A Full Nutritional Breakdown of Your Shah's Combo Platter
Shah's halal combo over rice is a beloved street food staple, but its hearty nature means a substantial calorie count. The final number can vary significantly depending on the specific location, portion size, and the amount of sauce generously added. For example, official nutrition data from Shah's Halal UK and the US-based website can differ. A full-sized combo platter from the US site lists approximately 1,045 calories, while a UK listing shows 1,050 calories. Understanding where these calories come from is key to fitting this delicious meal into a balanced diet.
The Caloric Impact of Combo Components
To understand the total, you must look at each ingredient. The standard combo features a mix of lamb and chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and a fresh salad, all topped with their signature white and hot sauces.
- Basmati Rice: Rice forms the base of the platter and is a primary source of carbohydrates. The portion size in a typical platter is generous, and with added oil, the calorie count quickly adds up. As noted on Reddit, two cups of plain cooked rice alone is over 400 calories.
- Chicken and Lamb: The meats provide the bulk of the protein and a significant portion of the fat. Both are cooked on a grill, often with oil, which adds to the caloric load.
- Salad: The salad portion, consisting of lettuce and tomatoes, is generally low-calorie and contributes fiber, but it's a small component of the total dish.
- The Sauces: The white and hot sauces are the major calorie boosters. Shah's Halal Food white sauce can contain 180 to 300 calories per serving, primarily from fat. The amount of sauce requested can dramatically alter the final calorie count.
Nutritional Information Comparison: Shah's Halal
Here is a comparison of different menu items based on data from various Shah's Halal nutritional charts. Note that these figures can be based on different portion sizes and should be considered approximate.
| Recipe Name | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combo Over Rice (US) | ~1045 | ~25 | ~58 |
| Combo Over Rice (UK) | ~1050 | ~25 | ~58 |
| Chicken Over Rice (US) | ~910 | ~9 | ~70 |
| Lamb Over Rice (UK) | ~1070 | ~36 | ~44 |
| Combo Gyro (UK) | 730 | - | - |
How to Reduce Calories in Your Halal Combo
Making a few simple adjustments can help you enjoy your meal with fewer calories. Some options include:
- Order a smaller portion: Many locations offer half or smaller serving sizes.
- Control the sauce: Ask for less white sauce or, for the most significant calorie cut, get it on the side and use it sparingly.
- Opt for more salad: Request extra lettuce and tomatoes to bulk up the meal with low-calorie vegetables.
- Go half on the rice: Ask for a reduced portion of rice or swap half of it for extra salad.
- Share your meal: The large platter is often enough for two meals, effectively halving the calorie intake per sitting.
Dietary Considerations Beyond Calories
While calories are a main concern, it is also important to consider other nutritional aspects. The high sodium content, particularly with the sauces, can be a health consideration. For instance, the UK combo platter contains over 1000mg of sodium. On the plus side, the platter is a decent source of protein, especially when you consider the meat content. Shah's Halal also emphasizes the ethical sourcing of its ingredients, which can be an important factor for many consumers.
For more specific nutritional data, it's recommended to check the official source at www.shahshalalfood.com/our-food-menu/combo-lamb-and-chicken-over-rice/.
Conclusion
In summary, the calorie count for a Shah's halal combo over rice typically falls between 1,000 and 1,100 calories for a large platter, though this can vary. Key contributing factors are the generous portions of rice and meat, and especially the rich, high-fat white sauce. By making informed choices about portion size and sauce, it is possible to enjoy this satisfying meal while better managing your dietary intake. For a substantial yet healthier option, consider scaling back on the rice and sauces while loading up on extra salad.
