How many calories do 6 momos have? A complete nutritional guide

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

A serving of six steamed momos can contain as few as 180–220 calories, while a plate of six fried momos can significantly increase that number, sometimes exceeding 450 calories depending on the filling and preparation. Understanding this variation is crucial for mindful eating.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 6 momos varies significantly based on preparation method (steamed vs. fried) and filling. Steamed vegetable momos are the lowest in calories, while fried chicken momos are the highest.

Key Points

Calorie Range: Six momos can range from approximately 180 to 480 calories, depending on preparation and filling.
Steamed is Healthier: Steamed momos contain significantly fewer calories and less fat than their fried counterparts.
Filling Matters: Chicken momos generally have more protein but slightly higher calories than vegetable momos.
Dipping Sauces: Accompaniments like creamy or high-sodium sauces can add a substantial number of calories and sodium.
Refined Flour: Many street momos use refined flour (maida), which is less nutritious than whole wheat flour and can contribute to higher calorie density.
Portion Control: Limiting your intake to a standard serving of 6 momos is key to enjoying them without excessive calorie consumption.

Understanding the Momos Calorie Breakdown

Momos are a popular South Asian and Himalayan dumpling, typically filled with vegetables, chicken, or paneer. While delicious, the calorie content can vary dramatically based on the cooking method and ingredients. The primary factors influencing the final count are whether they are steamed or fried, the type of filling used, and the composition of the dough and dipping sauce.

Calorie Breakdown by Type (6 Momos)

Steamed Vegetable Momos: Approximately 180–220 calories. This is the healthiest option, as it avoids added oils from frying. The vegetables provide vitamins and a small amount of fiber.
Fried/Pan-Fried Vegetable Momos: Approximately 250–400 calories. Deep-frying causes the dough to absorb a large amount of oil, drastically increasing the fat and calorie content.
Steamed Chicken Momos: Approximately 250–300 calories. The inclusion of chicken adds lean protein, making it a more balanced nutritional choice than purely vegetable versions, but with a slightly higher calorie count.
Fried/Pan-Fried Chicken Momos: Approximately 300–450+ calories. Combining meat with the deep-frying method results in the highest calorie count among standard momo varieties.
Street-Style vs. Homemade Momos: Street food vendors often use cheaper, lower-quality ingredients, including refined flour (maida) and excessive oil, which can increase the overall calorie and fat content. Homemade momos, on the other hand, allow for better control over ingredients and preparation, resulting in a potentially lower-calorie meal.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Beyond the basic filling and cooking method, several other factors contribute to the calorie total:

Size of the momos: Larger momos mean more dough and more filling, leading to a higher calorie count per piece. A standard size is typically assumed for these estimates.
Filling composition: The calorie count is affected by the ingredients in the filling. Lean ground chicken has different caloric properties than paneer, and the amount of added oil or fat during the filling's preparation plays a role.
Dough ingredients: Most street-style momos are made with refined flour (maida). Choosing whole wheat flour instead can increase the fiber content and make them a healthier, more nutrient-dense option.
Dipping sauces: The sauces served with momos, particularly mayonnaise-based dips or high-sodium soy sauce, can contribute a significant number of additional calories and sodium.

Nutritional Comparison of Momos

To put the calorie counts into perspective, here is a comparison of the approximate nutritional values for a serving of 6 momos, based on search data:


Nutrient	Steamed Veg Momos (6 pcs)	Fried Veg Momos (6 pcs)	Steamed Chicken Momos (6 pcs)	Fried Chicken Momos (6 pcs)
Approx. Calories	180–220 kcal	250–400 kcal	250–300 kcal	300–450+ kcal
Protein	5–8g	5–8g	15–18g	15–20g
Fat	3–5g	10–12g	7–9g	12–15g
Carbohydrates	30–35g	30–35g	30–35g	30–35g
Fiber	2–3g	2–3g	2–3g	2–3g

Making Healthier Momo Choices

To enjoy momos without derailing your health goals, consider these tips:

Opt for Steamed Over Fried: The most significant difference in calorie count comes from the cooking method. Choosing steamed momos is the simplest way to reduce fat and calorie intake.
Make Them at Home: Preparing momos in your own kitchen gives you complete control over the ingredients. Use lean protein like chicken breast, load up on fresh vegetables, and use whole wheat flour instead of refined flour for a nutritional boost. Here is a great recipe to get you started: Healthy Whole Wheat Steamed Momos Recipe.
Mind the Portion Size: A typical serving of 6 momos is considered a snack or light meal. Avoid eating multiple plates in one sitting, as this can easily lead to a calorie surplus.
Watch the Sauce: Instead of creamy or sugary sauces, use a fresh, homemade chili garlic sauce or simple, low-sodium soy sauce. These provide flavor without the extra calories and sodium found in many street-side dips.
Pair with a Side: To increase satiety and add more nutrients, pair your momos with a clear vegetable soup or a fresh salad. This makes for a more balanced and filling meal without needing a larger portion of momos.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in 6 momos depends heavily on how they are cooked and what's inside. Steamed vegetable momos offer a low-calorie option, typically ranging from 180 to 220 calories, while their fried counterparts can easily double that count. For a healthier snack, always prefer steaming and be mindful of the added sauces. For weight management, homemade momos using whole wheat flour and fresh fillings are the best choice. As a balanced diet is key, enjoy momos in moderation and be aware of your preparation choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Steamed momos can be a moderately healthy option, offering a mix of protein and vegetables with a reasonable calorie count. However, fried momos are high in fat and calories and less healthy. The overall healthiness also depends on the quality of ingredients and hygiene during preparation.

The calorie difference is substantial. A serving of 6 steamed vegetable momos contains approximately 180–220 calories, while the same serving fried can range from 250–400+ calories. The frying process adds significant fat and calories.

Yes, chicken momos typically have slightly more calories than vegetable momos. For example, a plate of 6 steamed chicken momos has about 250–300 calories, while steamed veg momos have around 180–220 calories.

Eating momos in moderation is unlikely to cause weight gain, but excessive consumption of fried momos or large portions can lead to a calorie surplus. Street-style momos with greasy fillings and high-calorie sauces are particularly prone to contributing to weight gain over time.

To make momos healthier, opt for whole wheat flour for the dough, steam them instead of frying, and use fresh, high-quality fillings. Prepare your own low-sodium dipping sauces to avoid unnecessary calories and additives.

Yes, street-style momos can differ significantly. They often use refined flour and excessive oil. Homemade momos give you control over ingredients, allowing you to use healthier options like whole wheat flour and lean fillings, resulting in a more nutritious and lower-calorie product.

Momos provide carbohydrates from the dough and protein from fillings like chicken or paneer. Vegetable fillings contribute some vitamins and fiber, although the overall fiber content is generally low. The nutritional profile is more balanced in steamed momos compared to fried.