Still one of my favorites. I have been eating here since I was a child. I remember my dad would always bring us here to eat asado siopao and beef mami. The siopao is big and tasty.
Ma Mon Luk is a classic -- it reminds me of how my mom used to tag me along in her Quiapo trips and we'll eat siopao and mami when we're already tired. It's already an institution in Quiapo -- it has become the symbol of hardwork and dedication given its history. You're not just eating when you dine in Ma Mon Luk, you're also in an establishment that has seen the rise and fall cycle of Manila.
I agree that it needs thorough cleaning. But for the food and experience, it must be forgivable.
Brings back childhood memories upon entry ☺️
Their siopao and beef mami still have the same taste as before 😋👌
Thank you for transporting me back on those days 😍
FOOD
~Special Mami~
+Noodles had just the right consistency
+Broth was light
-There were parts of the pork which were hard to chew
~Siomai~
-The siomai was so sweet!!! It was like they mixed in too much sugar
-Too meaty
*NEVER ORDER THE SIOMAI
*one of my worst siomai experiences
SERVICE
+They served the food in less than 2 minutes upon ordering
-They didn’t clear up tables (during our stay, there was a dirty vacant table which wasn’t cleared up even after we left)
-They didn’t do a good job in wiping the tables
AMBIANCE
+It had a comfortable and homey feel
+It felt old school
+Happy to have dined in one of the oldest food establishment in Manila
+The marble-like tables were really nice
+Has good ventilation
-The place had a wide entrance, people usually come and go so I was kinda worried about safety and thievery
Ma mon luk has always been a favorite of my parents so when I got hungry for noodles I had my food delivered via grab. The soup was a lot and it was piping hot when it got here. The soup had a great savory flavor. The meat that came with the noodles were nice and tasty. It's no wonder this has been an all-time fave. 🤗
"You'd understand why it was the best of its time." The noodles in that Mami was al dente. Perfect! And man, I would go back for that stuffed and very plump Asado Siopao (Special). They use salted egg, by the way.
Points to improve on:
More tables
Update the place
Cleanliness
Ever heard of the saying "nothing beats the original" this is exactly what this restaurant stands for. The place kept their authenticity. No bullshits no fancy gimmicks because they don't need to. Their food speaks for itself.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
I honestly first heard about Ma Mon Luk in the blockbuster movie, "Ang Dalawang Mrs Reyes." And so, I got interested.
After attending mass in Quiapo Church, Kathy, Michael (high school friends) and I decided to eat at Ma Mon Luk to try their mami and siopao.
We ordered special mami and special siopao. A bowl of mami was good enough for the three of us. It was cheap as it was only 120.00; they even gave us extra soup. I find the staff keen on details. Why? We ordered a bowl only. They could've assumed it was just for one person but they were gracious enough in giving us two extra bowls with noodle soup in it.
I get why people would say that it was bland. Of course, for noodle houses, they usually serve it with less flavor because it's up to you to use their condiments; you can eat it depending on your preference.
It's been a while since I last had a taste of siopao and so my first bite into its softness was a welcome experience.
It was a bit humid inside but there are electric fans and wall fans all over the place.
I'd go back for that siopao!
Whenever i visit quiapo, i cannot miss this place.
The place where Mami and siopao is invented.
The place needs cleaning though.
But still food is great and that is why this is a go to place for people who truly love mami and siopao.
Tip. Mix the siopao sauce with your mami..
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Went to visit Quiapo Church on an ordinary day. It was our first time to brave there. Because of the things we've heard about the people around.
We rode tricycle to Quiapo Church. After a little prayer inside, we agreed to ride the MRT after. Sadly, we don't know where Recto Station is located. But God is good all the time. We saw a policeman, and asked him where Recto Station is. He pointed us the direction. And we walked on the sidewalk of Recto Avenue. We were so scared because it was an elbow to elbow. And worse, we felt like all eyes were on us.
After walking about a minute, we came upon a much wider sidewalk. And the fear inside me instantly dropped. I immediately stopped and looked up at the name of the establishment... The formerly famous Ma Mon Luk.
What else could we do. But to set aside the fear and look for a table. We shared the bowl of chicken mami and a giant siopao.
Newspaper cut-outs are framed and hanged all over the walls. You can see even the former powerful people frequented this place just for their noodles. Now I know how famous Ma Mon Luk was before. And it's very sad how it become.
We were already full when we left for the station. It's just a stone throw away, so we're not that scared anymore.
Now I already know the taste of Ma Mon Luk's, when my father will again tell his story.
I gave a 5 star not because of the food (3 star for the mami and siopao, 1 star for the place,) but because of our experience.
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