About — Scratch

Charlene Ng and Ralph Sy with Tatler Dining Philippines

Where It Began

From Bread Venture to Brunch Destination

Scratch started as a simple, focused idea: make good bread from real ingredients, in small batches, with care. What Charlene Ng and Ralph Sy built together grew into something much larger — a place where a neighborhood could gather.

From its early days as a commissary operation, Scratch evolved into a much-loved weekend brunch spot and a trusted name in bespoke catering. The bread remained at the center of everything.

Featured by Tatler Dining Philippines, Scratch has earned a reputation for honest cooking guided by authenticity and curiosity — values that Charlene and Ralph carry into every bake and every service.

Explore the Menu

How We Work

Our Philosophy

Three principles that guide every loaf, every dish, and every decision at Scratch.

Small Batch Integrity

Every item is made in deliberately small quantities. Not for scarcity's sake — but because smaller batches mean closer attention, better control, and bread that actually tastes like something.

Authenticity Over Trend

The Scratch menu evolves from genuine curiosity and taste, not from what is fashionable. If something makes it onto the menu, it is because it genuinely earned its place.

Community First

Scratch was built around people — neighbors, regulars, collaborators. From Alessi partnerships to catering events, the bakery has always been a meeting point for Makati's creative community.

What We Believe

Our Values

Good Ingredients, Simply Treated

Every product starts with honest ingredients. The baking process at Scratch respects what goes in — no shortcuts, no compromises on sourcing.

Process as Practice

Sourdough bread takes time. The long fermentation, the patient shaping, the precise bake — each step is treated as a practice in itself, not just a means to an end.

Evolve Without Losing the Core

Scratch has grown from a bread venture to a commissary to a brunch spot to a catering service. Through each chapter, the core — good bread, honest cooking — has never changed.

Collaboration and Curiosity

The Alessi partnership, catering work, and the expanding menu all reflect an openness to collaboration and a genuine curiosity about craft in all its forms.

Warmth in Every Interaction

Walk-ins only. No reservations. The policy is deliberate — Scratch is a place you arrive at, not plan around. That immediacy keeps every visit human and warm.

The Journey

Scratch Through the Years

Early Days

Bread Venture Begins

Charlene Ng and Ralph Sy begin a small bread operation — a commissary focused on small-batch sourdough breads and baked goods for pre-order pickup.

Growth

Weekend Brunch Opens

Scratch expands from commissary into a weekend brunch spot, giving walk-in guests a place to eat in and experience the breads as they were meant to be enjoyed.

Catering

Scratch Catering Launches

The catering arm (@scratch.catering) is formally established, offering bespoke event catering rooted in the same bread-forward, honest-cooking philosophy.

Alessi

Alessi x Scratch Collaboration

Scratch partners with iconic Italian design brand Alessi (via Casa Europh) for a special event — blending artisan baking with considered design objects.

Tatler

Featured by Tatler Dining Philippines

Tatler Dining Philippines features Charlene Ng and Ralph Sy in a profile piece, recognizing Scratch as a standout name in Manila's artisan food scene.

Apr 2026

New Home: 106 Aguirre, Legazpi Village

Scratch moves to a larger space at 106 Aguirre, Legazpi Village, Makati 1229 — able to produce even more in-house, from house-made cheese and yoghurt to new bread varieties and expanded brunch service.

Pre-order

Sourdough Breads & Baked Goods

Order your loaves and baked goods online through Cococart for pickup at 106 Aguirre.

Pre-order Now