Fast food? The true value of Chinese cooking | Vincent Yeow Lim | TEDxSydney

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  • Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
  • Vincent Yeow Lim was the kid doing his homework at one of the tables in his dad's Chinese restaurant. Now a restaurant owner himself, he asks why Chinese food is considered cheap, fast food, despite the skill required to cook it, and the long tradition and history behind it. In this talk, Vincent cooks the first dish his dad ever taught him - the simplest, but also the hardest to get right - Fried Rice.
    DIMSIMLIM a.k.a Vincent Yeow Lim is a restaurant owner, chef & one of Australia’s most popular online content creators on TikTok, Instagram & UA-cam. He is on a journey to showcase the true art of wok style cooking to the western world with a lil bit of YumYum. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

КОМЕНТАРІ • 373

  • @Lkur2024
    @Lkur2024 Рік тому +160

    "The kids sitting at their first table doing their homework", literally this was so true and our own experience finding a hidden local gem at Picton NSW Chinese restaurant one evening The foods turned out to be amazing, authentic and at affordable prices. All 14 of us were amazed as we didn't have high expectations when we came

  • @wokgod
    @wokgod Рік тому +1849

    Thank you so much for listening to my TEDx Talk 🫶

  • @dianagusprioutomo5870
    @dianagusprioutomo5870 Рік тому +147

    "Cooking represents all the hard work and memories." I DO LIKE THIS SENTENCE. Thanks a lot, you have tough us about a life, real life.

  • @JamesBlake3
    @JamesBlake3 Рік тому +226

    "Chinese food isn't fast food. It requires skills, mastery of ingredients, and nostalgia." Something the should be ingrained into people everywhere. To watch traditional Asian food being made, not the Americanized versions, is like watching an art being performed. But with benefit of experiencing the artists masterpiece at the end.

    • @levyshi
      @levyshi Рік тому +3

      don't disparage american chinese food please. esp if you're not chinese.

    • @JamesBlake3
      @JamesBlake3 Рік тому +8

      @@levyshi not criticizing American Chinese food. I am referring to the skill it takes to prepare traditional foods. I am Japanese and to see “Americanized Japanese” food being prepared is sometimes insulting. At least around me. Very blatantly incorrect and haphazardly thrown together.

    • @idontcareharry
      @idontcareharry Рік тому +2

      it aint cheap either

    • @DIRKDIGG88
      @DIRKDIGG88 4 місяці тому

      Agreed. Fried noodles done traditionally is my soul food

    • @briansmith3134
      @briansmith3134 Місяць тому

      I'm Not American at and I agree with you. However thats true for any cuisine. Like Mc Donald's isn't a great American burger. But an old diner run by a guy who's been making them 30 years and has perfected them is an experience to remember. I feel your pain on Japanese food. I have only eaten two great Japanese restaurants before and you can always tell if it's legit by their sushi. Real sushi takes the best ingredients and a masters touch.

  • @Letmein111
    @Letmein111 7 місяців тому +24

    im malaysian and currently on my 3rd year studying in russia. hes right. every chinese restaurant have that one kid doing their homework 😂 but most importantly, when he said nostalgia.. oh god i miss my country. SEAsia is the home of AMAZING food, and i might say, one of the most - delicious food in the world. im grateful for where i came from, bcs if not i would never taste real food and real savoury. thank you vincent, you made me tear a lil bit lol.

  • @linuxman7777
    @linuxman7777 Рік тому +87

    Beautifully done. The issue with Chinese food and price is that it is so ubiquitous that all that competition drives down prices. Like how my friend worked at a restaurant about 20mi from where I lived, I liked supporting him and his restaurant, but on the way there I would drive past 5 Restaurants that were also Chinese places, and he would often say that I didn't have to go all that way just to visit him when other options were available.

  • @shays7815
    @shays7815 Рік тому +91

    I loved this talk. It was so heartfelt and touching. I got teary eyed by picturing him and his father cooking and making memories.

  • @MrShem123ist
    @MrShem123ist Рік тому +270

    When he started cooking, I felt that something was missing and then he said, "Now we add a little bit of yum yum." That was so satisfying.

