Vietnamese Pho With No Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)? Sure You Want It That Way?

We call it monosodium glutamate or just sodium glutamate. The Japanese invented (found it in nature actually) and call it umami, for "good flavor" or "good taste."MSG in red cup

Many people have problems with consuming monosodium glutamate, or MSG, in their foods. Chinese cuisine and many other restaurant foods are notorious for having lots of MSG in them. Restaurant pho is no different. In fact MSG use in many pho restaurants is so prominent and unmistakable that you can literally taste it instead of the flavorful pho broth that it should be. While MSG exists naturally around us and its use is considered "safe" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA,) the benefits or ill effects that it brings to human diners (and pho zealots!) remain quite controversial. We each have our own judgement, tolerance, and reaction to MSG but to get a broader understanding of its impact on our culinary experience, I've asked a few culinary industry masters to share their views on MSG and how they feel it should be used in our daily lives.

Pho broth in potsHere are some views on monosodium glutamate from 7 food industry experts. Five of them have extensive culinary experience in Asian foods, the other 2  brings to the "table" (no pun intended) a clear Western viewpoints of MSG use. At least one is a food scientist, and many are respected authors, educators and publishers in their own right. I point this out because, in my opinion, the discussion on MSG cannot omit the differentiation between western and eastern cooking philosophies. In fact, such differences may just explain why MSG receives such notoriety sometimes.

In alphabetical order, they are:

I hope you will find their comments and viewpoints interesting and educational as I did. We are all humans and have our own biases and personal preferences, but insights from professionals in their own fields like these on a semi-controversial subject like MSG is a worthwhile read and definitely a learning experience. You will find both extreme and more moderate points of view on this thing we call MSG or umami. My own notes or clarification, if any, are added in brackets [...] to the end of the experts' individual statements.

1. What are your views on MSG and its use in food preparation in general? Was its creation a blessing or curse to the culinary world?

Ajinomoto MSG 1lb bagDonna Bauck. Both a blessing AND a curse. As we all know many people are sensitive to it. In the “corporate” food world it is often banned. Corporations spend a great deal of time and money finding other ways to boost flavor, and I know some products are no longer used because they contain it. On the other hand, we all want to honor traditions AND cultures. In the case of  “America” we have often taken too many liberties in Americanizing foods. In the food industry, many of us realize we have lost the heart, soul, and flavor of many cultures' foods by doing this. What is the answer? I don’t think anyone has come up with a good one. [I think Ms. Bauck's latter point is that, in americanizing ethnic foods, we make changes to them (including taking out MSG) to the detrimental effect of the foods' authenticity and taste, which I totally agree with.]

Robert Danhi. Chef Danhi wrote passionately and extensively about the subject of MSG in his book Southeast Asian Flavors. With his permission, I'm quoting relevant paragraphs here.

... For years I’ve had an internal battle over whether to use monosodium glutamate (MSG) in my cooking. The struggle began more than a decade ago when I really began to understand Southeast Asian food. I avoided using it, since as a classically trained Western chef, I was taught it was cheating and unnecessary to achieve really good food (actually true). But the challenge is that the food I’ve loved so much when I’ve traveled tasted so different from what I would make in my kitchen stateside. I realized there was no question that the prevalent use of MSG in restaurants and by street vendors of Southeast Asia was a significant factor affecting the flavor. I have ventured into hundreds of kitchens in Southeast Asia over the past twenty years. Most use MSG in one form or another. I have decided to address what most cookbook authors avoid—the topic of monosodium glutamate...

... I do not recommend nor disapprove of its use. The reality is that a majority of the kitchens in Southeast Asia use it. In the U.S.A. “No MSG added” is a common restaurant claim. But while the cooks may not have added MSG in its pure form, they probably still use sauces that have it added at the factory. Many cooks exclaim they do not use MSG, but frankly many do not even realize that they do...

