Chinese keto guide
Navigable
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.
288 matching dishes · page 1 of 5
清炖鸭汤
Clear Broth Duck Soup (Keto Modified)
A nourishing clear soup made with slow-simmered duck, typically with ginger and scallions. This dish is natura…
3 net5 total2 fibre25 protein45 fat420 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
椒盐排骨
Salt and Pepper Pork Ribs (Unbreaded)
Tender pork spareribs seasoned generously with a mixture of salt and pepper, often with garlic and green chili…
3 net5 total2 fibre55 protein60 fat750 kcal
蚝油生菜
Steamed Lettuce (no oyster sauce, with garlic oil)
Crisp lettuce quickly steamed to retain its texture, served with a simple dressing of garlic-infused oil and l…
3 net6 total3 fibre4 protein18 fat200 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
咸蛋黄蒸肉饼
Steamed Pork Patty with Salted Egg Yolk (Keto Modified)
A savory and rich steamed patty made from finely minced pork, often seasoned with soy sauce and white pepper, …
4 net5 total1 fibre50 protein60 fat750 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
木耳炒肉片
Stir-fried Pork Slices with Wood Ear Mushrooms (Keto Modified)
Thin slices of pork stir-fried with crisp and earthy wood ear mushrooms. A simple yet satisfying dish that can…
4 net9 total5 fibre30 protein50 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
凉拌海蜇
Cold Shredded Jellyfish Salad (Keto Modified)
A refreshing cold appetizer featuring crunchy shredded jellyfish tossed in a light, tangy dressing. Naturally …
5 net7 total2 fibre5 protein25 fat280 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
椒盐九肚鱼
Salt and Pepper Dory Fish (No Flour Coating)
Pieces of tender dory fish (also known as Bombay duck) seasoned with a savory salt and pepper mix, then typica…
5 net6 total1 fibre45 protein50 fat650 kcal
豉汁凤爪
Steamed Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce (Keto Modified)
A popular dim sum dish featuring tender, gelatinous chicken feet braised and then steamed in a savory fermente…
5 net7 total2 fibre25 protein40 fat400 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
蒜蓉蒸丝瓜
Steamed Luffa Gourd with Garlic
Delicate luffa gourd slices, lightly steamed with fragrant minced garlic and a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame…
5 net8 total3 fibre3 protein22 fat250 kcal
豉汁排骨
Steamed Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce (Keto Modified)
Savory and intensely flavored pork spare ribs, often cut into bite-sized pieces, steamed with fermented black …
5 net7 total2 fibre45 protein68 fat800 kcal
肉碎蒸豆腐
Steamed Tofu with Minced Pork (Keto Modified)
Silken or soft tofu delicately steamed and then topped with a flavorful, savory mixture of minced pork, often …
5 net7 total2 fibre45 protein45 fat600 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
豉汁炒鳝鱼
Stir-fried Eel with Fermented Black Bean Sauce (Keto Modified)
Fresh eel segments stir-fried with fragrant fermented black beans, ginger, and garlic. Eel is a fatty fish tha…
5 net7 total2 fibre30 protein40 fat450 kcal
上汤娃娃菜
Baby Cabbage in Supreme Broth (no starch)
Delicate baby cabbage leaves cooked simply in a savory, clear chicken or pork bone broth.…
6 net10 total4 fibre7 protein20 fat250 kcal
蒜蓉芥兰
Chinese Broccoli with Garlic
Fresh Chinese broccoli (gai lan) quickly stir-fried or steamed and tossed with plenty of minced garlic and a l…
6 net12 total6 fibre7 protein38 fat400 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
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
夫妻肺片
Sliced Beef and Offal in Chili Sauce
A classic Sichuan cold appetizer featuring thinly sliced beef, tripe, and sometimes tendon, tossed in a spicy,…
6 net8 total2 fibre45 protein45 fat600 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
