How Many Calories Are in One Dimsum? A Comprehensive Guide

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

A typical steamed shrimp dimsum, or har gow, contains approximately 40 to 50 calories, while a single deep-fried taro dumpling can contain over 150 calories. This wide variation means there is no single answer to the question of how many calories are in one dimsum, as it depends heavily on the specific dish.

Quick Summary

The caloric value of a single dim sum depends greatly on its ingredients and cooking method. Steamed vegetable or lean seafood dumplings are lower in calories than richer, fried, or baked varieties, which can be high in fat and sodium.

Key Points

No Single Calorie Count: The calorie content of one dimsum varies drastically from 40 to over 300 depending on the dish.
Steaming is Healthier: Dimsum cooked by steaming is much lower in calories and fat than fried or baked versions.
Fillings Influence Calories: Lean seafood or vegetable fillings are the lightest options, while fatty pork and rich sticky rice increase the calorie count significantly.
Sauces Add Calories and Sodium: Many dimsum dipping sauces are high in sugar and sodium, which can add substantial hidden calories to your meal.
Portion Control is Crucial: Dimsum is meant to be a shared experience with small plates; eating mindfully and sharing richer items helps manage overall calorie intake.
Vegetable Dumplings Are Often Best: Steamed vegetable-filled dumplings are generally a low-calorie, high-fiber, and nutritious choice.
Read the Menu Carefully: Pay attention to the ingredients and preparation method listed on the menu to make informed, healthier decisions.

The Factors Influencing Dimsum Calories

Determining the calorie count for a single dimsum is not straightforward because the term encompasses a huge variety of dishes. The main factors that influence the final number are the fillings, the wrapper, and the cooking method.

Fillings: Meat vs. Seafood vs. Vegetables

The core of any dimsum is its filling, which has a major impact on its caloric density. For example, a dumpling filled with fatty pork will have a significantly higher calorie count than one filled with lean shrimp or vegetables. Many items, like siu mai, often blend both pork and shrimp, balancing richness with protein. In contrast, vegetarian dimsum options filled with mushrooms, bok choy, and tofu tend to be the lowest in fat and calories.

Cooking Method: Steamed vs. Fried

This is arguably the most important factor in determining the health profile of a dimsum dish. Steaming cooks the food without added fats, preserving nutrients and keeping the calorie count low. Frying, on the other hand, soaks the item in oil, drastically increasing the fat and calorie content.

Calorie Breakdown of Popular Dimsum Items

Here is a closer look at the estimated calories for some common dimsum dishes, highlighting the wide range you might encounter at a typical restaurant.

Har Gow (Steamed Shrimp Dumplings): These light, translucent dumplings are a lower-calorie choice, typically 40–50 calories each.
Siu Mai (Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings): Often made with a mix of fatty pork and shrimp, these dumplings are higher in calories than har gow, with estimates around 50–105 calories per piece.
Char Siu Bao (Steamed BBQ Pork Buns): These fluffy, steamed buns filled with savory-sweet pork can range from 100–200 calories per bun.
Fried Spring Rolls: As a fried item, these are on the higher end of the calorie spectrum, with a single roll potentially containing 250–300+ calories.
Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf): This dish, containing glutinous rice and fatty meats, is very filling but also very calorie-dense, often exceeding 500 calories per wrap.

Cooking Method Comparison: Steamed vs. Fried Dimsum

To illustrate the impact of the cooking method, the table below provides a comparison of similar dimsum types prepared in different ways.


Feature	Steamed Dimsum	Fried Dimsum
Cooking Method	Uses hot steam to cook food; no added oil.	Uses hot oil for deep-frying; food absorbs cooking fats.
Example	`Har Gow` (shrimp dumplings)	Fried taro dumplings
Typical Calorie Range	Lower, around 40–100 calories per piece.	Higher, often 150+ calories per piece.
Fat Content	Significantly lower fat content.	Substantially higher fat content.
Health Impact	Retains nutrients and is easier to digest.	Can be greasy and adds extra calories and fat.

Making Healthier Dimsum Choices

Enjoying dimsum doesn't have to derail a healthy diet. By being mindful of your choices, you can savor the experience while keeping your caloric intake in check.

Prioritize Steamed Items: Make steamed dishes the bulk of your meal. Options like steamed vegetable dumplings, har gow, and steamed rice rolls are excellent choices.
Go Easy on Sauces: Dipping sauces like soy sauce, chili oil, and hoisin can be very high in sodium, sugar, and hidden calories. Use them sparingly or ask for a side of vinegar or fresh chili for flavor instead.
Share Indulgent Items: If you want to enjoy a fried dish or a high-calorie item like lo mai gai or egg tarts, share it with others. This allows you to taste it without overindulging.
Hydrate with Tea: Drinking plenty of traditional Chinese tea during your meal not only aids digestion but also helps you feel full, slowing down your eating pace.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question "How many calories are in one dimsum?" has no single, simple answer because the number is a moving target, influenced by the specific type, filling, and preparation. Steamed items with lean fillings are the lowest in calories, while fried dishes and those with fatty meat or glutinous rice are the most calorific. By approaching your dimsum meal with intention—prioritizing steamed options, managing sauces, and enjoying richer dishes in moderation—you can enjoy this classic meal without compromising your health goals.

For additional nutritional information and recipes, you can explore resources like the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong for detailed food composition data.

Frequently Asked Questions

It can be, depending on your choices. Focus on steamed dishes with lean fillings and vegetables, and limit high-fat, fried, or sugary items for a healthier meal.

A typical steamed shrimp dumpling (har gow) contains approximately 40–50 calories, making it one of the healthier choices.

A single deep-fried taro dumpling can have over 150 calories due to its preparation method and ingredients.

Steamed pork dumplings, like siu mai, are generally higher in calories than their shrimp counterparts because they use fattier meat and often include added fats for flavor.

Choose steamed items over fried ones, opt for vegetable or lean seafood fillings, be mindful of portion sizes, and go easy on dipping sauces.

Yes, this dish is quite calorie-dense due to the glutinous rice, fatty meats, and preserved sausage used in the filling.

Healthier options include steamed shrimp dumplings (har gow), steamed vegetable dumplings, and steamed rice rolls with shrimp.

Tea is traditionally served with dim sum to aid digestion, cleanse the palate, and potentially boost hydration, which can help manage your eating pace.