Chinese keto guide
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408 dishes119 keto as served129 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Adapting Chinese cuisine to keto requires diligent menu navigation and explicit requests for sauce and starch modifications.
Top ingredients
Excellent traditional keto ingredients include various cuts of pork, chicken, beef, duck, seafood, and a wide array of non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, and mushrooms.
Danger zones
Watch out for hidden sugars and cornstarch in most sauces, deep-fried battered items, noodles, rice, dumplings, and starchy vegetables often used as fillers.
Best for
This cuisine is best for experienced keto dieters who are comfortable with explicit modifications and enjoy a variety of high-protein, vegetable-rich meals.
What to drink
Drinks you will see at Chinese restaurants, cafés and stalls, rated the same way as the food.
Order these
- KetoJasmine Tea mòlìhuā chá (茉莉花茶) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- KetoPu-erh Tea pǔ'ěr chá (普洱茶) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- Ask firstChrysanthemum Tea júhuā chá (菊花茶) · 10g net carbs as usually servedAsk for it without sugar ('bù jiā táng', 不加糖).
- Ask firstSoy Milk dòujiāng (豆浆) · 15g net carbs as usually servedAsk for it unsweetened ('wú táng', 无糖). Breakfast shops usually have both.
- Ask firstSavory Soy Milk xián dòujiāng (咸豆浆) · 15g net carbs as usually servedAsk for it without the fried dough ('bù yào yóutiáo', 不要油条).
- Ask firstHong Kong Milk Tea gongsik naaicha (港式奶茶) · 25g net carbs as usually servedAsk for 'zau tong' (走糖, no sugar). The evaporated milk still adds about 6g.
- Ask firstCoffee-Tea Mix yuenyeung (鴛鴦) · 25g net carbs as usually servedAsk for 'zau tong' (走糖, no sugar).
- Ask firstHong Kong Lemon Tea dung ling cha (凍檸茶) · 25g net carbs as usually servedAsk for 'zau tim' (走甜, no sweetness).
Skip these
- SkipSour Plum Drink suānméi tāng (酸梅汤) · 30g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order jasmine tea instead.
- SkipWinter Melon Tea dōngguā chá (冬瓜茶) · 30g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order jasmine tea instead.
- SkipGrass Jelly Drink xiāncǎo (仙草) · 30g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order jasmine tea instead.
- SkipHot Cola with Ginger jiāng zhǔ kělè (姜煮可乐) · 40g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order pu-erh tea instead.
- SkipBubble Tea zhēnzhū nǎichá (珍珠奶茶) · 55g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order plain jasmine or oolong tea, 0% sugar, no toppings instead.
158 matching dishes · page 1 of 3
盐焗鸡
Salt-Baked Chicken
A classic Hakka dish where a whole chicken is marinated and then baked or steamed in a crust of coarse salt, r…
2 net2 total0 fibre75 protein48 fat750 kcal
花胶汤
Fish Maw Soup (Keto Modified)
A traditional and luxurious clear soup featuring rehydrated fish maw, known for its collagen content and delic…
3 net5 total2 fibre20 protein17 fat240 kcal
香煎鱿鱼配椒盐
Pan-Fried Squid with Salt and Pepper (No Coating)
Tender squid rings or pieces pan-fried until slightly crispy, seasoned simply with a salt and pepper spice mix…
3 net4 total1 fibre40 protein35 fat480 kcal
盐焗虾
Salt-Baked Prawns
Whole prawns baked or pan-fried in coarse salt, often with ginger and green onions, focusing on the natural, s…
3 net3 total0 fibre50 protein25 fat450 kcal
紫菜虾米汤
Seaweed and Dried Shrimp Soup
A light and savory clear soup made with rehydrated dried seaweed, small dried shrimp, and often includes a whi…
3 net5 total2 fibre20 protein12 fat200 kcal
清蒸蟹
Steamed Crab
Whole crab steamed simply with ginger and scallions, allowing the natural sweetness of the crab to shine. Ofte…
