Masuki

I understand that the MaMonLuk and the Masuki restaurants are independently run by relatives, and while the Ma Mon Luk chain practically dominated the Metro Manila landscape in the fifties to the seventies (with stores in Quiapo, Cubao, Quezon Avenue and other places), the much smaller Masuki has managed to stay alive with stores in Greenhills and SM Megamall.  The fare is practically the same--mami noodles of different flavors, siopao and siomai--and the restaurant is the perfect place to have a mid-afternoon snack.  The noodle house is steeped in Binodo history, and used to be the hang-out of many Manila politicians before the war.  In fact, the local word "mami" is actually coined from "Ma" brand of "mi" (the Chinese word for noodles), the usage of which has stuck in the Filipino vernacular.

Vicky, Monique and I took time off over the weekend to visit their SM Megamall branch, and we found ourselves enjoying the steaming hot soup and delicious pork buns (both asado and bola-bola flavors).  With a budget of P50 to P200 per head, one can enjoy a filling merienda, and if you are truly hungry, they also have an all-you-can-eat promo at P250 for regular mami and siopao.