Seoul-founded bakery café opens its first Philippine outlet at SM Megamall, with additional locations planned in Taguig and Laguna.
South Korean bakery café chain Standard Bread has made its Philippine debut, opening its first flagship store at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on October 28, 2026, as it takes its international expansion further into Southeast Asia.
Founded in Seoul’s Seongsu neighbourhood in 2024, Standard Bread has built its concept around freshly baked bread, signature spreads and an all-day café menu. The brand follows the philosophy that the most basic bread can deliver the most perfect taste, with fresh batches prepared every 30 minutes.
The Philippine entry is being developed with local business partners Alex Yu and Malvin Ang, who are leading the brand’s local operations. The first outlet is located on Level 3 of Mega B at SM Megamall.
The launch is part of a wider expansion pipeline, with Standard Bread also preparing to establish a presence at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig and SM Nuvali in Laguna. These locations would extend the brand’s footprint beyond its initial Manila-area opening.
The Philippine operation has focused on replicating the Korean brand’s product standards and customer experience. The local partners have worked with Standard Bread’s Korean master bakers, chefs, baristas and research and development team on ingredient sourcing, product development and staff training.
The bakery uses flour imported from South Korea, premium French butter and Belgian chocolate. Employees have also undergone training in the Philippines and South Korea to maintain consistency with the original outlets.
Unlike a conventional bakery, Standard Bread combines freshly baked products with a broader café and dining proposition. Its Philippine menu features signature offerings such as Crème Brûlée French Toast, Eggs in Hell with Bread, Bulgogi Doenjang Risotto and Burrata Cheese Ragù Pasta.
The local menu also introduces Philippine-focused dishes, including Thick-Cut Bacon Kimchi Rice, alongside salads, pasta, rice meals and coffee.
Another element of the concept is Standard Bread Village, a retail and storytelling experience built around five bread-inspired characters known as Standard Friends. The characters represent different bread varieties, including toast, ciabatta, baguette, bagel and campagne.
Standard Bread first expanded beyond South Korea with its international entry into Singapore in 2025. Its international network also includes locations in China and Taiwan, alongside its domestic outlets in Seoul, including Seongsu, Dosan, Haeundae and Anguk.
The Philippines represents another step in the brand’s overseas development, bringing its Korean bakery café format into a market where international food and beverage concepts continue to expand.