... I believe much of the modern-day use of MSG in the foods around Southeast Asia is a cost-cutting measure... ... That stated, MSG is a relative newcomer to Asian cookery, having been in use for just over one hundred years. Although I was not around two hundred years ago, I’m sure there were amazing, vibrant, flavorful foods long before MSG’s invention...

Andrea Nguyen. MSG is not a terrible thing but it’s [oftentimes] [overused] to make blah, poorly made food tasty. Umami is important in lots of Asian cooking but there are natural ways to achieve it. MSG is a chemical product. Who wants to add extra chemicals to their food? It’s not natural.

Brian Nguyen. MSG is a flavor enhancer. Until today, FDA and most, if not all, health officials from other countries have not banned of using MSG in foods. The chemical components of MSG are Sodium and Glutamic Acid. Glutamic Acid is an Amino Acid. Our body requires Amino Acid. However, our body can produce it, luckily. Without it, our foods would be very bland.

Florentina. MSG is simply not good for you. It might have been a blessing for the culinary world, but definitely a curse for me and you, the consumer.

Jay Terauchi. I don't use MSG in my cooking, unless it's an Asian packaged or canned product. I understand having to use it in processed foods, but I won't use it as a flavor enhancer.

Corinne Trang. In my Asian side of the family, we used it all the time. Some still do, but I don’t. It is unnecessary. Salt can open up your taste buds. Spices and herbs can enhance any foods, curing, heat cooking, etc... can do the same. There [are] so many ways to create beautiful flavors with fresh ingredients, why would anyone want to use MSG? It’s definitely a curse, and quite frankly it should be taken off the market.

2. How much, if any, do you use or recommend the use of MSG in any recipe?

Ajinomoto MSG nutrition factsDonna Bauck. I stay away from it as much as possible. There is no way of knowing if my customer base has sensitivity. Though I attempt to label any foods that I am aware of (just as you would for nuts,) I believe there is a growing population that does know if they are sensitive, [therefore] may steer away from foods labeled as such.

Robert Danhi. Don't use in recipes.

Andrea Nguyen. I don’t suggest using MSG in any of my recipes. I’m more intrigued by what natural glutamates do in food, how they make food taste good.

Brian Nguyen. Most food products contain naturally occured Glutamic Acid. However, during the cooking process, most of Glutamic Acid is destroyed by heat from over cooking. The amount of putting the MSG back into food varies. However, it should be much less than 1% in finished products.

Florentina. I do not use MSG in my cooking and I would never recommend it in a recipe.

Jay Terauchi. None.

Corinne Trang. Zero.

3. Are there certain dishes that you feel will always need at least some MSG?

Donna Bauck. I do not believe I am in the position to answer this. I do not use it, though I am sure I have eaten it. I have never studied the effects of a recipe with or without MSG.

Robert Danhi. [No.]

Andrea Nguyen. Nope. Some Viet people say that pho is not pho without MSG but that’s just because there is rampant use of it in pho. They are used to the ‘sweet’ flavor that MSG lends. Using yellow rock sugar makes that happen in pho broth.

Brian Nguyen. As I mentioned above, MSG is a flavor enhancer not a flavor. Most cooked dishes require MSG since it has been destroy[ed] by heat.

Florentina. Absolutely not. With all the spices we have available to us today, there is no need for MSG at all.

Jay Terauchi. I don't feel that but understand that most Asian dishes use it and that's what people know it to taste like that.

Corinne Trang. No.

4. With respect to pho, is MSG (at any quantity) an important ingredient? What about any other broths/soup dishes?

Ajinomoto MSG in small jarsDonna Bauck. Same answer as above. Additionally, though I have eaten pho, I could not answer from a cultural, or personal experience as to its importance.

Robert Danhi. Use lots of meat, enough fish sauce and long simmering to harness umami and no MSG is needed. [If you] can't afford the meat and time, add some MSG and broth will taste better.

Andrea Nguyen. See response to #3 above.

Brian Nguyen. The most important ingredient in Pho or any dishes is not MSG. MSG is not a primary ingredient. It is a secondary ingredient. It is there to enhance not to act as a flavor.

