done your way — we opted for the garlic rice, which was fluffy and fragrant, paired with sunny-side-up eggs that completed the dish nicely.

Grilled Chicken Inasal Focaccia 4.2/5

A highlight among the savoury offerings is the Grilled Chicken Inasal Focaccia ($19.50). The chicken, marinated in a tangy achuete-spiced blend, is grilled to bring out smoky, zesty notes of lemongrass and tamarind. Sandwiched in house-baked focaccia that is crisp on the outside and fluffy within, it delivers both flavour and texture in every bite.

Mango Bene 4.5/5

We wrapped up the meal with the Mango Bene ($14.50, petite), a delightful dessert layering crisp meringue, silky custard cream, and fresh mangoes. Slightly frozen at the core, it offers a refreshing, almost ice cream-like finish that is both light and indulgent.

Overall, Mary Grace's Singapore debut delivers a comforting mix of nostalgic Filipino flavours and thoughtful local touches, making it a charming addition to the Tras Street dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mary Grace Cafe
52 Tras Street
Singapore 078991
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 6pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Meatsmith @ Telok Ayer Street - A Solid Spot For Quality Smoked Meats And Indulgent Comfort Food

Located in the heart of Telok Ayer, Meatsmith has long been known for its smoked meats and American BBQ. Equipped with custom-built wood-fire elevation grills and giant Southern Pride smokers, the menu features burgers, steaks, sharing platters, housemade sausages, smoked beef brisket, burnt ends, and ribs smoked over hickory wood for up to 14 hours.

Padron Peppers 5/5

To start, we had the Padron Peppers ($12). Generously seasoned with salt and blistered, the peppers carried a smoky, slightly bitter profile, elevated and rounded off by the accompanying harissa and labneh dip.

Double Cheeseburger 5/5

Meatsmith’s burgers have become a source of comfort for many. We noticed a few regulars quietly enjoying theirs alongside a side or a glass of wine. We were treated to a Double Cheeseburger ($20), featuring double beef brisket patties, sandwiched between a housemade potato bun, with American, sliced cheddar, house pickles, and burger sauce. The patties were exceptionally juicy and flavourful, with smoky, caramelised edges that added depth to each bite. The bun was fluffy and buttery without turning soggy at the bottom, while the pickles provided just the right acidity to cut through the richness.

Smoked Meat Platter for Two

Large-format sharing platters are a main draw here. We had the Smoked Meat Platter for Two ($98), comprising beef brisket, cheese and jalapeño sausage, lime and chipotle glazed pork ribs, Memphis pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken tenders, cornbread, buffalo sauce, smoked butter, and housemade pickles.

Lime and Chipotle Glazed Pork Ribs, Memphis-style Ribs 5/5

The standout for me was the Pork Ribs. They were succulent and juicy overall, with the Lime and Chipotle glazed version delivering a more finger-licking, zesty stickiness. The Memphis-style ribs leaned towards a drier rub, resulting in a more pronounced crust.

Beef Brisket 3.5/5

The Beef Brisket was tender but slightly on the drier side, though the ribbons of smoky fat helped retain some richness and enhanced its texture, especially when paired with the accompanying sauce and smoked butter.

Cheese and Jalapeño Sausage 4/5

Cornbreads 4/5

The housemade Cheese and Jalapeño Sausage was robustly spiced and smoky, pairing especially well with the sweet Cornbreads. I only wish there were more of the cornbreads, as they provided a morsel-like, sweet respite between bites of the savoury meats.

Chicken Tenders 3/5

The Chicken Tenders weren’t particularly tender, but their golden-brown crust delivered a satisfying crunch and flavour with each bite. They were finished with a light drizzle of blue cheese sauce, though a more generous amount would have helped these chicken tenders stand out.

Mac and Cheese 3/5

Sweet Corn and Creole Butter 4.5/5

The platters can be made even more wholesome by adding sides. We had the Mac and Cheese ($10), the Kale and Feta Salad ($10), and the Sweet Corn and Creole Butter ($10). The latter stood out the most, with a pronounced smokiness that added depth to its natural sweetness. That said, given the choice, I would happily add on more cornbreads!

I can see why Meatsmith continues to hold its own as a go-to spot for hearty American BBQ. Be it solo diners, pairs, or larger group gatherings, its fuss-free format caters effortlessly to all, whether you are indulging in a well-made burger on your own or bonding over a satisfying, meat-centric feast with others.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Meatsmith
167-169 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068620
Tel: +65 6221 2262
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 1130am – 3pm, 530pm till Late
Sat & Sun: 12pm till Late

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]