    • @tradewalker8187
      @tradewalker8187 5 місяців тому +2

      ew , that's just MSG, meaning heart problems and blood pressure problems at the age of 50

    • @MrShem123ist
      @MrShem123ist 5 місяців тому +6

      @@tradewalker8187 US FDA has already classified this ingredient as generally safe. Of course, moderation is key. (Same can be said with salt)

    • @mattbourke603
      @mattbourke603 4 місяці тому +1

      US FDA HAHAHAHA

    • @burritodoge8450
      @burritodoge8450 4 місяці тому +5

      ​@@tradewalker8187 MSG is more common than you think. From popular fast food chains to especially chips, they all use it. U may not know that there are several forms/names of MSG which will trick people into thinking it doesn't have it just because it doesn't specifically say MSG(monosodium glutamate).

    • @CopaAirlinesBoeing737MAX9
      @CopaAirlinesBoeing737MAX9 3 місяці тому

      @@tradewalker8187I bet you cook food with no flavour

  • @alww28
    @alww28 Рік тому +76

    growing up in malaysia, my parents runs a street makeshift “restaurant “ for over 60 yrs. Our parents raised 10 kids, some are now ceo, doctors and finance experts. The entire family works at the restaurant. It was very hard work. No social media at the time, every customer was hard earned by providing good value food and building a personal friendship with the customer. We know theirs and their grandchildren names, and if not, we will make one up for you. It is one of a kind experience and I hope you enjoy it despite the hardwork.

    • @rafisuryana9503
      @rafisuryana9503 Рік тому +2

      Your parents must be so proud to have such successful kids, they can humble brag anytime and anywhere 😂

    • @bruhbro1181
      @bruhbro1181 Рік тому +2

      hey bro I'm from the other side of the courseway

  • @billyjoebeanie4468
    @billyjoebeanie4468 Рік тому +12

    Fellow Chinese restaurant kid here as well from USA (Virginia). Was never easy growing up in our environments but am wishing Vincent and others out there raised like us nothing but the best.

  • @samg5555
    @samg5555 8 місяців тому +6

    Great job. Tears in my eyes watching him talk. Seeing his passion for cooking and hearing him talk about his dad really got to me. Thank you. Beautiful job. I now have a new appreciation for Chinese food.

  • @abmelvic5066
    @abmelvic5066 Рік тому +41

    Vincent is brilliant. I hope he becomes a multimillionaire Chinese cook! He is a brilliant speaker, cook, influencer!

    • @qinshi-huang8791
      @qinshi-huang8791 Рік тому +4

      I'm pretty sure he's already a multi millionaire

  • @anthonyfong4922
    @anthonyfong4922 9 місяців тому +3

    Thank you...this made me teary too as you are correct...for a lot of Asians, the restaurant was a second home away from home. We have a lot of memories forged in these beautiful places and the food, drinks and environment just gels things together. Even as a 50 year old man now, whenever I am back in Sydney, I will bring my kids to places I have eaten and tell them stories and recollections of my life. Thank you to all the sifu in the kitchens and the staff that makes everything a great memory

  • @michaelwong1908
    @michaelwong1908 8 місяців тому +6

    That's truly touching. I lost my parents couple of years ago, and I miss them dearly. Thankfully, teaching my kids, now 13, to make fried rice has become a meaningful way to share his memory and create new bonds.

  • @cryptotonic567
    @cryptotonic567 Рік тому +35

    I love noodles and fried rice and you can definetly taste and feel the passion and love of the person cooking It!
    It s amazing keep those memories and tradition alive!

  • @SquidandCatAdventures
    @SquidandCatAdventures Рік тому +8

    I live in Vancouver, BC. It's an area that is fortunate to have many Chinese restaurants representing many different regions and price levels. Even many non-Chinese people get that there is such a thing as formal (or fine dining) Chinese food here (and they are expensive here). But reading Google reviews, there are still some that don't have a clue of the traditions and expect it all to be the cheap and Westernized version. Btw, what this means also varies regionally. I've only recently realized that there is a dish that originated in New York that is hard to even find on menus here - the orange chicken. Here it's almond chicken or lemon chicken if you are really looking for the Westernized Chinese food (you can also find it in some of the mall food courts, but some of our malls are also all Asian and have amazing authentic food). I appreciate the Westernized too - to do it well still takes skill and it is its own cultural phenomenon. It kind of bothered me that he made the fried rice and then it sat there losing its ideal temperature, taste, and texture (stir fry is best right after making it) with no one eating it, not even a taste. Felt like a waste, even if it was a stage fried rice, lol. Not very Chinese, lol. I would have been happy with him handing it with a spoon to one person in the front. Nice talk.