Florentina. I don't believe so. More people should try using sea salt and lots of aromatics to enhance the flavor of their meals.

Jay Terauchi. I think to give it the authentic flavor YES, otherwise I think it would lack the familiar flavor that people know.

Corinne Trang. MSG is not necessary in any food, including pho or other broths or soup dishes. Again my family has used [it] for sure, but I don’t see a good enough reason to add it to any of my meals.

5. The bottom line: would you enjoy a bowl of pho (homemade or restaurant) knowing that MSG was used?

Donna Bauck. Since I have eaten pho, in traditional settings I believe I can safely assume I have eaten it with MSG. Though, again, I believe the public needs additional education on MSG. It is one of those products that we hear (as example) may cause headaches if you are sensitive to it. No one I know wants to “risk” a headache… so though they may have eaten MSG prior, they may not know they have. Theoretically, I believe some people would shy away from a food product with this ingredient because of this.

Robert Danhi. Yes, I do here in USA and in Vietnam where most cooks use it... Sad, but they [can't] afford the pure meat/bone broth.

Andrea Nguyen. When I have pho in a restaurant, most likely there’s MSG in the broth. That’s fine and expected. What’s not fine is when there’s a ton of MSG in the broth. That’s just bad cooking.

Brian Nguyen. Whether homemade or restaurant made, MSG should be used sparingly.

Florentina. Yes I would, occasionally, but if I were given the choice between a bowl of pho made with MSG and one made without the use of MSG I would pick the latter.

Jay Terauchi. I understand that it's traditional and enjoy the flavor from the stock of bones, etc.  If the broth only had flavor from seasonings such as MSG, then No. It's a big selling point to Americans if you don't use MSG.

Corinne Trang. I would. I did when I was in Vietnam. I have when enjoying pho in a NY City’s Chinatown, because when in the company of friends, you talk about other things besides MSG! At home when I make pho, or any Asian soups, I never use it.

My take on MSG.

So there you have it. Certainly learned a lot myself. My own personal view on MSG is more moderate than many people's, and certainly more moderate than some of our culinary masters here. I myself do not get adverse effects after consuming moderate amounts of MSG, except for the normal thirstiness which comes with any sodium consumption anyway. I do agree that many food vendors overuse MSG and my level of enjoyment would drop like a brick; I don't like salt water and it's just a waste of my money actually. In any case I think the MSG controversy will continue on. What's the bottom line? I think it is this:

  • MSG is not banned simply because it is not necessarily bad for many of us, but we do have our own choice of what we consider a quality and healthy diet. Education and understanding are key.

I want to send many warm thanks to Donna Bauck, Robert Danhi, Andrea NguyenBrian Nguyen, Florentina, Jay Terauchi and Corrine Trang for participating in this roundtable discussion on MSG. You gave us valuable insights into this tough culinary subject.

Now let's go eat some pho.

Oh and please take the MSG survey below.

Will you eat pho with MSG? 1 or 2 answers.

View Results

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42 comments

  1. JohnN 31 May, 2014 at 09:59 Reply

    I believe you can habituate yourself to a daily dose of msg without apparent I’ll effect. But then I can say that about a lot of things nicotine, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, etc.
    Think of glutamine (glutamic acid <– msg) and dopamine as the yang and yin pair of neural transmitters that you would like keep in balance; one excites the other promote calmness.
    I value my mental state enough not to jeopardize its operation. We used to cook with a moderate amount of it but no more. Ingesting msg now gives me sense of lethargy (the brain compensates by releasing more dopamine?), feverish and thirst .
    It may induce seizures in some epileptics.
    Only my $.02.
    John

  2. Cuong Huynh 31 May, 2014 at 12:23 Reply

    @JohnN: I agree with your $0.02. I’m sure many of us do not discount the fact that many people have problems with MSG. On the other hand, there are a few billions people around the world who do not have ill effects when consuming MSG on a daily basis; otherwise Ajinomoto wouldn’t be still in business earning almost $12.5B in 2013 (they’ve been around since 1909). Like many things in this world, there is no black and white, and people do have a choice when cooking at home. In the case of MSG, personal regulation is the way to go just like alcohol or anything else. And if you know you don’t take well to MSG then just don’t do it. With respect to when eating out, restaurants who use MSG will just have to lose that part of consumers who are allergic to it. Restaurant operators make tough decisions everyday, and not serving those who are MSG-allergic may be one of those choices. Personally, I think those argue against MSG to the extremity are just, well, too extreme. Thanks for your input JohnN.

