‘Shy’ Chinese Elon Musk lookalike chef draws photo-seeking crowds, prefers work over fame
Several individuals have approached Ma with business opportunities, but he chooses to prioritise his restaurant over live-streaming
A barbecue chef in northwest China has become an internet sensation after users noticed his striking resemblance to Elon Musk, prompting a wave of memes and jokes online.
Ma Jianping, 48, from Tongchuan in Shaanxi province, co-owns and operates Yilan Restaurant, where he showcases his culinary skills. Originally from Gansu province, Ma spent years working as an electrician before transitioning to the catering industry.
On July 26, a video showing Ma serving dishes at his restaurant quickly gained traction on Douyin, garnering over 1.3 million likes.
Hongxing News reported that customers had noted Ma’s resemblance to Musk even before his recent surge in fame. This coincidence was further highlighted by the fact that his surname, “Ma,” phonetically aligns with Musk.
Musk’s global profile has skyrocketed in recent years, with his net worth reportedly surpassing US$1 trillion following SpaceX’s US listing in June, making him the world’s first trillionaire.