3 net3 total0 fibre40 protein20 fat350 kcal
蒸水蛋
Steamed Egg Custard
A delicate and silky smooth steamed egg custard, usually seasoned lightly with soy sauce and a touch of sesame…
3 net3 total0 fibre20 protein18 fat250 kcal
白灼虾
Boiled Prawns/Shrimp
Succulent prawns or shrimp, simply boiled or lightly steamed, served with a side of ginger-scallion dipping sa…
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein12 fat300 kcal
脆皮鸡
Crispy Skin Chicken
A whole chicken prepared to achieve an incredibly crispy and golden-brown skin while keeping the meat juicy an…
4 net4 total0 fibre70 protein70 fat950 kcal
蛋花汤
Egg Drop Soup
A comforting, light chicken broth-based soup with ribbons of whisked egg, often garnished with scallions.…
4 net5 total1 fibre18 protein15 fat250 kcal
姜葱龙虾
Ginger Scallion Lobster (Keto Modified)
Fresh lobster (often wok-fried or steamed and then dressed) served with an aromatic sauce heavily featuring sl…
4 net5 total1 fibre70 protein38 fat650 kcal
姜葱炒虾
Sautéed Prawns with Ginger and Scallions (Keto Modified)
Fresh prawns quickly sautéed or stir-fried with generous amounts of fragrant ginger and crisp green scallions,…
4 net5 total1 fibre50 protein38 fat550 kcal
肉碎蒸水蛋
Steamed Egg Custard with Minced Pork
A savory variation of steamed egg custard, topped or mixed with seasoned minced pork, enhancing both flavor an…
4 net5 total1 fibre35 protein28 fat400 kcal
蒜蓉蒸扇贝
Steamed Scallops with Garlic (No Vermicelli)
Fresh scallops steamed with a generous topping of finely minced garlic, often with a drizzle of soy sauce and …
4 net5 total1 fibre35 protein28 fat420 kcal
清汤牛腩
Beef Brisket Clear Soup (No Noodles/Radish)
Tender beef brisket simmered in a clear, flavorful broth with aromatic spices. A light yet satisfying soup tha…
5 net7 total2 fibre55 protein30 fat520 kcal
卤牛筋
Braised Beef Tendon (Keto Modified)
Tender, flavorful beef tendon, slow-braised in a savory liquid until gelatinous. Typically served cold as an a…
5 net7 total2 fibre30 protein25 fat300 kcal
香菇鸡汤
Mushroom Chicken Soup
A nourishing clear broth soup with tender chicken pieces (often on the bone) and aromatic shiitake mushrooms, …
5 net7 total2 fibre40 protein35 fat480 kcal
清炒大虾
Plain Stir-fried Prawns with Garlic
Large, succulent prawns quickly stir-fried with aromatic garlic in a light, savory seasoning.…
5 net6 total1 fibre45 protein55 fat700 kcal
口水鸡
Saliva Chicken (Sichuan Poached Chicken with Chili Oil)
Tender poached chicken, usually dark meat, served chilled and drenched in a vibrant, spicy, savory, and numbin…
5 net7 total2 fibre48 protein38 fat550 kcal
姜葱鸡
Steamed Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce (Keto Modified)
Succulent whole or half chicken gently steamed to retain moisture and flavor, then topped with an aromatic sau…
5 net6 total1 fibre65 protein48 fat700 kcal
豉汁蒸鱼头
Steamed Fish Head with Fermented Black Beans (Keto Modified)
A classic Cantonese dish featuring a fish head steamed to perfection with fermented black beans, ginger, garli…
5 net7 total2 fibre35 protein30 fat380 kcal
芦笋炒牛肉
Stir-fried Beef with Asparagus
Lean beef slices stir-fried with crisp asparagus spears, garlic, and ginger in a light savory sauce, offering …
5 net9 total4 fibre50 protein38 fat580 kcal
蟹肉羹
Crab Meat Soup (no starch)
A delicate and savory soup featuring generous flakes of fresh crab meat, often enhanced with wisps of egg whit…
6 net7 total1 fibre35 protein25 fat400 kcal
豆腐鱼头汤
Fish Head Soup with Tofu
A nourishing and light soup featuring fish head (often fried lightly first for flavor) simmered with soft tofu…
6 net8 total2 fibre50 protein28 fat450 kcal
姜葱炒蟹
