New York’s Magnolia Bakery is opening its first Southeast Asia outlet this month, in the Philippines where it is branded M Bakery.

Set to open on August 22 on the ground floor of One Bonifacio High Street Mall, M Bakery Philippines has an open kitchen that allows customers to watch as bakers make different cakes and cupcakes. The interior is full of pastel pink and teal, and hand-painted labels of baked goods.

“We wanted to keep the same vintage feel of our flagship in New York’s West Village,” says Erick Larios, director of franchise operations for Magnolia Bakery.

Founded in 1996 in New York City, Magnolia Bakery is best known for its signature Banana Pudding. The bakery has expanded around the US and internationally, before landing in Manila.

“We love our sweets,” says Stewart Ong, managing partner of Phil Jacobe Ventures, which brought M Bakery to the Philippines. “We also have this very unique practice of pasalubong so I think M Bakery will be a good fit here.”

The menu includes the classic Key Lime Pie, Banana Pudding, Vanilla Cupcake With Vanilla Buttercream, Ombre Ruffle cake.

Inside Retail Asia