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‘Shy’ Chinese Elon Musk lookalike chef draws photo-seeking crowds, prefers work over fame

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…

By Samantha Johnson / July 30, 2026

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.

Ma’s uncanny resemblance to Elon Musk has ignited a flurry of memes and jokes across the internet, delighting fans everywhere. Photo: Weibo
Ma’s uncanny resemblance to Elon Musk has ignited a flurry of memes and jokes across the internet, delighting fans everywhere. Photo: Weibo

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.

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