  • @jameshowcroft321
    @jameshowcroft321 7 місяців тому +6

    What a beautiful speech , your Dad would be so proud , good on you champ love your words , you are amazing thank you 🙏

  • @Chickadeebunny
    @Chickadeebunny Рік тому +78

    Love this, chinese food is a gift from heaven. And the chefs work so hard we love them.

  • @mr.cookie7308
    @mr.cookie7308 Рік тому +19

    The Chinese diaspora all around the world work extremely hard to earn a living. Food is a central part of the Chinese experience, of oppulence, of the pain and hunger the people endured, or the changing seasons and the times. Next time, when you go into a Chinese restaurant, just tip a little extra and say thank you for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful food.

  • @le_ona_79
    @le_ona_79 17 днів тому

    Beautiful story and such a champion. Met this wonderful entrepreneur recently... he is so humble, so positive, and so motivating. Quality people are hard to find ❤

  • @lanakloch559
    @lanakloch559 Рік тому +5

    you are amazing.. you are such a wonderful lecturer.. you hold our attention and have a great sense of humor.. proud of you.. from california, usa..

  • @CheeLiangLam
    @CheeLiangLam Рік тому +5

    Thank you Chef Vincent for your inspiring story on nostalgia, an important aspect to cooking when you are not in your kampung.

  • @harveyscottz
    @harveyscottz 7 місяців тому +4

    David Chang was right on when he said that our food industry also experienced racism, from the grocery market aisles where "Asian items" are not placed in the International Section or the value of Asian dishes like Chinese food is not perceived as the same level as Italian food from price value to recognition.

  • @brucelee5576
    @brucelee5576 Рік тому +5

    The western world really needs more restaurants that sever real Chinese food. What we all know as Chinese takeout in America is really truly American.

  • @ohmikesroh5904
    @ohmikesroh5904 8 місяців тому

    What came cross was your love and bond with your dad... You both must he proud of each other and love each other very much. Your dad taught you well and given you that love and enjoyment for cooking. Happy memories, happy life. Congratulations on your success. You have earned it well!!

  • @miamiwong687
    @miamiwong687 7 місяців тому

    Your presentation gave my goosebumps. I went through my childhood similar to yours. Although I didn’t follow my father’s footsteps to continue with his restaurant business but my memories of him and his mastery of cooking remain till today. Well done and thank you for sharing your childhood and your challenges to reach culinary success with your business and social media content. All the best.

  • @regiasama3565
    @regiasama3565 8 місяців тому +3

    Everything you said about Chinese cooking is so true. I am a chef too, though not Chinese by blood but for e Chinese food reigns supreme. Not thefrench or italian cooking will ever beat chinese.

  • @castielchieng7475
    @castielchieng7475 Рік тому +4

    Chinese food is fast because of the chef's mastery and skills. They might not have the best look but the taste is on another level

  • @ricardomanrique9125
    @ricardomanrique9125 8 місяців тому

    Thank you for share your dad memories. You feel proud of him.Its amazing how you teach to cook.Thank you again.

  • @CoolGirl007
    @CoolGirl007 Рік тому +18

    Frying rice is difficult it always stick on the wok but this chef doing well without messy 😄

    • @petraleong
      @petraleong Рік тому +5

      For it not to stick you have to wait for the wok to be hot enough. But when the wok is hot, it’s easy to burnt the rice and ingredients, thus why it is easy to cook hard to master.

  • @MindMagick222
    @MindMagick222 Рік тому +29

    I still can’t get over how fast he cooked that meal which looked totally amazing btw. In like THREE freakin min HOW!!! TAkes me longer just to warm up my rice pot 🙄🙄🤣🤣 So cool!!! I have an even deeper respect for my favorite “fast food”! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

    • @avicharlton
      @avicharlton Рік тому +5

      Always use leftover rice for fried rice :) You can also freeze leftover rice

    • @DivineAtheistWannabe
      @DivineAtheistWannabe Рік тому +1

      ​@@avicharlton the chef argues otherwise.
      I've always used fresh rice and never had an issue.
      As long as you cook the rice properly fresh should be fine.
      The main priority with fried rice is the fluffy texture and grain separation I.e. not in clumps.
      If you can achieve that its not necessary to use old rice. And imo it's easier to achieve with properly cooked fresh rice.

