Ma Mon Luk
(Simplified Chinese: 马文禄; traditional Chinese: 馬文祿) (1896-1961)

Ma Mon Luk established his initial eatery in Binondo, where he introduced his renowned siopao, a delectable steamed pork dumpling enriched with a secret sauce. Despite this, Ma Mon Luk persisted in selling his offerings on the streets, promoting his restaurant by distributing complimentary samples. By the 1950s, Ma Mon Luk and his signature mami dish had gained nationwide recognition, solidifying the restaurant as an iconic Chinese establishment and inspiring numerous unsuccessful imitators. At one point in the mid-1990s, there were at least six Ma Mon Luk restaurants scattered across Metro Manila. However, as of 2006, only the branches located on Benavidez Street in Manila, Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, and Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo, Manila, remain operational. Ma Mon Luk passed away on September 1, 1961, succumbing to throat cancer and finding his final resting place at the Chinese Cemetery in Manila. He is succeeded by four subsequent generations of Mamonluk up to the present day.