  3. Leon 14 July, 2014 at 13:49 Reply

    MSG makes me ill with diarreha and headache. If you use it I won’t eat your food, obviously. Please let me know, especially if I’ve asked in the past, you said no, and have started using it. And don’t lie about it because you think it doesn’t matter.

    It’s easy for people who tolerate it to say it’s okay. If it made them sick they’d change their tune.

  4. Cuong Huynh 14 July, 2014 at 14:04 Reply

    @Leon: Whoa hold on there, pardner Leon. Not sure what you meant with your statement “Please let me know, especially if I’ve asked in the past, you said no, and have started using it. And don’t lie about it because you think it doesn’t matter.” I’m sorry you have problems with MSG but you may have received such suggestion elsewhere and not here at LovingPho.com. I always advice people to find out what they are served then practice moderation, which is the best policy.

  5. nhatrang 13 May, 2015 at 19:33 Reply

    I do not use MSG with pho, and it is consistent any time I make it. The art of making good food is fresh ingredients , it is expensive , but it is better for your health. My husband has very bad allergy if MSG is used in the cooking

  6. Cuong Huynh 14 May, 2015 at 15:33 Reply

    @nhatrang: yes obviously if you have known allergic conditions to MSG then the proper thing to do is not use it if cooking at home, or ask about it before eating in a restaurant. The awareness may be higher in North America, but people don’t make a big deal about MSG in Vietnam, at least not yet. If one is allergic to MSG and goes a pho shop in Vietnam, he/she should be extra careful in finding out.

    And you are right, pho doesn’t need added MSG to taste good, as in any other foods. You can definitely make good pho without it. The problem is greedy restaurateurs, or restaurateurs who don’t know better, that do not care about their customers and use an excessive amount of MSG. All they care about is making money and use lots of MSG to enhance their less than perfect pho.

  7. DDX 29 June, 2018 at 08:19 Reply

    I’m sure that I will convince no one, but actual MSG sensitivity is virtually non-existent. But please don’t take my word for it–research the SOUND, scientific studies on the internet (and ignore the apocryphal stories which mean almost nothing.)

    • Cuong Huynh 2 September, 2018 at 11:34 Reply

      @DDX: Thanks for leaving your comments. Not sure why you thought you “will convince no one”, but I’m sure there are people who will agree and others disagree with you. It really depends.

      Personally, I’d consider the statement “actual MSG sensitivity is virtually non-existent” a pretty extreme one. While they may be in the minority, there are people who are truly allergic to MSG, like there are people who are allergic to other food ingredients.

      With that said, symptoms such as thirstiness or headache after eating a meal may be falsely diagnosed as attributable MSG. The fact is, eating ANY salty thing will also cause thirstiness, and people do get headaches all the time that has nothing to do with MSG. So MSG may be conveniently getting a bum rap. My point is: each individual should be fair to assess his/her own real reaction to MSG just like with reaction to peanuts or shellfish/seafood or egg, etc., and not just make generalization about MSG.

      With respect to things you read or research on the Internet, one must assume that an individual knows how to do a fair and complete research; be able to compare, contrast, and make a judgement; and then make an intelligent conclusion. Only then will a meaningful understanding of the subject matter be acquired. I don’t disagree with what you wrote. It’s just that we are creatures of habits and beliefs, and not everyone has an open mind.

      In any case, it would help if you’d shared sources you deem reliable instead of just telling people to “ignore the apocryphal stories which mean almost nothing”. This way everyone learns and we all can have a more meaningful discussion.

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