How many calories are in 8 steamed momos?

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritionists, the calorie content of momos can vary significantly depending on the filling and preparation method, with steamed versions being the healthier choice. This guide explores how many calories are in 8 steamed momos, breaking down the nutritional differences between vegetable and chicken fillings.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the estimated calorie content for a serving of 8 steamed momos. It details the average nutritional values for both vegetable and chicken fillings, offering insights into how ingredients, size, and preparation can influence the final count. Essential information is included for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Key Points

Vegetable Momos (8 pcs): Typically range from 280 to 320 calories, a healthy option due to low fat and high fiber content.
Chicken Momos (8 pcs): Generally contain between 320 and 390 calories, offering a higher protein content than vegetable versions.
Filling Matters Most: The specific ingredients in the filling, such as lean chicken versus paneer, are the biggest determinant of calorie differences.
Steaming is Key: Steaming is a healthier, lower-calorie cooking method compared to frying or pan-frying, which add significant fat.
Sauce Adds Calories: Dipping sauces can increase the total calorie and sodium intake substantially; choose homemade or low-calorie options.
Whole Wheat is a Healthier Choice: Using whole wheat flour instead of refined maida for the dough can increase fiber and overall nutrition.
Homemade vs. Street Food: Homemade momos offer greater control over ingredients and quality, ensuring a healthier and more accurate calorie count.

Calorie Breakdown for 8 Steamed Momos

The calorie content of a plate of 8 steamed momos is not a single, fixed number; it varies based on the filling used. Generally, steamed momos are a lower-calorie alternative to their fried counterparts, making them a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. A standard serving can range from approximately 280 to nearly 400 calories, with vegetable fillings typically being on the lower end. This section will explore the caloric differences in more detail.

Steamed Vegetable Momos (8 pieces)

A plate of 8 steamed vegetable momos is a relatively light and healthy option. Sources indicate that a single steamed veg momo contains around 35 to 40 calories. This brings the total for a plate of eight to an estimated 280–320 calories, before any chutney. The low-calorie nature is attributed to the minimal oil used in steaming and the fiber-rich vegetable stuffing, which often includes cabbage, carrots, and onions. The calorie count can be influenced by:

The type of dough: Whole wheat flour reduces the calorie count compared to refined flour (maida).
The specific vegetable filling: Adding paneer or cheese will increase the overall calorie and fat content.
The size of each momo: Smaller momos will have a lower per-piece calorie count.

Steamed Chicken Momos (8 pieces)

For those who prefer a protein-rich option, steamed chicken momos are a great choice, though they contain slightly more calories than the vegetable variety. A single steamed chicken momo is estimated to have between 35 and 50 calories. Therefore, a plate of 8 pieces typically falls within the 280–390 calorie range, depending on the ingredients. The higher protein content is a significant benefit, contributing to a feeling of fullness. Key factors influencing the calorie count for chicken momos include:

Fat content of the meat: Using lean ground chicken helps keep the calories lower.
Added fats and oils: Some recipes may use more oil to sauté the filling, increasing the fat content.
Additional ingredients: If extra cheese or sauces are mixed into the filling, the calorie count will rise.

Comparison of Steamed Momos by Filling

To better understand the dietary implications, the table below provides a clear comparison of the estimated calorie and macro-nutrient breakdown for a plate of 8 momos, based on common assumptions about ingredients and size.


Nutritional Aspect	Steamed Vegetable Momos (8 pcs)	Steamed Chicken Momos (8 pcs)
Approximate Calories	280–320 kcal	320–390 kcal
Protein	8–15g (lower)	20–25g (higher)
Carbohydrates	30–40g	28–35g
Fat	4–6g (lower)	10–12g (higher)
Dietary Fiber	Higher	Lower

Making Healthier Momo Choices

While knowing how many calories are in 8 steamed momos is a great starting point, making smart choices can further enhance the nutritional value of your meal. The ingredients and sauces play a major role.

Opt for whole wheat dough: Swapping refined flour for whole wheat increases fiber and nutrient density.
Enhance fillings with more vegetables: Add extra cabbage, carrots, or spinach to the stuffing for more vitamins and fiber.
Make your own healthy chutney: Street food chutneys are often high in sodium and preservatives. Making a homemade version with tomatoes, garlic, and chili can drastically reduce sodium levels. Consider a low-calorie alternative like a clear soup.
Control your portion size: While 8 momos can be a satisfying meal, being mindful of your intake is crucial, especially if you add calorie-dense sauces.

Conclusion: A Mindful Approach to Enjoying Momos

The number of calories in a plate of 8 steamed momos depends heavily on the filling, with vegetable momos generally falling between 280–320 kcal and chicken momos between 320–390 kcal. As a rule, steamed momos are a much healthier alternative to fried versions, which can contain significantly more fat and calories. By being aware of the filling and dipping sauce, and by considering whole-wheat dough and additional vegetables, you can enjoy these delicious dumplings while keeping your health goals in check. Portion control and healthier pairings are key to making momos a guilt-free part of a balanced diet.

Important Considerations for Calorie Counting

The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on size, ingredients, and preparation method.
Dipping sauces can add substantial calories and sodium. A spicy tomato-garlic chutney can be a low-calorie option, but some creamy or cheesy sauces can increase the total caloric intake significantly.
The nutritional value of momos also depends on the quality of ingredients, with homemade versions typically being healthier than street food versions. For reliable information on nutritional content, especially regarding packaged goods, always check the product's nutritional label.
For a deeper dive into general nutritional guidelines and food choices, consulting a reliable source like the USDA's MyPlate can provide further context. [Optional outbound link: MyPlate]

Note: While a plate of 8 steamed momos can serve as a light meal, it is important to balance it with other nutrient-rich foods throughout the day to meet your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a single steamed momo depends on its filling. A steamed vegetable momo contains approximately 35-40 calories, while a steamed chicken momo has about 40-50 calories.

Yes, steamed momos are significantly healthier than fried momos. Steaming uses no added oil, resulting in a much lower fat and calorie count, with fried versions often having more than double the calories.

Yes, dipping sauces can add a significant number of calories and a high amount of sodium, especially store-bought or rich, creamy sauces. Opt for a simple, homemade tomato-garlic or chili sauce to keep the calories low.

Yes, steamed momos can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. They are lower in calories than many other fast foods, especially if you opt for vegetable fillings and control your portion size.

To reduce calories, use whole wheat flour for the dough, fill the momos with a high-vegetable mixture, use lean ground chicken, and choose a low-calorie dipping sauce.

Generally, chicken momos are slightly higher in calories per piece than paneer momos due to the natural fat content in meat, but both are moderate choices when steamed. For reference, a plate of 8 paneer momos is around 300 kcal, while 8 chicken momos is about 390 kcal.

Street food momos can have a higher calorie count than homemade versions, mainly due to the use of refined flour, potentially higher fat content in fillings, and high-sodium sauces. Homemade preparation offers more control over ingredients.