How Many Calories Are in 5 Pieces of Kikiam?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a serving of 5 pieces of kikiam can contain an estimated 93 calories. This Filipino street food, a local adaptation of the Chinese Ngoh hiang, is often deep-fried, which significantly impacts its overall caloric value and fat content. Understanding the calorie count in your snack is key to balanced eating.

Quick Summary

The calories in 5 pieces of kikiam vary by preparation method, with deep-frying adding considerable fat and calories. A standard serving offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Homemade versions can be prepared healthier by using leaner meat and air-frying. Serving size is also crucial for managing total caloric intake.

Key Points

Calorie Estimate: A standard 5-piece serving of deep-fried kikiam contains an estimated 93 calories, though this can vary by recipe.
Preparation Matters: Deep-frying significantly increases the calorie and fat content compared to alternative methods like steaming or air-frying.
Serving Size: The most significant factor in managing caloric intake from kikiam is controlling portion size.
Healthier Alternatives: Homemade kikiam using leaner proteins (e.g., chicken) and air-frying can drastically reduce calories and fat.
Nutrient Profile: Kikiam provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, making it important to consider its place within your overall diet.
Comparison to Other Street Food: While a treat, kikiam has a caloric content comparable to other fried Filipino street foods like fish balls and kwek-kwek, reinforcing the need for moderation.

Understanding the Caloric Content of Kikiam

When you're enjoying a popular Filipino street food like kikiam, a deep-fried roll made from ground pork, shrimp, and five-spice powder, it's natural to wonder about its nutritional impact. The caloric value can fluctuate based on several factors, including the recipe, ingredients, and preparation method, especially whether it's steamed or fried. For a standard 5-piece serving, estimates suggest around 93 calories, but this is a general guideline. This section breaks down what contributes to kikiam's calories and how to get a more accurate estimate.

Factors Influencing Kikiam's Calorie Count

The final calorie count of your kikiam isn't just about the main ingredients. The way it's cooked is a huge factor. While the core mixture of pork, shrimp, and fillers like water chestnuts contributes, the cooking oil used for deep-frying is the primary source of added calories and fat. Different recipes can also vary widely, with some using more fillers or fattier cuts of meat than others. For example, a version made with leaner chicken and steamed would have a much lower calorie count than a traditional deep-fried pork and shrimp variety.

Comparing Different Kikiam Types

To better illustrate the variance in caloric and nutritional content, let's compare a traditional deep-fried kikiam with a healthier, homemade alternative. This table highlights how preparation method and ingredients can significantly impact the final nutritional profile.


Feature	Traditional Deep-Fried Kikiam	Healthy Homemade Kikiam (Air-Fried)
Preparation Method	Deep-fried in oil	Air-fried with minimal oil
Key Ingredients	Ground pork, shrimp, fillers, beancurd sheets, deep-frying oil	Leaner ground chicken or fish, more vegetables, beancurd sheets, non-stick spray
Calorie Estimate (per 5 pieces)	~93 calories	~50-70 calories (estimate)
Fat Content	Higher, due to oil absorption	Significantly lower
Serving Suggestion	Enjoy in moderation as a treat	Can be a more frequent snack or meal component

Tips for a Healthier Kikiam Experience

If you love kikiam but want to manage your calorie intake, you have several options. Opting for a healthier preparation method is a great start. Air-frying offers the crispy texture without the excess oil. Additionally, modifying the filling by using leaner protein like ground chicken or fish and incorporating more vegetables can reduce both calories and fat. Being mindful of your portion size is also crucial. Instead of having a large serving, enjoying just a few pieces can satisfy the craving without derailing your diet. Finally, pairing your kikiam with a light, vegetable-based side dish can make it a more balanced snack.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The question of how many calories are in 5 pieces of kikiam doesn't have a single, universal answer due to the variability in recipes and preparation methods. However, with an estimate of around 93 calories for a standard deep-fried serving, it's clear that it's a calorie-dense snack. By being aware of the ingredients and cooking techniques, you can make informed choices to enjoy this beloved Filipino street food while staying on track with your nutritional goals. Whether you choose a traditional version as an occasional indulgence or opt for a healthier, homemade alternative, mindful consumption is the key.

Authoritative Resource

For more detailed nutritional information on Filipino foods and ingredients, visit the Open Food Facts database. It provides comprehensive data on a wide range of food products, including those from the Philippines, helping you make more informed dietary decisions.

Recipe for Healthier Air-Fried Kikiam

Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground chicken, 1/2 lb minced shrimp, 1/2 cup grated carrots, 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts, 1 tsp five-spice powder, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 egg white, 6 sheets of bean curd skin.
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, shrimp, carrots, water chestnuts, five-spice powder, soy sauce, and egg white. Mix well.
2. Lay out a bean curd sheet and place a portion of the mixture along one edge. Roll tightly to form a log.
3. Repeat until all the mixture is used. Steam the logs for 15-20 minutes.
4. Once cooled, lightly spray the logs with cooking oil. Air-fry at 380°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve with a low-sugar dipping sauce.

Comparison Table: Kikiam vs. Other Street Foods


Food Item	Serving Size	Estimated Calories	Primary Cooking Method
Kikiam	5 pieces	~93 calories	Deep-fried
Fish Balls	10 pieces	146 calories	Deep-fried
Isaw (Chicken Intestine)	3-4 pieces	~120-150 calories	Grilled
Banana Cue	1 stick	~200-250 calories	Deep-fried (sugared)
Kwek-kwek (Quail Eggs)	5 pieces	~150-200 calories	Deep-fried (battered)

This table highlights how kikiam, while not the lowest-calorie option, is comparable to other popular fried street foods, emphasizing that moderation is key for all these choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary factor is the cooking method, specifically deep-frying. The oil used for frying adds a significant amount of fat and calories to the final product compared to a steamed or air-fried version.

Yes, a lower-calorie version can be made at home by using leaner protein like ground chicken or fish, incorporating more vegetables, and air-frying instead of deep-frying.

A 5-piece serving of kikiam (approx. 93 calories) is generally lower in calories than a 10-piece serving of fish balls (146 calories) but higher than some other options, depending on the preparation.

Yes, the ingredients play a crucial role. Recipes using fattier ground pork and a higher ratio of fillers will have more calories than those using leaner meats and more vegetables.

Kikiam, a Filipino adaptation of the Chinese Ngoh hiang, is typically made from a mixture of ground pork, minced shrimp, and seasonings like five-spice powder, all wrapped in a bean curd sheet.

Yes, you can include kikiam in your diet by practicing moderation and being mindful of your portion size. Opting for a healthier homemade version is another effective strategy.

Kikiam is often served with sweet and sour sauce. These sauces are typically high in sugar and can add a significant number of calories, so it's best to use them sparingly.