Did you ever eat Chinese takeout and then feel tired or really thirsty after? And someone might say, “It’s the MSG in the food that makes you so, (Less common are allusions to its widespread use in Asian cuisine, like ” But what is MSG exactly, and is it really as bad for you as people say? Join me to learn more about this!
Before we go any further in discussing what MSG actually is, let’s do some misinformation-busting about Chinese food. Many people think that all Chinese food is bad for you, and that it has too much MSG in it. This is just not true! There are tons of dishes under Chinese food umbrella, many of which can be very healthy AND tasty.
At a restaurant like Haoji, we emphasize fresh and high-quality ingredients. We also employ certain cooking techniques that can enhances the flavor profile of our food. Although we do use beef in some of our dishes, it’s important to understand that beef is not the only thing that makes Chinese food taste so good.
In Chinese cooking, MSG serves to enhance a taste known as umami. Umami is one of the five basic tastes, and refers to a savory flavor found in foods like meaty, fishy, and mushroomy fare. When incorporated into dishes, this ingredient can lend a greater mouthfeel and sense of umami richness to food. That’s part of the reason chefs have been working with it in Chinese cooking for years.
In fact, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says MSG is safe to eat if there aren’t too much of it. The FDA classifies monosodium glutamate as "generally recognized as safe," which means that in the majority of people, it can be ingested with no problems.
Now you might be wondering, why do some people believe MSG is bad for you? There are some people who may be more sensitive to MSG than others, which can result in not feeling well or other unwanted reactions. Plus, others may be skittish about eating MSG based on what they’ve heard from their friends, relative, or media outlets that might portray MSG in a negative light.
Although we should all be mindful of what we eat, it’s also important to remember that not everything we might hear regarding Chinese food and MSG is supported by good science. Here at Haoji, we believe that cooking should be done with the best ingredients, with care. We believe Chinese food can be delicious and healthy, and MSG can be part of that experience when used responsibly.
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