PITMASTER/OWNER

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The Utility Show 2025 winner and 2024 Rising Star Chef Award recipient Charles Wong visited Franklin BBQ in Austin, Texas for the first time in 2014. Instantly falling in love with their barbecue, he set out to bring the same Texas-style flavor back to his hometown, Chicago. After returning home, he began smoking briskets for friends, family, and any party he attended. Multiple visits to Franklin and other barbecue restaurants in Texas deepened his passion, and in 2016, Umamicue was officially born.

The name Umamicue reflects a combination of Wong's love for umami-rich flavors and Texas-style barbecue. At first, it started off as a side hustle, a private meal delivery service that offered delicious comfort foods while helping people reach a healthier lifestyle, while working a full-time job in finance. But by fall 2019, Wong made the leap, leaving his job to pursue Umamicue full-time.

Today, Umamicue continues to evolve-serving at weekly pop-ups, offering event catering, and even operating food services in local Chicago bars. With roots in tradition and a spirit of experimentation, Wong and the Umamicue team remain committed to pairing the Vietnamese-Chinese cuisine he ate growing up with the techniques of low and slow cooking.