Ginger Scallion Crab
Fresh crab pieces wok-fried with aromatic ginger and scallions. The sauce is typically light, focusing on the …
6 net8 total2 fibre55 protein40 fat600 kcal
姜葱田鸡
Ginger Scallion Frog Legs
Tender frog legs stir-fried or steamed with fragrant ginger and fresh scallions in a light savory sauce.…
6 net7 total1 fibre45 protein38 fat550 kcal
豉油王大虾
Pan-fried King Prawns with Superior Soy Sauce
Large, succulent prawns pan-fried to perfection and then tossed in a simple yet flavorful 'superior soy sauce'…
6 net6 total0 fibre55 protein28 fat500 kcal
麻油鸡
Sesame Oil Chicken
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich broth flavored predominantly with ginger and toasted sesame oil. This…
6 net7 total1 fibre60 protein35 fat580 kcal
麻油黄瓜拌鸡丝
Shredded Chicken and Cucumber Salad with Sesame Oil
A light and refreshing cold appetizer featuring shredded poached chicken breast and crisp julienned cucumber, …
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein25 fat400 kcal
蒜泥白肉
Sliced Pork with Garlic Sauce
Thinly sliced, tender boiled pork belly, typically served cold and topped generously with a savory, spicy, and…
6 net8 total2 fibre35 protein55 fat650 kcal
酸菜牛肉
Stir-fried Beef with Pickled Greens
Tender slices of beef stir-fried with tart and savory pickled mustard greens, often with chili and garlic for …
6 net10 total4 fibre45 protein42 fat600 kcal
葱爆羊肉
Stir-fried Lamb with Scallions (Keto Modified)
Tender slices of lamb stir-fried quickly with an abundance of fresh green scallions and a savory sauce. This d…
6 net8 total2 fibre55 protein58 fat750 kcal
椒盐虾
Salt and Pepper Prawns
Crispy prawns wok-fried with aromatic garlic, fresh chilies, and a savory salt and pepper seasoning. Often ser…
7 net8 total1 fibre65 protein55 fat800 kcal
滑蛋牛肉
Scrambled Eggs with Beef
A comforting dish of tender beef slices quickly stir-fried with fluffy, soft scrambled eggs in a light savory …
7 net8 total1 fibre50 protein45 fat620 kcal
辣子鸡丁
Sichuan Chili Chicken
Crispy fried chicken pieces stir-fried with a generous amount of dried red chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and g…
7 net9 total2 fibre50 protein50 fat680 kcal
酱牛肉
Soy Sauce Braised Beef (Cold Sliced)
Slow-braised beef, typically brisket or shank, infused with a rich soy sauce-based marinade, then sliced and s…
7 net8 total1 fibre50 protein25 fat450 kcal
麻辣牛筋
Spicy Numbing Beef Tendon
Tender, gelatinous slices of beef tendon, chilled and tossed in a fiery and numbing Sichuan-style dressing wit…
7 net9 total2 fibre40 protein40 fat550 kcal
香辣虾
Spicy Numbing Shrimp
A fiery Sichuan stir-fry featuring succulent shrimp wok-tossed with dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger…
7 net10 total3 fibre60 protein40 fat650 kcal
冬菇蒸鸡
Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms
Tender chicken pieces (often bone-in thigh or breast) steamed with rehydrated dried black mushrooms, seasoned …
7 net10 total3 fibre55 protein35 fat550 kcal
蒜蓉蒸生蚝
Steamed/Grilled Oysters with Garlic (no vermicelli)
Fresh oysters, typically served on the half-shell, topped with a generous amount of savory minced garlic and s…
7 net8 total1 fibre25 protein30 fat400 kcal
榨菜田鸡
Stir-fried Frog Legs with Preserved Vegetables (Keto Modified)
Tender frog legs stir-fried with savory preserved mustard stems (榨菜), garlic, and chili. A flavorful and uniqu…
7 net9 total2 fibre30 protein35 fat400 kcal
西芹牛肉丝
Stir-fried Shredded Beef with Chinese Celery
Tender shredded beef stir-fried with crisp Chinese celery in a savory sauce. Naturally low in carbs, but modif…
7 net10 total3 fibre30 protein45 fat380 kcal
冬瓜排骨汤
Winter Melon and Pork Rib Soup
