Admit it or not, Chinese food is delicious and one of the most accessible foods to eat, either for dine-in or takeout. But, as with many other cuisines that are fast and easy, some of the options available can be high in salt, sugar, oil, and processed additives.
Filipino-Chinese cuisine, in particular, is much sweeter and saltier than traditional Chinese cuisine, and it frequently has its distinct flavors.
If you’re craving Chinese food, there are some healthy takeout options. You can also request that menu item be changed to suit your preferences. Furthermore, if you check their menu, you’ll notice that there’s usually a section that is lower in fat, sugar, and salt options.
Being mindful is imperative to maintaining a healthy lifestyle despite this pandemic, so here are healthier “to-go” Chinese foods that you can order, (and also to support our local restaurants) especially now that we’re not allowed to dine in.
Steamed dumplings
Dumplings are pockets of dough filled with seasoned meat and vegetables, most commonly pork and cabbage. Dumplings are usually cooked fried, but you can choose to have them steamed instead to save calories and fat. For example, one medium steamed dumpling contains only 40 calories.
Although the soy sauce-based dipping sauce is low in calories, the sodium is high, so try to limit how much sauce you use, significantly salt sensitivity.
Din Tai Fung is one of the best restaurants in terms of best-selling dumplings. It is an Taiwanese chain famous for its xiaolongbao, popularly known as soup dumplings.
Din Tai Fung offers a variety of Xiaolongbao dishes. They serve Chicken Xiaolongbao (From ₱180.00), Crab Roe and Pork Xiaolongbao (From ₱325.00), Pork and Roasted Garlic Xiaolongbao (From ₱180.00) , Chili Crab and Shrimp Xiaolongbao (From ₱380.00), Green Squash and Shrimp Xiaolongbao (From ₱180.00) , Pork Xiaolongbao (From ₱190.00).
Beef and broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a simple stir-fried dish of beef and broccoli in a light sauce. It’s a low-carb, high-protein dish. However, fatty cuts of beef are frequently used. Ask for steamed broccoli instead of stir-fried broccoli and ask if the sauce can be served on the side to reduce the fat content.
Mann Hann is one restaurant that serves this dish with the perfect duet of beef and broccoli. You’ll have a high protein, low carb meal for the family at ₱300.00
Hainanese chicken
A Chinese dish that is popular round the world is Hainanese chicken, a poached chicken dish from the tropical island of Hainan. The main idea is to slowly poach a whole bird in a light broth with ginger and garlic, then serve the meat at room temperature with rice cooked in the poaching liquid.
In the streets of Malate, where you can find good authentic Chinese cuisine, Hainanese Chicken is a very popular dish. If you’re familiar with Tao Yuan Restaurant, you’ll know that it’s worth making the trip to try their Singaporean Boneless Hainanese Chicken, which ranges from ₱480.00 for the small, ₱880.00 for the medium, and ₱1,680.00 for the large.
Scallops with Asparagus
Consider a dinner that is both simple and approachable, but also decadent and exciting. That is the most accurate way to describe these seared scallops with bok choy.
Rich, buttery scallops with a creamy puree of celery root, shallots, and ginger and a quick saute of fresh bok choy glazed with soy sauce and honey. It has all of the right flavors coming together in a mouthwatering way
If you’ve been to Causeway Seafood Restaurant, you’ll know that they serve Fresh Scallop with your choice of vegetables, either broccoli or asparagus. You can also order bok choy. The dish would not only be for you, but also for your family, at ₱675.00 you get 8pcs of scallops, enough for 3-4 people.
Steamed prawn with garlic
Garlic and prawns are a winning combination. This is delicious when served with smooth and refreshing vermicelli. Just think about it and drool. The carefully blended garlic juice is poured over vermicelli and steamed in a pot.
If you don’t know where you can get steamed prawns with garlic, this is the place to go. It will definitely make you drool and order that is perfect for family sharing.
David’s Tea House has almost every Chinese dish you could want, and you can order their steamed prawn with garlic for ₱560.00 at 10pcs, which isn’t bad.