    • @DivineAtheistWannabe
      @DivineAtheistWannabe Рік тому

      ​@@avicharlton the chef argues otherwise.
      I've always used fresh rice and never had an issue.
      As long as you cook the rice properly fresh should be fine.
      The main priority with fried rice is the fluffy texture and grain separation I.e. not in clumps.
      If you can achieve that its not necessary to use old rice. And imo it's easier to achieve with properly cooked fresh rice.

  • @Alkhatibr
    @Alkhatibr Рік тому +3

    It was a great TED Talk but what he said kind of just applies to all types of food and restaurants as I'm sure a Hispanic, middle eastern, African, American, etc would say the same thing. He draws the comparison between Chinese food and fine dining when really theyre just different.
    You can find different levels of dining for asian food such as how many would consider Panda Express a much nicer setting than your standard Chinese take out location, and you can easily find gourmet fine dining Chinese restaurants as well.
    What he should've based the TED Talk is on the importance and greatness of mom and pop restaurants as like he said theyre generally cheaper, not as aesthetically pleasing but just as good if not better than your standard chain restaurant or high end restaurant due to the chefs/cooks spending years learning and perfecting their craft that they have a passion for.

  • @JackLy777
    @JackLy777 Рік тому +3

    Great work Vincent!

  • @DashofTing
    @DashofTing Рік тому +8

    Proud of you, Aussie bestie @dimsimlim ! Keep going and inspire us to keep learning and growing! Your dad would be so proud of you.
    PS. Can you make you your fried rice when you coming visit me? lol

  • @zshastikay336
    @zshastikay336 Рік тому +1

    God of Wok at his best 🎉 .. Congrats & wishing you all best from a fellow Malaysian 😊.

  • @junyuzhang414
    @junyuzhang414 7 місяців тому

    This is so beautifully said and demonstrated - love it

  • @HevaNaisdey
    @HevaNaisdey Рік тому +5

    It's fast-cooking, not fast-food. The techniques and the tools they use is extremely efficient

  • @helenfoong3696
    @helenfoong3696 Рік тому +3

    Yes, food connects us..

  • @sniper10666
    @sniper10666 Місяць тому

    I’ve made so many recipes from this guy and seriously I don’t have to go out for Chinese /Asian food anymore

  • @1JoyPeace
    @1JoyPeace Рік тому +6

    Margaret Kuo served the best Chinese food growing up in her restaurant. Never realized people considered it cheap until I left home. Now I'm hungry. 😋

  • @hannesRSA
    @hannesRSA Рік тому +5

    Nice show. Unfortunately Australian labour is so expensive, eating out whether at a market or restaurant is a rare occasion.

  • @mapagmasidtv
    @mapagmasidtv Рік тому +1

    Yo dimsim lim😢😢😢😢 thanks for sharing your memories and nostalagia about the food…❤❤❤❤❤

  • @conned
    @conned 10 місяців тому +3

    The old Chinese chefs don't share this, they let their cooking do the talking, no social media then ..
    Food doesn't have to Michelin , it just have to enjoyable n meaningful. It's not just taste, tongue, it's the heart, culture, memories, heritage

  • @saharbelhouchet
    @saharbelhouchet Рік тому +4

    I'm obsessed with Chinese food ❤and traditional..
    One day I'm going to visit China ❤

  • @SamoanKiwi
    @SamoanKiwi Рік тому +6

    If a Chinese restaurant doesn't have a kid doing their homework in the reception area then run. Only the best restaurants have these.

  • @NoNoNo12322
    @NoNoNo12322 7 місяців тому +1

    That was a nice speech

  • @JXiong-zo8ig
    @JXiong-zo8ig 4 місяці тому

    Anything cooked in a Wok is the BEST in the world, hands down!!!