蒜蓉茄子
Steamed Eggplant with Garlic Sauce (No Sugar/Starch)
Tender steamed eggplant slices, often presented beautifully, topped with a savory and aromatic garlic-infused …
6 net12 total6 fibre4 protein32 fat350 kcal
清炒包菜
Stir-fried Cabbage
Simple and fresh, thinly shredded cabbage quickly stir-fried with garlic and a light seasoning. A staple low-c…
6 net10 total4 fibre4 protein25 fat280 kcal
香干芹菜
Stir-fried Chinese Celery with Tofu Skin
A light and savory stir-fry featuring tender slices of dried tofu skin and crunchy Chinese celery, often seaso…
6 net10 total4 fibre20 protein28 fat380 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
焖牛腩
Braised Beef Brisket (Keto Modified)
Tender and flavorful beef brisket, slow-braised until exceptionally soft in a rich, aromatic broth often seaso…
7 net9 total2 fibre65 protein65 fat850 kcal
烧鹅
Roast Goose (skin only if desired, no sugary sauce)
A classic Cantonese dish featuring a whole goose roasted to perfection, yielding crisp skin and tender, succul…
7 net8 total1 fibre75 protein95 fat1100 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
水煮鱼
Sichuan Boiled Fish in Chili Oil
Tender white fish fillets cooked in a fiery broth of chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chilies, typica…
7 net10 total3 fibre50 protein55 fat700 kcal
拍黄瓜
Smashed Cucumber Salad
Crisp, refreshing smashed cucumber pieces, dressed with garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, and sesame oil. A po…
7 net10 total3 fibre4 protein28 fat300 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
辣椒炒肉
Spicy Stir-fried Pork with Chili
A robust Hunan-style stir-fry featuring thinly sliced pork (often belly) and a generous mix of fresh green and…
7 net9 total2 fibre45 protein55 fat700 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
烟肉炒蒜苗
Stir-fried Smoked Pork with Garlic Sprouts
A rustic and flavorful stir-fry combining smoky, thinly sliced cured pork (often belly) with tender, pungent g…
7 net10 total3 fibre40 protein65 fat750 kcal
香菇滑鸡
Velvety Chicken with Mushrooms
Tender, 'velvety' chicken pieces stir-fried with fragrant shiitake mushrooms in a light, savory sauce.…
7 net10 total3 fibre45 protein95 fat1050 kcal
凉拌木耳
Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
Chewy, crunchy wood ear mushrooms, typically blanched and tossed in a savory and tangy dressing with garlic, c…
7 net11 total4 fibre5 protein29 fat320 kcal
姜油鸡煲
Claypot Chicken with Ginger and Sesame Oil
Chicken pieces braised in a claypot with an aromatic sauce featuring abundant ginger and rich sesame oil, yiel…
8 net10 total2 fibre55 protein60 fat780 kcal
肉碎茄子煲 (减糖淀粉)
Claypot Eggplant with Minced Pork (Keto Modified)
Eggplant and minced pork simmered in a claypot, rich with savory flavors. Typically, this dish has a slightly …
8 net15 total7 fibre30 protein55 fat650 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
宫保鸡丁
Keto Kung Pao Chicken (No Sugar/Starch)
A spicy, savory stir-fry featuring diced chicken, peanuts, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns. This versio…
8 net12 total4 fibre45 protein50 fat650 kcal
酸菜炒肉
Pork and Pickled Cabbage Stir-fry
A savory and slightly sour dish featuring thinly sliced pork (often belly or shoulder) stir-fried with tangy p…
8 net12 total4 fibre45 protein58 fat720 kcal
青椒肉丝
Sautéed Shredded Pork with Green Peppers
A popular stir-fry featuring tender shredded pork, strips of vibrant green bell peppers, and sometimes a few b…
8 net12 total4 fibre50 protein38 fat580 kcal
孜然羊肉
Spicy Cumin Lamb
Tender slices of lamb stir-fried with aromatic cumin, chili, and often bell peppers and onions, creating a rob…
8 net12 total4 fibre45 protein90 fat1050 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