Why does all food in China have the same underlying flavor?!

Why does all food in China have the same underlying flavor?

From the meat to the bread, all food has a certain underlying flavor. Is it a preservative used, maybe?

1 day ago
Most restaurants use MSG in the States and don't have this flavor? That was my first thought.

All food will not taste alike in a really good Chinese restaurant. That said ... one predominant ingredient that is very recognizable as 'that Chinese food taste' is toasted sesame oil. It's used like a seasoning (not as the primary cooking oil). If you get a chance to smell or taste some, it will be instantly recognizable.