Sonder & Salt

S3 E4: What Is MSG and How Bad Is It Really? feat. MiMi Aye

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So you think you know MSG? I bet you don't know how many names it has and how many of your cupboard staples it may be in...

In this episode, Harleigh and Malaika are joined by very special guest, MiMi Aye. MiMi Aye is a cookbook author, blogger, podcast host, activist and MSG advocate. MiMi first gives a brief education into Burmese food and its differences to other Asian cuisines, their national dishes and why the Burmese love to cook with MSG. Together, Malaika, Harleigh and MiMi unpack how MSG has an unfair reputation due to xenophobia, and the very simple recipe you have to try to start cooking with MSG.


Note: This was our first remote recording so apologies if the audio is a little lower quality than usual - we're learning! Thank you for listening.


  • Shop MiMi's cookbook 'Mandalay: Recipes and Tales from a Burmese Kitchen' on Amazon here
  • Follow MiMi Aye on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meemalee/
  • The brand of MSG recommended by MiMi in this episode is: Ajinomoto Umami Seasoning and it is sold in a small red panda shaped bottle, or larger bag in Asian grocery stores.
  • Pit Magazine Issue 009: MSG is now sold out, but you can read some of the featured articles online: https://pitmagazine.uk/features/my-grandmother-does-not-cook-for-the-white-gaze/
  • Lahpet, London: https://lahpet.co.uk/


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    Sonder & SaltBy Malaika Malz and Harleigh Reid