Masuki is the famous Binondo mami house that you shouldn't miss in any Binondo food trip. What makes it special is that is offers its customers a taste of the past, being one of the oldest restaurants in Binondo. Established in the 1960s, most folks say that the restaurant stayed true to its roots over the years by serving the mami the same way as decades past. Over the years, patrons have regularly enjoyed a bowl of mami along with siopao at this Binondo landmark - a testament to the quality of their food.
Trying out Masuki really was unique, but I must admit the mami is not for everyone. If you're wondering why, then read on below.
The place, similar to other famous Binondo restuarants, has the feel of a carinderia with no airconditioning and just simple interiors. I'm not even sure if they renovated the place since the 1960s!
It's definitely not a place for everyone but if you don't mind how the place looks then read on.
The Original Mami (Php 120) is why people keep coming back to Masuki. The Original mami is filled with slices of chicken and pork asado, along with firm handmade noodles and their special broth. You are also given a sweet asado sauce on the side along with some spring onions so that you can flavor to taste. You can even ask for an extra bowl of broth if you want to share an order.
I tried to flavor the bowl of mami with the asado broth slowly, but eventually I poured it all in because the broth was too overpowering. Now, I didn't like the broth because to me the broth STINKS! Trust me, once the mami arrives on your table get your nose close and get a whiff. You'll know what I mean.
Otherwise, the toppings were beautifully cooked, the asado sauce and broth combination was nice, and the noodles were quite firm. I just couldn't stomach a bowl of that broth on my own, it's really not for me.
You can also get the Beef Wonton Chicken Asado Mami (Php 230) if you're looking for a bowl with loads more toppings, with each topping perfectly cooked and seasoned. The beef was very tender and flavorful that it quickly became my favorite part of Masuki. I also loved the Wonton a lot as it was nicely cooked and very tasty.
Food Quality: 3.0
Service Quality: 3.0
Ambiance: 2.5
Overall Quality: 3.0
Masuki definitely has it's loyal foodie following from across Metro Manila, which is why they have been expanding in recent years out of Binondo and into more accessible locations such as SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and Greenhills. Unfortunately, I would have to say I'm not a fan of the soup and I probably won't come back.
Don't let this discourage you as Masuki's popular mami is a hit or miss. Some of my foodie friends loved it so much that they really recommend it. I really encourage you to have a taste of history.
Masuki definitely has it's loyal foodie following from across Metro Manila, which is why they have been expanding in recent years out of Binondo and into more accessible locations such as SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and Greenhills. Unfortunately, I would have to say I'm not a fan of the soup and I probably won't come back.
Don't let this discourage you as Masuki's popular mami is a hit or miss. Some of my foodie friends loved it so much that they really recommend it. I really encourage you to have a taste of history.
Masuki
929 Benavidez Street, Binondo, Manila
(02) 243-2674
Further reading you might like:
- New Po-Heng Lumpia House: Binondo's Famous Fresh Lumpia House
- Lam Dynasty: Bringing Back the Classic Flavors of Marquina
- Dong Bei Dumplings: Authentic, Affordable, and Freshly-Made
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Cheers,
Chef Jay
I totally agree with you here :
ReplyDelete"Now, I didn't like the broth because to me the broth STINKS! Trust me, once the mami arrives on your table get your nose close and get a whiff. You'll know what I mean. "