Why do they put MSG in Chinese food?

Question

It gives me a migraine

Answer 1

MSG is a flavor enhancer. That's why they put it in.

You can usually ask them to leave it out of a freshly-prepared item. Realize it will still probably be in the soups and egg rolls and stuff that is prepared ahead of time.

Answer 2

MSG, or monosodiumglutamate is both a tenderizer and flavor enhancer. It is commonly used in Chinese recipes and can be purchased in your local market's spice section. When you eat Chinese, you can request that they leave it out. Or, you can ask ahead of time if the restaurant uses MSG and make another choice.

Answer 3

MSG isnt just in Chinese food

Most of seasonings has MSG in it, canned foods also has MSG in them, some snacks like chips has MSG as well ^_^

Answer 4

MSG is put into chinese food to keep the stuff from smelling really bad and to make us common folk want to eat it.

Answer 5

Some would suggste to put MSg as the mere seasoning of the food fort hey ofte claim foo having MSG are more delicious yet not that good for us. For it only make our cells weaker than what we think.

Answer 6

Well from my all experience, it really is about the flavor and that that's it. It doesn't tenderize anything... its like... hmmm it gives your a slight sweetness that you feel in your mouth like sugar does and the mouthful taste that ... fat does.

I found MSG especially useful in soup, broth in general, however, they can add it into meat to marinate it... An awesome combination (not that i suggest to use MSG) is 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of MSG.... it really boosts the flavor of the broth. To avoid using MSG you can also make you own broth by simmering chicken wing tips or bones (that you get rid of during previous cooking) in chicken stock or beef stock or whatever... than add salt and sugar. Soup tastes good still... and you can avoid using MSG.

Answer 7

They put msg in Chinese food at buffets because it makes you feel full and you crave it a little bit. If you eat it to much your hair thins.

Answer 8

Nearly all chinese restaurants in australia are now MSG free, people kicked up a stink about it being added, sooooooooo full of salt

Answer 9

Its for flavoring (saltier). You can tell whether or not they've put too much of it when it gives you a headache. It makes you a bit woozy and dizzy when you eat too much of it...especially if you aren't used to having it. MSG somehow makes the food yummier.... but it has a negative effect on the body (unhealthy) and makes your hair turn white!

Answer 10

msg is like the chinese version of high fructose corn syrup. it's super loaded with sodium...drinks lots of water and your migraine should go away. it makes you want to eat more.