Is MSG prevelent in Malaysian food?

Question

I've got a trip up-coming to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Yay! But I have a severe allergy to monosodium glutamate (MSG). Boo! It triggers severe migraines so I normally avoid it at all costs, but that's not always easy when abroad. I know in certain parts of asia, MSG is used like common salt. In your experience, is it super prevalent in Malayasian cooking? Example: I hear awesome things about all the street vendors in KL, would I be safe trying street food?

Bonus: Is there any easy way to inquire about or avoid MSG without offending every restaurant I visit?

Answer 1

You won't able to survive street food. Please limit your consumption to only eating in restaurants.

You can ask the waiter politely by telling them :

"Tolong tidak pakai MSG / Micin, saya mempunyai alergi"

... which means "Please do not add MSG, I have an allergy to it."

Answer 2

I found some quite useful information in this forum. Personally I would advise you to depend mostly on fruits and packaged foods, and verify the ingredients.

Answer 3

It's not rude to ask about MSG in the food in Malaysia and a majority of vendors and waiters you encounter will speak English well enough to tell you.

Don't miss out on the street food in Malaysia as it some of the best in the world!