  • @danltm
    @danltm Рік тому +1

    Kudos! The cooking makes u relax and in the element! Jiayou

  • @sejinbyun9758
    @sejinbyun9758 Рік тому +1

    I'm soooo proud of you Vincent miss u xx

  • @utopia998
    @utopia998 Рік тому +1

    I'm a big fan of you dimsimlim! You are definitely one of my biggest role model when it comes to cooking!

  • @silverchairsg
    @silverchairsg 8 місяців тому

    Chinese cuisine's enormously diverse anyway. There's Cantonese (which much Chinese food in the West is based on), Sichuan, Northeast, Jiangsu, etc and they are all very different.

  • @17teacmrocks
    @17teacmrocks Рік тому +1

    i’ve seen his yt vids. the food looks so so, mostly americanized chinese fast food fried in oil though it might taste good.

  • @majcrash
    @majcrash 7 місяців тому +1

    The problem with Chinese restaurants in America is they bought into the "coat everything with sugar" mentality, and so they made dishes that weren't really Chinese, like orange chicken. I have found a place that makes some actual Chinese dishes locally, and so that it where I go. And I respect the culinary craftsmanship of each dish.

  • @snookerson9292
    @snookerson9292 Рік тому +1

    Keep it going!

  • @YoMateo.
    @YoMateo. Рік тому +26

    Whoever's reading this, i pray that whatever you're going through gets better and whatever you're struggling with or worrying about is going to be fine and that everyone has a fantastic day! Amen

    • @kidsugie1236
      @kidsugie1236 Рік тому +2

      Amen I needed to hear this continue to let God speak thru you❤

    • @odu6918
      @odu6918 Рік тому

      Trank yo uso so so mich :((((( u too

    • @doctauglyd9861
      @doctauglyd9861 Рік тому

      He'll yea

  • @kikyoass
    @kikyoass 10 місяців тому +2

    Congrats bro 😎

  • @MorgothAce6099
    @MorgothAce6099 4 місяці тому

    the person taking the table off the stage after dim sim lim walked away:
    "i'm sooooooooo gonna eat that"

  • @sistermaria1028
    @sistermaria1028 Рік тому

    From Heaven The Good God and your Dad are watching over you...
    God Bless you.
    Thank you for your yam yam
    Blessings.

  • @KlassicApparel
    @KlassicApparel Рік тому +2

    well done buddy. keep it up

  • @wdbyrd2
    @wdbyrd2 5 днів тому

    was he using an induction wok burner?

  • @jotk9440
    @jotk9440 Рік тому +2

    Congratulations 👏

  • @ult11mo
    @ult11mo Рік тому

    Wow. Mr. Yumyum was on Tedtalk

  • @spinzerus
    @spinzerus Рік тому +1

    You’re amazing!

  • @mydogisbailey
    @mydogisbailey Рік тому +2

    i love chinese cuisine so damn much i want to cry ❤

  • @barbros2023
    @barbros2023 6 місяців тому

    You're an inspiration love u bro

  • @raviamohamed2677
    @raviamohamed2677 11 місяців тому +1

    Omg may ur father be proud of u while he rip. I have been a follower of u it’s awesome the way u cool n equally it looks yummy. Pls do visit Sri Lanka one day would love to meet u. Though I don’t own a Chinese restaurant even my dream was always to own one. From my small age. And the Sri Lanka Chinese has a different taste it’s spicy made to our pallet. Pls come to Sri Lanka?

  • @robdenaro4215
    @robdenaro4215 7 місяців тому +1

    Chinese food isn't cheap. My local mum and dad restaurant increase their prices about 20%.every year. The quality is good, but $26 for Mongolian beef is a little expensive. So we don't frequent it as often. This video is a clever exercise to condition customers to accept increasing prices.

    • @Leo-gb1mo
      @Leo-gb1mo 7 місяців тому

      Woke sometimes is bad for the society/economy.

  • @fumomeats1141
    @fumomeats1141 7 місяців тому

    Incredible

  • @JayJay-tf7hw
    @JayJay-tf7hw Рік тому +2

    I would really like know who this man is. He is very inspirational & I would like to know how to follow him. If anyone can help me here I would greatly appreciate it? Thank you.

    • @Craftgirly
      @Craftgirly Рік тому +2

      His UA-cam channel is called “dim sim lim “ typed together as one word.

