How many calories in a 6 pan fried momo?

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

A single pan-fried chicken momo can contain approximately 70 calories, meaning a standard serving of six can add up. Understanding how many calories in a 6 pan fried momo can help you make more informed dietary choices when enjoying this popular snack.

Quick Summary

Explore the estimated calorie content of a six-piece serving of pan-fried momos, covering both chicken and vegetable fillings. Learn about the factors that influence the total count and how cooking method drastically alters nutritional value.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A plate of 6 pan-fried momos contains roughly 300–420 calories, depending on the filling.
Oil Is the Calorie Driver: Pan-frying adds a significant amount of fat and calories that are not present in steamed momos.
Filling Matters: Pan-fried chicken momos typically have slightly more calories than pan-fried vegetable momos.
Sauces Add Calories: Don't forget that dipping sauces and chutneys can contribute extra calories and sodium to your meal.
Choose Steamed for Fewer Calories: For a much healthier alternative, choose steamed momos, which are significantly lower in fat and calories.
Make Healthier Choices: To reduce calories, consider air-frying, using whole wheat dough, and minimizing oil when cooking at home.
Practice Portion Control: Due to their size, it's easy to eat more than intended, so be mindful of your serving size.

A plate of six pan-fried momos is a delicious treat, but the calorie count is significantly higher than its steamed counterpart. The exact number of calories hinges on several key variables, including the type of filling and the amount of oil used during the pan-frying process. By understanding the nutritional breakdown, you can indulge mindfully.

The Calorie Breakdown of Pan-Fried Momos

The most significant factor determining the calorie count of your momos is the cooking method. While the wrapper and filling provide a baseline, the oil absorbed during pan-frying is what makes the calorie number jump. Pan-frying, unlike deep-frying, uses less oil but still adds a considerable amount of fat. For reference, one tablespoon of cooking oil can contain over 100 calories. This absorbed oil, along with the carb-heavy wrapper (often refined flour) and the protein/fat from the filling, creates the final total.

Pan-Fried Vegetable Momos

For a six-piece serving of pan-fried vegetable momos, the calorie range can vary. Different sources cite figures between 250–300 calories, while others indicate 350–400. This disparity can be attributed to differences in the size of the momos, the specific vegetables used, the wrapper thickness, and the amount of oil absorbed. A reasonable average is somewhere in the 300–350 calorie range, but it is important to remember this is an estimate.

Pan-Fried Chicken Momos

Pan-fried chicken momos typically have a higher calorie count than their vegetable counterparts due to the added protein and fat in the chicken filling. A six-piece serving of pan-fried chicken momos is estimated to contain between 300–350 calories. However, some estimates place it closer to 420 calories (70 per piece), again depending on size and oil absorption. The extra protein from the chicken makes them more filling, but the calorie load from the cooking oil remains a factor.

Pan-Fried vs. Steamed Momos: A Calorie Comparison

The difference in calories between pan-fried and steamed momos is substantial. Steaming involves no oil, which keeps the calorie count significantly lower.


Feature	Pan-Fried Momos (6 pieces)	Steamed Momos (6 pieces)
Calories (Approx.)	Veg: 300–400	Veg: 180–220
	Chicken: 350–420	Chicken: 250–300
Fat Content	Significantly higher due to oil absorption	Very low, negligible fat added during cooking
Preparation	Requires oil, resulting in a crispy texture	Uses steam, yielding a soft and delicate texture
Healthier Choice	Lower in nutrition density per calorie	Higher in nutritional value, retaining more nutrients

Additional Factors that Impact Momo Calories

Type of Oil: The type of oil used can affect the fat profile, but all oils contain a high number of calories per gram. Using a minimal amount is key.
Wrapper Dough: Traditional momos use refined flour (maida), which is high in simple carbohydrates. Using whole wheat flour can increase the fiber content and make them a healthier option.
Dipping Sauce: The accompaniment often adds extra calories and sodium. Many sauces are high in sugar, oil, or both. Be mindful of how much chutney you use.
Portion Size: Most street-style plates contain more than six momos. It's easy to overeat and consume more calories than intended. Portion control is crucial.
Homemade vs. Store-bought: Homemade momos offer control over all ingredients, including oil quantity, flour type, and filling composition. This allows for a much lower calorie count.

Tips for Enjoying Healthier Momos

If you love momos but are watching your calorie intake, there are several ways to make them a healthier treat:

Choose Steamed: When eating out, always opt for the steamed variety. They offer the same delicious flavour with a fraction of the calories.
Try Air-Frying: For that crispy texture without the excess oil, use an air fryer. Air-fried momos offer a satisfying crunch with significantly less fat.
Bulk Up the Veggies: For homemade versions, pack the filling with plenty of chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions. This adds fiber and nutrients while reducing the overall caloric density of each momo.
Use Whole Wheat Flour: Switch out refined flour for whole wheat flour in your homemade dough. It adds fiber and nutrients, making the momos more wholesome.
Control the Chutney: Use dipping sauces sparingly, or try a low-sodium, homemade version with a tomato and chili base. Here is a great guide on mindful eating to help you stay on track

Conclusion

The calorie content of six pan-fried momos can range from approximately 300 to over 400 calories, depending on the filling and preparation. The primary driver of this higher calorie count compared to steamed momos is the fat absorbed during the frying process. By being aware of these factors and making simple swaps, such as choosing steamed options or controlling portion sizes, you can continue to enjoy momos as part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pan-fried chicken momos generally have a higher calorie count than vegetable momos. The chicken filling adds more protein and a different fat content compared to a standard vegetable mix.

Pan-frying adds calories because the momos absorb cooking oil, which is high in fat and calories. Steaming cooks the momos with water vapour and no oil, resulting in a much lower fat and calorie count.

The healthiest preparation method is steaming. For a crispy texture without the excess oil, air-frying is an excellent alternative. Making them at home with whole wheat flour and fresh vegetable fillings also helps.

Yes, dipping sauces and chutneys can add a significant amount of calories, fat, and sodium. Some sauces are high in sugar or oil, so it's best to use them sparingly or opt for a homemade, low-calorie version.

Steamed momos can be part of a weight-loss diet, but fried momos are generally not recommended due to their high calorie and fat content from oil absorption. Portion control is essential regardless of the cooking method.

Calorie counts for momos vary widely based on factors such as the size of each momo, the exact ingredients in the filling and dough, and the amount of oil used during cooking. Homemade momos, for instance, can be much lower in calories than restaurant or street food versions.

To reduce calories, you can use less oil for pan-frying, choose lean fillings like shredded chicken breast or tofu, and use a whole wheat flour for the dough. You can also blot off excess oil after cooking.

A plate of 6 steamed momos has a very low fat content (often under 10g), while a comparable plate of fried momos can have a much higher fat content (sometimes over 15-20g) due to oil absorption.