How many calories do Manchurian noodles have?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for Manchurian noodles can vary significantly, with a standard restaurant serving often containing over 500 kcal depending on ingredients and preparation. Understanding how many calories do Manchurian noodles have requires looking at portion size, protein choice, and cooking methods.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for Manchurian noodles differ greatly based on ingredients, cooking techniques, and portion size. A typical restaurant plate can contain hundreds of calories, but healthier homemade versions are possible by controlling oil and using lean proteins.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: Manchurian noodles can range from ~300 to over 800+ calories per plate, depending heavily on preparation and ingredients.
Deep-Frying Adds Calories: The traditional deep-frying method for Manchurian balls and noodles dramatically increases the fat and overall calorie count of the dish.
Sauce Calorie Impact: The sweet and savory sauce, often high in sugar, sodium, and oil, is a major contributor to the meal's total calories.
Healthy Homemade Option: Cooking at home allows you to use healthier methods like air-frying and less oil, significantly reducing the dish's calories.
Portion Size is Key: Given the dish's variable nature, controlling your portion size is the most effective way to manage the calorie intake, especially at restaurants.
Instant Noodles Vary: Pre-packaged instant Manchurian noodles have their own calorie counts, which can be high per gram but often come in smaller portions.

Manchurian noodles are a popular Indo-Chinese dish, but their calorie content is far from uniform. It is a fusion dish where deep-fried vegetable or meat balls are cooked in a tangy, spicy, and often sugary sauce, then tossed with boiled noodles. The high number of variables involved means that the final dish can have a wide range of caloric values.

What Influences the Calorie Count of Manchurian Noodles?

Several factors contribute to the total calorie count of a plate of Manchurian noodles. From the base ingredients to the cooking methods, each component adds to the overall nutritional impact.

The Base: Noodles

The type and quantity of noodles are a foundational element. Standard instant or stir-fried noodles are typically made from refined flour, which is a source of carbohydrates and adds to the bulk of the meal's calories. For example, a 200g serving of instant Manchurian noodles can have 260-460 calories just from the instant noodles, depending on the brand. Portion size is critical; a large serving will inherently have a higher calorie load.

The Protein: Veg, Chicken, or Paneer

The choice of protein significantly impacts the dish's nutritional profile. Vegetable Manchurian balls, often made from cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower, tend to be lower in calories per gram than their meat-based counterparts. However, this can be offset by the addition of refined flour binders. Chicken Manchurian is typically higher in protein but also adds more fat, especially if the chicken is deep-fried. According to one source, Chicken Manchurian contains approximately 230 calories per 100g. Paneer is another popular option, also adding substantial protein and fat content.

The Preparation: Deep-Fried vs. Pan-Fried

This is arguably the most critical factor influencing the calorie count. Traditionally, the Manchurian balls (and sometimes the noodles) are deep-fried, causing them to absorb a significant amount of oil. This substantially increases the fat content and, therefore, the calories. A healthier alternative is to pan-fry or air-fry the balls, which drastically reduces oil absorption. Roadside stalls often re-use oil, which can further impact the dish's health quality.

The Sauce: The Calorie Bomb

Manchurian gravy is a high-calorie component. It is typically a mix of sauces (like soy, chili, and tomato ketchup), sugar, cornflour (as a thickener), and oil. A single cup of Manchurian gravy can range from 100 to 250 calories. Restaurant versions often contain high amounts of sugar and sodium to enhance flavor, adding empty calories and increasing blood pressure risk with frequent consumption.

The Portion Size

Serving size is not standardized and varies between restaurants and home cooking. While some nutritional guides reference 100g portions, a typical restaurant plate can weigh significantly more. For example, a medium cup (200g) of Chicken Manchurian noodles is cited as having nearly 500 kcal. A large restaurant portion could easily exceed 800-1000 calories, making it a full meal.

Comparison Table: Estimated Calories in Different Manchurian Noodle Dishes


Type of Dish	Serving Size	Estimated Calories	Notes
Restaurant Chicken Manchurian Noodles	1 medium cup (200g)	~495.5 kcal	Includes fried chicken, noodles, and high-fat gravy.
Restaurant Veg Manchurian Noodles	1 large plate (approx. 400g)	~700-900+ kcal	Estimated based on component calories; includes deep-fried balls, high-sodium sauce, and large portion of noodles.
Homemade Healthy Veg Manchurian Noodles	1 serving (250g)	~300-400 kcal	Uses pan-fried or baked balls, controlled oil, and homemade, less sugary sauce.
Instant Veg Manchurian Noodles (Wai Wai)	100g	~480 kcal	High density per gram, typical for instant versions.
Instant Manchurian Noodles (Ching's)	½ cup (60g)	~260 kcal	Smaller serving size, but also high calorie density.

How to Create Healthier Manchurian Noodles at Home

For those watching their calorie intake, making Manchurian noodles at home provides full control over ingredients and cooking methods. Here are some tips to reduce the calorie count:

Baking or Air Frying: Instead of deep-frying the vegetable or meat balls, bake or air fry them. This significantly reduces the amount of oil and unhealthy fats absorbed.
Control the Oil: When stir-frying vegetables and sauces, use minimal healthy oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, and use a nonstick pan to minimize the need for excess oil.
Homemade Sauce: Make your own sauce to control the amount of sugar and sodium. Use low-sodium soy sauce and spices like ginger and garlic to boost flavor instead of relying on excessive salt.
Add More Vegetables: Increase the vegetable content in the Manchurian balls and the stir-fry. This boosts the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content, making the meal more filling and nutritious.
Use Whole Wheat Noodles: Opt for whole wheat or other healthier noodle alternatives to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the carbohydrates.

Conclusion

So, how many calories do Manchurian noodles have? The answer is not a single number, but rather a range that depends on many variables. Restaurant-style, deep-fried Manchurian noodles can easily be a calorie-heavy meal, often exceeding 500-800 calories per plate due to significant oil absorption and sugar content in the sauce. In contrast, a healthier, homemade version that uses lean protein, less oil, and more vegetables can significantly reduce the total calorie count to a more moderate level of around 300-400 calories per serving. To enjoy this flavorful dish without overdoing it, pay attention to preparation methods and portion sizes. For more insights on healthier cooking techniques, consult resources on nutritional science and recipe modification.

HexaHealth provides additional insights on Manchurian nutrition and health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, vegetable Manchurian noodles have fewer calories than chicken Manchurian noodles per 100g, but this can vary depending on cooking methods. The calorie savings are often offset by deep-frying and high-fat sauces for both versions.

Not necessarily. While some instant noodle packets have calorie counts under 300 kcal, they also typically contain smaller portions. The calorie density can still be very high, and larger restaurant portions often contain more overall calories.

To make them healthier, bake or air-fry the Manchurian balls instead of deep-frying, use less oil, create a homemade sauce with reduced sugar and sodium, and add extra fresh vegetables for more fiber.

A medium-sized restaurant portion (around 200g) of Chicken Manchurian noodles can contain close to 500 kcal, while a large plate could have over 800-1000 calories depending on preparation.

Yes, the gravy contributes significantly to the total calorie count. It is often made with oil, cornflour, sugar, and high-sodium sauces. A single cup of gravy can add 100-250 calories to the dish.

Yes, restaurant and instant versions of Manchurian noodles are often high in sodium due to soy sauce and other seasonings. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure.

Manchurian noodles, especially deep-fried restaurant versions, are not considered diet-friendly due to high calories and unhealthy fats. However, it can be enjoyed occasionally as a treat, and a homemade version with healthier cooking methods is a better option for those watching their diet.