  • @anon2218
    @anon2218 Рік тому

    Good Ted talk

  • @havenbeats2605
    @havenbeats2605 Рік тому +1

    Answer me! What is the white powder you are calling yum yum?

  • @duncankong4438
    @duncankong4438 Рік тому +6

    Uncle Roger must be so proud

  • @yeewengchiang3295
    @yeewengchiang3295 Рік тому +1

    Fuyooh...!! This guy has got an Uncle title...👍👍

  • @bukurie6861
    @bukurie6861 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for your cook and your traditional chinese food delici🥰ous and so fast!Congratulation own you today😍📸💥

  • @SamSam-cc8dj
    @SamSam-cc8dj 7 місяців тому

    Food is life. Life is food. Regardless of culture.

  • @leizhao9084
    @leizhao9084 3 місяці тому

    你的店在澳洲? 地址在哪里呀?

  • @jopyeap
    @jopyeap 11 місяців тому

    Came for the little bit of yum yum

  • @oxiary
    @oxiary Рік тому +1

    me watching: amazing
    inner asian me: YOUR WASTING THE RICEEE

  • @jinglee1206
    @jinglee1206 7 місяців тому

    Add a little bit yum yum~

  • @misterdot6923
    @misterdot6923 Рік тому

    yes

  • @SQUAREDONO
    @SQUAREDONO 7 місяців тому

    Love it

  • @qingzenghong89
    @qingzenghong89 8 місяців тому

    You my friend was Sydney 王刚

  • @JMaxx-fn4he
    @JMaxx-fn4he Місяць тому

    he is the real life Soma

  • @tjiachristian5525
    @tjiachristian5525 Рік тому

    "A little bit yum yum" 😊

  • @lukeishikawa9215
    @lukeishikawa9215 Рік тому

    Amazing sharing chef

  • @9231tomi
    @9231tomi Рік тому +1

    Just like mechanics, good Chinese cooks are hard to find, so many times we get disappointed by the flavours, we ate crispy pork belly that was so salty we couldn't even finish them

  • @heizehua5661
    @heizehua5661 Місяць тому

    Ted needs to invite Uncle Roger as well for a speech

  • @Rus7y5hanks
    @Rus7y5hanks Рік тому +1

    too bad he couldnt use two real woks on stage with real fire. its a whole different experience that simple words cannot describe. if this ted talk had no words and just him cooking ten dishes in two woks within 10 min. maybe people would appreciate the years of skill building this really takes. lets not forget prep work and knife skills

  • @nhifuu
    @nhifuu Рік тому

    Lol he helped to spend time with his dad? suuuure! XD

  • @blueworm123
    @blueworm123 Рік тому

    Anyone know the model of electric wok stove?

  • @sovitaseng5519
    @sovitaseng5519 Рік тому

    Grew up in a nail salon… LOL put me through high school and uni! Ps we also threw a bed in there bc we were open 9-7 LOL

  • @element720
    @element720 Рік тому +2

    Chinese food absolutely doesn’t get as much respect as Western counterparts. You’re talking about THOUSANDS of years of culture with tremendous regional nuance reduced down to kung pao chicken and a fortune cookie. And in a way, that is reflected in pricing and public perception.

  • @auroragb
    @auroragb 7 місяців тому

    He said a lot, but at the same time, I don't feel he said anything substantial.
    I mean when I go to a restaurant (Chinese or not), I just want decent food without too much hassle. I don't know why I need to remember it's more than that

  • @Workshop.24
    @Workshop.24 2 місяці тому

    ❤❤❤

  • @terry890
    @terry890 Рік тому

    Damn good take and show. You need to have yourbown show

  • @jamesp3388
    @jamesp3388 Рік тому

    Can someone tell me what’s yumyum? That he is referring to

  • @Lumpia5176
    @Lumpia5176 7 місяців тому

    He didnt even talk about how bad he was in academics and found his mastery in cooking.

  • @vankson
    @vankson Рік тому +1

    妙....妙的很😁😋

  • @AutumnDay122
    @AutumnDay122 Рік тому

    Amazing

  • @WendyPipe-f8r
    @WendyPipe-f8r 9 місяців тому

    What is yum yum ?

    • @johnlucas6683
      @johnlucas6683 8 місяців тому +1

      MSG, monosodium glutamate. For the Umami taste.