How Many Calories Are in 1 Plate of Chicken Momos?

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

A plate of steamed chicken momos, typically containing 6-8 pieces, can range from 240 to 320 calories, while a fried plate can contain over 500 calories. Understanding how many calories are in 1 plate of chicken momos requires considering the cooking method, portion size, and specific ingredients.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a plate of chicken momos varies significantly based on preparation. Steamed versions are the lowest, while fried or tandoori options can drastically increase the caloric content.

Key Points

Cooking Method is Crucial: Steamed chicken momos have significantly fewer calories (~240-320 kcal per plate of 6-8) than fried versions (~500-800+ kcal).
Portion Size Matters: A standard plate can contain 6-10+ momos, so controlling the quantity you eat is a direct way to manage calorie intake.
Sauces Add Calories: Accompaniments like mayonnaise or creamy sauces can add 100+ calories per serving, increasing the overall meal's calorie count.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Opt for steamed, homemade momos using whole wheat dough and lean fillings for a healthier, lower-calorie meal.
Read Labels: Branded frozen momos can provide labeled nutrition facts, offering a clear picture of their caloric content.
High in Protein (Chicken): Chicken momos are a good source of lean protein, which is beneficial for muscle repair and satiety.
Be Mindful of Ingredients: Street food momos can have higher fat and sodium content due to preparation style and sauces, so moderation is key.

Calorie Breakdown of a Standard Plate of Chicken Momos

The number of calories in 1 plate of chicken momos is not a fixed figure, as it's influenced by several key factors. The primary determinants are the cooking method and the portion size, which typically ranges from 6 to 8 pieces in a standard street food or restaurant plate. A plate of steamed chicken momos will have a much lower calorie count than one that is deep-fried or pan-fried.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Cooking Method: Steaming is the healthiest option, adding minimal fat. Frying, whether deep-fried or pan-fried, dramatically increases the calorie count due to oil absorption.
Portion Size: The most direct factor, as more momos mean more calories. Plates can contain anywhere from 6 to 10 pieces or more, so always be mindful of the serving size.
Dough: The type of flour used can affect the nutritional profile. While many vendors use refined white flour (maida), a healthier homemade version might use whole wheat flour, which contains more fiber.
Fillings and Ingredients: The chicken filling itself can vary. Leaner, minced chicken will be lower in fat. Added ingredients, seasonings, and the amount of fat or oil used in the filling mixture also play a role.
Accompaniments: The delicious dipping sauces often served with momos can add a significant number of calories. Creamy mayonnaise-based sauces and rich chutneys will increase the total intake compared to a simple, spicy tomato-based chutney.

Calorie Comparison: Steamed vs. Fried vs. Tandoori

To illustrate the impact of the cooking method, here is a comparison for a typical plate of 6-8 chicken momos:


Momo Type	Calories per Piece (Approx.)	Calories per Plate (6-8 Pcs)	Key Nutritional Difference
Steamed Chicken Momos	35-45 kcal	210-360 kcal	Minimal fat, lean protein, healthy option.
Fried Chicken Momos	85-100 kcal	500-800 kcal	High oil absorption, significantly more fat and calories.
Tandoori Chicken Momos	65-75 kcal	390-600 kcal	Grilled and marinated, higher fat than steamed but less than fried.
Pan-Fried Chicken Momos	70-80 kcal	420-640 kcal	Shallow-fried, less oily than deep-fried, but higher fat than steamed.

How to Make Healthier Chicken Momo Choices

For those watching their calorie intake, enjoying momos mindfully is crucial. Here are some strategies:

Opt for Steamed: Always choose steamed momos over their fried counterparts to save a significant number of calories.
Portion Control: Stick to a smaller plate size (e.g., 6 pieces instead of 8-10) or share a plate with a friend.
Watch the Accompaniments: Be aware of the sauces. A spoonful of mayonnaise can add over 100 calories. Choose a simple, spicy tomato chutney instead.
Request Healthier Dough: At home or in health-conscious eateries, ask for momos made with whole wheat flour instead of refined flour (maida).
DIY Momos: Making momos at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use lean ground chicken, lots of vegetables, and a whole wheat wrapper.

Conclusion: Mindful Enjoyment is Key

So, how many calories are in 1 plate of chicken momos? The answer is: it depends. A plate of 8 steamed chicken momos can be a moderate and satisfying meal with around 320 calories, while a fried plate of the same size could be over 700 calories. The key to enjoying this beloved dish without derailing your health goals lies in making informed choices about the preparation method and practicing portion control. Steamed chicken momos offer a good source of lean protein and can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, provided you are mindful of your overall intake. By being selective with your order and accompaniments, you can savor the flavor while managing your calories effectively.

A Note on Nutritionix

For precise nutritional data on specific food items, including branded products, resources like Nutritionix provide valuable information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Steamed chicken momos can be a suitable option for weight loss, as they are low in fat and high in lean protein, which aids in satiety. Fried momos, however, are high in fat and calories, making them less ideal for weight management.

Steamed chicken momos have significantly fewer calories, with a typical 6-piece plate containing around 240-270 kcal. A fried plate of the same size can contain more than double the calories, often over 500 kcal, due to the oil used in deep-frying.

Homemade momos typically have fewer calories because you can control the ingredients, using leaner meat and healthier cooking methods. Street food versions are often higher in calories, fat, and sodium due to preparation methods and sauces.

Yes, different fillings affect the calorie count. For example, a veg momo plate will have fewer calories than a chicken or paneer momo plate, as the latter options generally contain more protein and fat.

A single steamed chicken momo contains approximately 35-45 calories. A fried chicken momo, however, can have 85-100 calories per piece due to the absorbed oil.

A plate of steamed chicken momos (6-8 pieces) offers a decent source of protein (15-25g), moderate carbohydrates (20-32g), and low fat (7-12g). It also contains some vitamins and minerals from the fillings.

While delicious, mayonnaise is a high-calorie and high-fat dip that can add 100-120 calories or more per serving. If you are watching your calorie intake, a simple spicy chutney is a much better choice.