Brief History of Ma Mon Luk Restaurant
A pioneering Chinese Filipino chef and entrepreneur. He established the popular Chinese restaurant that bears his name, Ma Mon Luk. Born in Guangdong, China, he was a grade school teacher in Guangzhou. He decided to emigrate to the Philippines in 1918.
According to legend, he migrated to the Philippines in order to earn his fortune and win the hand of a girl whose wealthy Cantonese family looked none too kindly on his poverty. Arriving penniless in Manila, he decided to peddle chicken noodle soup, utilizing egg noodles.
He soon became a familiar sight on the streets of Manila; plodding down with a long bamboo pole slung on his shoulders with two metal containers on each end.
Ma Mon Luk soon opened his first restaurant in Binondo, where he introduced his equally famous siopao, a steamed pork dumpling enhanced by a secret sauce. Ma Mon Luk nonetheless continued to peddle his wares on the streets, advertising his restaurant by giving away free samples.
By the 1950s, Ma Mon Luk and his mami were nationally known, and Ma Mon Luk became the iconic Chinese restaurant, sprouting many imitators who failed to equal its success. At one point, in the mid 1990s, there were at least six Ma Mon Luk restaurants in Metro Manila.
But, as of 2006, only the branches in Benavidez Street, Mla., Quezon Avenue, Q.C. and Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo, Mla. remain open. Ma Mon Luk died on September 1, 1961 of throat cancer and is buried at the Chinese Cemetery in Manila. He is succeeded to date by four Mamonluk generations. (Source: mamonluk.com.ph)
My Story
My father’s favorite storytelling always include this place. I remember when I was still in High School when my father shares his college life. There is always a mention of his experience of eating at this place.
I’ve been here in Manila for years but never had a chance to visit the place. Until one time when I’m looking for a motorcycle accessory, I parked exactly in front of the restaurant. At first, I’m not aware until I saw the signage.
Immediately I invited my wife to eat even we’re not hungry. I just wanted to try and finally prove what my father said about the restaurant.
We ordered, of course, special siopao and special mami. We ordered just one Mami but the waiter serve it in two separate bowls. Which is nice (advance mag-isip). When my wife ordered softdrinks, the waiter suggested that we better buy outside. He told us that we can save more if we buy outside, hmmm thank you for being honest.
“kumain ka diyan, masarap ang pagakain diyan mura pa...”
The verdict… my wife didn’t like it 🙂 but for me, fulfilling what my father said to me “kumain ka diyan, masarap ang pagakain diyan mura pa...” is somehow satisfying. I will surely bring my children next time and while eating, I will tell them what their grandfather’s thought about the restaurant.
