Chinese dishes WITHOUT MSG?

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Lola is sensitive to MSG in food to the point that they trigger migraines. We both really like it and would like to order some, but are worried about her headaches. Is there any food (other than the white rice :p) that won't have a lot of MSG?
 

dighn

Lifer
Aug 12, 2001
22,820
4
81
chinese food doesn't need msg. we never use msg at home.

but restaurant food always has msg
 

Mo0o

Lifer
Jul 31, 2001
24,227
3
76
There are lots of restaurants taht advertize they dont have msg in there food. besides, you can always tell them to not put any in.
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Originally posted by: dighn
chinese food doesn't need msg. we never use msg at home.

but restaurant food always has msg

No, restaurant foods do not all have MSG, at least not in the quantity that would cause a reaction.
 

dighn

Lifer
Aug 12, 2001
22,820
4
81
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: dighn
chinese food doesn't need msg. we never use msg at home.

but restaurant food always has msg

No, restaurant foods do not all have MSG, at least not in the quantity that would cause a reaction.

they always taste like they have a ton of msg added to me

oh btw i meant only chinese restaurant food
 

Harvey

Administrator<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
35,057
66
91
Unless you're at a steam table of already prepared food, you can ask most Chinese restaurants not to use MSG. The most important thing you can learn to say in Mandarin is (Chinese friends, please forgive my spelling if I get my Pin Yin wrong):

Bu yao wei xing. (pronounced boo yow wey jing).

It means, "Don't use MSG" (of course). :D :wine:
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
I have the same migraine trigger and I make sure they don't put MSG in my food when I order... I ask them straight up first. I know you can't always trust them but there's this one take-out place here that says they don't put MSG everytime I simply ask and I've never had a problem... even with Sesame Chicken in fried rice.

Just gotta find a place that confirms no MSG and establish trust. Then you can eat anything you want from there.

You can usually tell there's a lot of MSG if you get real thirsty afterward (throughout the day).
 

EvilYoda

Lifer
Apr 1, 2001
21,198
9
81
It's not often that I see someone speak Mandarin on the boards...it always seems to be Canto. cool.

But anyway, a GOOD Chinese restaurant (not an americanized one) should not have to use MSG...but I guess it depends on where you live and the demand for the food.
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
I think it is less prevelent now since public awareness of CRS is more well known. We just ordered some, so I guess we will see what happens. They said that they use no MSG.
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Originally posted by: jadinolf
I like MSG. It adds flavor.
Sue me.

Same. But I can understand how someone wouldn't like it if it gave them headaches...
 

Rage187

Lifer
Dec 30, 2000
14,276
4
81
I like MSG too, and can tell right away if its not in my food.

Nothing like tasteless chow mein.

BTW, Soy Sauce has MSG.
 

dighn

Lifer
Aug 12, 2001
22,820
4
81
Originally posted by: biostud666
What's MSG?

monosodium glutamate

it gives the taste of "umame" (japanese word i think)

basically a "meaty" taste

english doesn't seem to have a real word for it
 

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
parmesian has loads
tomatoes etc.

its in more things then u'd think

in american food stuffs its name is kinda hidden.

Additives that always contain MSG
bullet

Monosodium Glutamate
bullet

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
bullet

Hydrolyzed Protein
bullet

Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
bullet

Plant Protein Extract
bullet

Sodium Caseinate
bullet

Calcium Caseinate
bullet

Yeast Extract
bullet

Textured Protein
bullet

Autolyzed Yeast
bullet

Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
Terms that frequently indicate hidden MSG additives
bullet

Malt extract
bullet

Bouillon
bullet

Broth
bullet

Stock
bullet

Flavoring
bullet

Natural Flavoring
bullet

Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring
bullet

Seasoning
bullet

Spices
Additives that may contain MSG or excitotoxins
bullet

Carrageenan
bullet

Enzymes
bullet

Soy Protein Concentrate
bullet

Soy Protein Isolate
bullet

Whey Protein Concentrate
bullet

Protease enzymes of various sources can release excitotoxin amino acids from food proteins.
Reference
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/MSG.htm
 

dighn

Lifer
Aug 12, 2001
22,820
4
81
Originally posted by: Atomicus
In its purest form, it tastes sweet :)

it doesn't taste sweet

the taste is distinct from the regular 5 tastes. though i think cantonese ppl call it "sweet"..
 

Rage187

Lifer
Dec 30, 2000
14,276
4
81
Originally posted by: rh71
Originally posted by: Rage187
BTW, Soy Sauce has MSG.
Even in the pouches that say NO MSG and isn't listed in the ingredients ?


Um, of course those dont, I'm referring to the regular off the shelf Soy Sauce.