How many calories in a momo dumpling?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

A single steamed vegetable momo typically contains around 35-40 calories, while a fried version can contain more than double that amount. The total calorie count is heavily influenced by ingredients, preparation method, and the accompanying dips.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a momo dumpling depends on its filling and cooking method. Steamed momos, particularly vegetable-filled ones, have a lower calorie count, while fried or pan-fried varieties are significantly higher. Fillings like chicken, paneer, and cheese also increase the caloric value. Portions and dipping sauces also play a crucial role.

Key Points

Steamed vs. Fried: A single steamed momo contains approximately 35-50 calories, while a fried momo can contain 70-100+ calories due to oil absorption.
Filling Matters: The calorie count is also determined by the filling; vegetable fillings are lowest, followed by chicken, and then high-fat options like paneer or cheese.
Dips Add Up: Creamy or mayonnaise-based dipping sauces can significantly increase the total calorie count of a momo meal.
Portion Control is Key: Since momos are small and easy to eat, it's easy to overconsume, so portion control is important for calorie management.
Homemade Advantage: Making momos at home allows for healthier choices like using whole wheat flour and packing them with extra vegetables, significantly reducing calories.
Tandoori Momos: The tandoori cooking method often involves marination with cream and butter, adding more calories compared to steamed versions.

Calorie Breakdown of Momos

Understanding the calorie content of momos is important for those monitoring their dietary intake. The exact number can vary widely, but general ranges can be determined based on common factors like the cooking method and filling. For example, a single steamed vegetable momo is significantly lighter than a fried chicken momo.

Factors Affecting Momo Calories

The primary elements that determine a momo's calorie count are its ingredients and how it is prepared.

Dough Composition: Traditional momo dough is often made with refined all-purpose flour, which contributes a moderate number of calories. Healthier versions may use whole wheat flour, which contains more fiber and can reduce the overall calorie density.

Filling Type: The choice of filling is a major calorie factor. Vegetable fillings are the lowest in calories, followed by lean meats like chicken. Paneer and cheese fillings tend to be higher due to their fat content. For example, a single piece of a paneer momo may contain around 26 calories, whereas a chicken momo can be up to 78 calories.

Cooking Method: This is arguably the most significant factor. Steaming adds minimal calories, while deep-frying dramatically increases the fat and overall calorie count due to oil absorption. Pan-frying or tandoori preparation methods also add more calories than steaming through the use of oil or butter.

Accompanying Sauces: The dips served with momos can add a surprising number of calories. Cream-based dips or excessive mayonnaise can quickly increase the overall calorie load of a meal. A light, spicy tomato-based chutney is a better option for those watching their calories.

Calorie Comparison: Steamed vs. Fried Momos

To illustrate the difference in calorie content, a comparison table highlights the impact of the cooking method on various momo types.


Momo Type	Calories Per Piece (Approx.)	Calories Per Plate (6 pcs)	Key Difference
Steamed Veg Momo	35–40 kcal	210–240 kcal	Low oil, primarily from vegetable filling.
Steamed Chicken Momo	45–50 kcal	270–300 kcal	Slightly higher calories due to lean protein.
Fried Veg Momo	80–100 kcal	480–600 kcal	Significantly higher due to oil absorption from deep frying.
Fried Chicken Momo	70–80 kcal	420–480 kcal	Higher fat and calories from both chicken and frying oil.
Tandoori Chicken Momo	75–90 kcal	450–540 kcal	Extra calories from butter and marination.

Healthier Momo Choices

For those who love momos but want to make healthier choices, several modifications can help reduce the calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.

Opt for Steamed: Always choose steamed momos over fried, pan-fried, or tandoori varieties to avoid unnecessary fats and calories.
Choose Lighter Fillings: Stick to vegetable fillings or lean chicken. Soya granules are an excellent protein-rich, low-fat alternative. Avoid creamy, cheesy fillings or deep-fried paneer.
Mind the Dip: Substitute heavy mayonnaise-based dips with a simple, spicy tomato or chili garlic sauce. Be aware of the high sodium content in soy sauce.
Make Your Own: Making momos at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can use whole wheat flour for the dough and load the filling with fiber-rich vegetables. includes a whole wheat vegetable momo recipe for a healthier, homemade option.
Portion Control: The addictive nature of momos can lead to overindulgence. Practicing portion control is key to managing calorie intake, as a single plate can quickly add up.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie content of a momo dumpling is not fixed but depends on its preparation and ingredients. While a single steamed momo is a relatively low-calorie snack, fried and meat-filled versions can significantly increase the total calories consumed. By choosing steamed over fried, opting for vegetable or lean protein fillings, and being mindful of portion sizes and high-calorie sauces, you can enjoy this delicious treat as part of a balanced diet. Homemade momos offer the best control over nutritional content, allowing for healthier ingredient swaps like whole wheat flour and extra vegetables.

Healthier Momo Preparation Checklist

Dough: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
Filling: Choose vegetables or lean meat like chicken. Consider soya granules for a high-protein vegetarian option.
Cooking Method: Stick to steaming or baking to avoid excess oil.
Dip: Use a spicy, tomato-based chutney instead of creamy or mayonnaise-based dips.
Portion: Eat in moderation and practice mindful eating to prevent overconsumption.

How to Burn Momo Calories

A brisk walk can help burn off the calories from a small plate of steamed momos.
More vigorous exercise, like jogging or cycling, would be needed to burn off a plate of fried momos.
Incorporating momos into your diet as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence helps with overall calorie management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Steamed momos can be part of a weight-loss diet when eaten in moderation, especially when filled with vegetables or lean protein. Fried momos, however, are high in fat and should be consumed sparingly.

A standard plate of 6 steamed vegetable momos contains approximately 210-240 calories, while a plate of 6 steamed chicken momos has around 270-300 calories.

Fried momos have a significantly higher calorie count because the cooking process involves deep-frying, which causes the dumpling to absorb a large amount of oil.

Yes, using whole wheat flour instead of refined all-purpose flour for the dough can slightly reduce the calorie count and increase the fiber content, making it a healthier option.

You can make momos healthier by using whole wheat flour for the dough, filling them with lots of fiber-rich vegetables, and steaming or baking them instead of frying.

Street food momos often use more oil and less controlled ingredients than those prepared at home or in some restaurants, potentially leading to a higher calorie count.

A single paneer momo piece contains roughly 26 calories, making it a relatively moderate-calorie option, though still higher than a vegetable filling.