How many calories are in chicken momos? A nutritional breakdown

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single steamed chicken momo can contain as few as 35–45 calories, while a deep-fried one can contain more than twice that amount. Understanding how many calories are in chicken momos is key for anyone managing their diet, as the preparation method dramatically impacts the final calorie count and nutritional value. This article provides a comprehensive look at the caloric content and other nutritional aspects of this popular snack.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of chicken momos varies significantly based on cooking method and preparation. Steamed versions are considerably lower in calories than their deep-fried counterparts. Homemade momos typically offer more nutritional control over ingredients. The final calorie total for a meal depends on portion size and accompanying high-sodium sauces.

Key Points

Steamed is healthiest: Steamed chicken momos contain significantly fewer calories (35-45 kcal per piece) than fried versions and are lower in fat.
Fried momos are calorie-dense: A single deep-fried chicken momo can contain 90-100 kcal, with a plate often exceeding 750 calories due to oil absorption.
Homemade offers control: Making momos at home allows for healthier ingredient swaps, like whole wheat flour for refined flour and lean chicken for fatty cuts.
Sauces add hidden calories: Dipping sauces can add extra calories and high sodium levels, so it's best to use them in moderation.
Portion size matters: While one momo is low-calorie, eating a full plate of 8-10 pieces adds up, especially with fried options, making portion control crucial.
Consider alternative cooking methods: Pan-frying is a moderate option at around 70 kcal per piece, offering a crispy texture with less fat than deep-frying.
Boost nutrition with extra veggies: Adding more finely chopped vegetables like cabbage and carrots to the filling can increase fiber and vitamin content.

The calorie content: A matter of preparation

The most significant factor determining how many calories are in chicken momos is the cooking method. Steaming, deep-frying, and pan-frying all have a dramatic impact on the final nutritional value. The following sections break down the differences and help clarify why your preparation method matters for diet and health goals.

Steamed vs. fried: The major difference

When you're trying to choose a healthier option, the distinction between steamed and fried is the most critical. The deep-frying process causes the dough to absorb a substantial amount of oil, which spikes the calorie and fat content. Steaming, by contrast, adds almost no extra fat, preserving the nutrients of the chicken and vegetables.

Steamed Chicken Momos: Averaging 35–45 calories per piece, this is the leanest and healthiest option. A standard plate of 6-8 pieces contains approximately 220–320 calories, making it a reasonable snack or light meal.
Deep-Fried Chicken Momos: These crispy treats come with a significant caloric cost, averaging 90–100 calories per piece. An 8-piece serving can have 760–800 calories, or more, depending on the amount of oil absorbed.
Pan-Fried Chicken Momos: A middle-ground option, pan-fried momos are shallow-fried, using less oil than deep-frying. A piece typically contains about 70 calories, offering a crispy texture with a lower calorie count than the deep-fried version.

Impact of sauces and accompaniments

The spicy, flavorful sauces often served with momos also contribute to the overall calorie and sodium count. Many commercial sauces, especially mayonnaise-based ones or sugary dipping sauces, can add a substantial number of calories. For example, a single plate of fried momos with rich sauces could easily exceed 1000 calories. For a healthier option, stick to a chili-garlic sauce and use it sparingly.

Homemade vs. street food: Controlling your ingredients

Another variable in determining the nutritional profile is whether the momos are homemade or purchased from a street vendor. Making momos at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to optimize for nutrition and health.

Homemade optimization

Use whole wheat flour: While many recipes use all-purpose flour (maida), switching to whole wheat flour (atta) can significantly increase fiber content. This helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer.
Add extra vegetables: Boost vitamins, minerals, and fiber by finely dicing extra carrots, cabbage, or spring onions into your chicken filling.
Choose lean chicken: Using boneless chicken breast ensures a lean protein source, minimizing the fat content in the filling.
Steam only: Commit to steaming your momos to keep the calorie and fat count low. Avoid frying at home to maintain a healthy choice.

Comparison of chicken momo preparation methods


Feature	Steamed Chicken Momos	Fried Chicken Momos	Homemade Steamed Momos
Calories per piece	35-45 kcal	90-100 kcal	35-40 kcal		Cooking Method	Steamed	Deep-fried in oil	Steamed		Protein per piece	~4 g	~5 g	~4 g		Fat per piece	~1 g	~6 g	~1 g or less		Carbohydrates per piece	~3-4 g	~8-10 g	~3-4 g		Overall Health Score	Best	Poor	Excellent (customizable)

Incorporating chicken momos into a healthy diet

While momos can be a nutritious food, it's essential to practice portion control, particularly with the higher-calorie fried versions. A plate of 6-8 steamed momos provides a moderate calorie count, making it suitable as a light snack or part of a balanced meal. For those on a weight management journey, swapping out the traditional all-purpose flour for whole wheat and packing the filling with extra vegetables can boost the nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor. By being mindful of preparation and portion size, you can enjoy chicken momos as a guilt-free addition to your diet. For additional healthy eating advice, consider the World Health Organization's recommendations on Healthy diet.

Conclusion

When asking how many calories are in chicken momos, the answer is not simple, but it is clear that the cooking method is the most important factor. Steamed chicken momos offer a low-calorie, high-protein option that fits well into a healthy diet, especially when homemade. Conversely, deep-fried versions contain substantially more calories and fat. By making informed choices about preparation and portion size, you can savor this popular dumpling while staying on track with your health goals.

The takeaway: Choosing a healthier chicken momo

Prioritize Steamed: Always choose steamed chicken momos over deep-fried to save a significant number of calories and fat.
Go Homemade: Making momos at home allows you to use healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour and lean chicken.
Watch the Sauces: Be mindful of dipping sauces, which can add hidden calories and excessive sodium.
Practice Portion Control: Enjoy momos in moderation, keeping track of how many you consume in a sitting.
Boost Nutrients: Add more finely chopped vegetables to your filling to increase the vitamin and fiber content.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single steamed chicken momo typically contains between 35 and 45 calories, depending on its size and specific ingredients.

Yes, fried chicken momos are significantly higher in calories. A single piece can have 90–100 calories, more than double that of a steamed momo, because the dough absorbs a lot of oil during deep-frying.

You can make chicken momos healthier by using whole wheat flour for the wrapper, choosing lean chicken breast for the filling, and adding extra chopped vegetables to boost fiber and vitamins. Always opt for steaming over frying.

A plate of eight steamed chicken momos, with around 320 calories, can be a balanced, protein-rich light meal or satisfying snack. Portion control is key to keeping it healthy.

Yes, dipping sauces can add a significant number of calories, especially creamy or mayonnaise-based sauces. Many sauces also contain high amounts of sodium. Using a simple chili-garlic sauce sparingly is a healthier option.

Homemade chicken momos generally have fewer calories because you can control the ingredients and avoid excess oil. Street food momos, both steamed and fried, tend to be higher in calories than their homemade counterparts.

Steamed momos are a great source of lean protein and can contain essential vitamins and minerals, especially when filled with vegetables. The steaming process also retains nutrients and keeps the calorie count low.