A light, clear, and refreshing soup made with tender pork ribs and chunks of winter melon, simmered until flav…
7 net9 total2 fibre35 protein30 fat450 kcal
孜然牛肉
Cumin Beef Stir-fry
Slices of tender beef quickly stir-fried with an aromatic blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and often some…
8 net11 total3 fibre50 protein45 fat650 kcal
蒜蓉蒸蛤蜊
Steamed Clams with Garlic (No Vermicelli)
Fresh clams generously steamed with minced garlic and scallions in a light savory sauce. This dish is traditio…
8 net10 total2 fibre40 protein35 fat500 kcal
清蒸鱼
Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and Scallions
A whole fresh fish (e.g., sea bass or snapper) steamed to perfection, topped with fresh ginger strips and chop…
8 net10 total2 fibre65 protein55 fat750 kcal
凉瓜炒牛肉
Stir-fried Beef with Bitter Melon
Tender slices of beef stir-fried with bitter melon, garlic, and fermented black beans in a savory sauce. The b…
8 net12 total4 fibre55 protein55 fat750 kcal
姜葱爆腰花
Stir-fried Pork Kidney with Ginger and Scallion
Sliced pork kidney, expertly cleaned and quickly stir-fried with abundant fresh ginger and scallions in a pung…
8 net10 total2 fibre55 protein50 fat700 kcal
蒜薹炒肉
Stir-fried Pork with Garlic Sprouts
Slices of tender pork (often shoulder or belly) stir-fried with crisp garlic sprouts in a savory, aromatic sau…
8 net12 total4 fibre50 protein60 fat750 kcal
卤猪耳
Marinated Pig Ears
Thinly sliced, tender yet crunchy pig ears, slowly simmered in an aromatic soy-based 卤水 (lu shui) marinade unt…
9 net10 total1 fibre40 protein45 fat580 kcal
青椒牛肉丝
Stir-fried Beef with Bell Peppers (Keto Modified)
Thin strips of tender beef stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers (usually green) and sometimes onions, in a sav…
9 net12 total3 fibre58 protein58 fat780 kcal
炒猪肚
Stir-fried Pork Stomach with Peppers
Tender, chewy slices of pork stomach stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and often fermented black beans or …
9 net12 total3 fibre50 protein60 fat750 kcal
酸菜鱼
Sichuan Poached Fish with Pickled Mustard Greens (No Starch)
A famously spicy and tangy Sichuan dish featuring tender fish fillets poached in a rich, aromatic broth with p…
10 net15 total5 fibre60 protein60 fat800 kcal
豉油鸡
Soy Sauce Chicken (no sugar in sauce)
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, savory broth predominantly flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and arom…
10 net12 total2 fibre65 protein60 fat800 kcal
萝卜牛腩煲
Stewed Beef Brisket with Radish
A comforting Cantonese stew featuring tender chunks of beef brisket slowly simmered with daikon radish in a ri…
10 net15 total5 fibre60 protein45 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
清汤牛肚
Clear Broth Beef Tripe Soup
A comforting and savory clear broth soup featuring tender, slow-simmered beef tripe. Minimal seasoning, highli…
2 net3 total1 fibre40 protein20 fat350 kcal
KAsoon
香煎鳕鱼
Pan-fried Cod Fillet
A simple yet elegant dish featuring a flaky cod fillet pan-fried until golden brown and tender, typically seas…
2 net2 total0 fibre55 protein28 fat480 kcal
KAsoon
白灼螺片
Blanched Sliced Conch with Dipping Sauce
Thinly sliced conch quickly blanched to tenderness, preserving its natural flavor and served with a simple dip…
3 net3 total0 fibre40 protein15 fat320 kcal
KAsoon
白灼鱿鱼
Blanched Squid
Fresh squid quickly blanched until perfectly tender, preserving its natural sweetness. It is typically served …
3 net4 total1 fibre30 protein25 fat350 kcal
KAsoon
清汤牛鞭
Clear Broth Beef Pizzle
A collagen-rich soup featuring beef pizzle (penis) slow-cooked in a clean, nourishing clear broth, often with …
3 net3 total0 fibre50 protein20 fat400 kcal