What is the meaning of life? Some would spout long-winded existential explanations for achieving one’s full potential, others of finding a community of loved ones, and some want to reach purely monetary goals. Mike Chen’s answer is much simpler. Popular Youtuber and food reviewer Mike Chen, or Simply Dumpling, has what one might consider an ideal lifestyle. His passion for food allows him to make a living and use his earnings to continue to eat good food. This cycle of fulfillment is a simple answer to this complicated question. 

Mike Chen specializes in reviewing East Asian cuisine, which he travels across the world to eat. Mike Chen, born in Xi An, China, now lives in Allen, Texas. Mike Chen was exposed to the world of Chinese cuisine early in his life by working in the buffets owned by his parents. He began his YouTube career co-creating the channel, Off the Great Wall, with Dan Chen, which mostly covered topics relating to Chinese culture and trends. Mike Chen continued to work with Dan Chen and other Chinese creators throughout his career, but branched out into food in 2013. He is now most known for his food vlogging channels; his main channel, Strictly Dumpling, has 4.2 million subscribers, and his other channel, Mike Chen (@MikeyChenX) has around 1.6 million subscribers. His other channels include Eat with Mikey and Cook with Mikey. Mike Chen’s food reviews have a unique and interesting style, with comprehensive feedback on various aspects of each meal. 

Mike Chen is well known for traveling to unique places for special types of food. For example, in one video titled “This SECRET Restaurant Serves FLOATING NOODLES & Instant Hotpot in Singapore”, Mike Chen reveals a unique restaurant that uses special methods to freeze soup noodles in a special position that looks unrealistic, and that unstiffen upon pouring hot soup on them. Mike Chen’s distinctive style can also be characterized by the clear enjoyment he receives from eating and vlogging his meals. As can be evidenced by his videos, Mike Chen appreciates his job, and is the perfect example of someone who can take pleasure in simple things like eating food. This focus on the beauty in the small moments in life is a lesson that everyone should take note of. 

Aside from his food vlogging career, Mike Chen is also vocal about his political beliefs as a member of the Falun Gong or Falun Dafa, a Chinese religious movement. As evidenced by his posts on X (formerly known as Twitter), he takes an active stance against the human rights crises related to the Chinese Communist Party, and Asian hate crimes. Mike Chen is someone who has explored many different routes in his life, ultimately finding fulfillment in food vlogging and using his platform to spread awareness about issues that are important to him.