In Chinese cuisine, soup stock can be used at any time as a seasoning. For vegetables, which by nature sit lightly on the palate, a little soup stock can bring out their flavors, thus substituting for MSG.
素高湯的用處不只在煮湯，對於材料本身味道較清淡的素食料理來說，特別需要高湯來提鮮，以此取代味精。