Dim Sim Calories Calculator
Calculate dim sim calories. Australian dim sim nutrition — steamed vs fried from takeaway — with macros for this fish-shop staple.
Dim Sim Nutrition Overview
The Australian dim sim is a uniquely Australian-Chinese fast food — a large, robust dumpling made with a thick dough wrapper filled with pork, cabbage, and seasonings, and typically deep-fried at fish and chip shops and Chinese takeaways across Australia. It is distinct from Hong Kong-style dim sum (yum cha dumplings) — the Australian dim sim is much larger, has a thicker, doughier wrapper, and is...
How to use this calculator
Enter your portion size in grams or use the unit selector. CalorieMetrica will estimate calories, protein, carbs and fats for Dim Sim. Actual nutrition values vary depending on preparation method, recipe, and serving size.
Best for fitness goals
Dim sims are a reasonable occasional takeaway snack — much lower in calories per piece than a meat pie or sausage roll. Choosing steamed instead of deep-fried saves approximately 30 kcal per piece. Three steamed dim sims (255 kcal) is a reasonable snack; three fried dim sims (465 kcal) approaches a ...
Dim Sim Calories — Complete Australian Guide
Calories By Portion Size
| Portion / Serving | Estimated Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 steamed dim sim (55g) | ~85 kcal | Steamed version |
| 1 fried dim sim (55g) | ~155 kcal | Deep-fried version |
| 3 fried dim sims (165g) | ~465 kcal | Typical takeaway order |
Calories By Preparation Method
| Preparation Method | Calories / 100g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deep-fried dim sim | ~155 kcal/100g | Standard takeaway |
| Steamed dim sim | ~100 kcal/100g | Lower calorie option |
| Baked dim sim | ~120 kcal/100g | Lighter alternative |
Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 155 kcal | Per 100g (fried) |
| Protein | 8 g | From pork/cabbage filling |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g | From dough wrapper |
| Fat | 7 g | Deep-frying oil |
| Fibre | 1 g | From cabbage filling |
| Sodium | ~580 mg | From soy seasoning |
| Iron | ~1.0 mg | From pork |
What Is Dim Sim?
The Australian dim sim is a uniquely Australian-Chinese fast food — a large, robust dumpling made with a thick dough wrapper filled with pork, cabbage, and seasonings, and typically deep-fried at fish and chip shops and Chinese takeaways across Australia. It is distinct from Hong Kong-style dim sum (yum cha dumplings) — the Australian dim sim is much larger, has a thicker, doughier wrapper, and is designed to withstand the robust conditions of takeaway food service. The dim sim was created in Melbourne in the 1940s by William Chen Wing Young, who adapted Chinese dumplings to Australian tastes and the fish-and-chip-shop market. It remains a Melbourne institution in particular — Melburnians consider the dim sim one of their own cultural foods. The dim sim is eaten hot from the bag, dipped in soy sauce, standing at the counter or in the car park. It is one of the purest expressions of Australian-Chinese food fusion.
Dim Sim Calories Guide
One deep-fried dim sim (55g) contains approximately 85 calories. A standard takeaway order of three dim sims (165g) contains approximately 255–465 calories depending on whether they are steamed or fried. Choosing steamed over fried saves approximately 30 kcal per dim sim — meaningful over three or four.
Dim Sim for Weight Loss
Dim sims are a reasonable occasional takeaway snack — much lower in calories per piece than a meat pie or sausage roll. Choosing steamed instead of deep-fried saves approximately 30 kcal per piece. Three steamed dim sims (255 kcal) is a reasonable snack; three fried dim sims (465 kcal) approaches a full meal in calorie terms.
Dim Sim for Muscle Gain
A dim sim provides approximately 4g of protein per piece — modest but meaningful when eating three or four. The pork filling provides complete protein with all essential amino acids. Not a muscle-building staple but a reasonable protein-containing takeaway option.
Smart Comparison
Dim Sim vs Chiko Roll: A Chiko Roll (432 kcal) is significantly higher than three dim sims fried (~465 kcal total) but much larger. Per 100g, a Chiko Roll and fried dim sim are similar in calorie density. Dim Sim vs Meat Pie: A meat pie (490 kcal) is higher than three fried dim sims (465 kcal) and provides more protein.
Portion Control Advice
Choosing steamed over fried saves approximately 30 kcal per dim sim — over three or four pieces this becomes significant. Dipping in soy sauce adds minimal calories (approximately 5–10 kcal per dip) but significant sodium. Order two or three dim sims as a snack rather than three plus chips.
Common Mistakes
Ordering both dim sims and chips from the fish and chip shop — together they can easily push to 700–900 kcal. Underestimating dim sims because they seem small — four fried dim sims equals approximately 620 kcal.
Burn This Food — Activity Equivalents
| Activity | Duration to Burn |
|---|---|
| Brisk walking | ~38 min for 3 fried dim sims |
| Jogging | ~18 min |
| Cycling | ~22 min |
| Swimming | ~20 min |
Healthy Alternative Tips
3 steamed dim sims — ~255 kcal
3 steamed dim sims with soy sauce — ~255 kcal
Steamed instead of fried — saves ~30 kcal per dim sim
Related Tools
Use these tools to track your daily plan and compare foods:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in a dim sim?
One deep-fried dim sim (55g) contains approximately 85 calories. Three fried dim sims (165g) is approximately 255 calories. A standard takeaway order of three fried dim sims is approximately 255–465 calories depending on the specific product. Steamed dim sims are approximately 30% lower in calories than fried.
Is an Australian dim sim the same as Chinese dim sum?
No — Australian dim sims are distinct from Hong Kong-style dim sum (yum cha). Australian dim sims are larger, have a thicker dough wrapper, are typically deep-fried at takeaway shops, and were developed specifically for the Australian fast food market in the 1940s. Hong Kong dim sum are smaller, steamed or pan-fried, and served in bamboo baskets at yum cha restaurants.
Are dim sims Melbourne food?
Dim sims are particularly associated with Melbourne, where they were invented by William Chen Wing Young in the 1940s. Melbourne's fish and chip shops and Chinese takeaways have been serving dim sims for over 80 years. They are also popular across other Australian states but have the strongest cultural association with Melbourne.
Are steamed dim sims healthier than fried?
Yes — steamed dim sims contain approximately 30% fewer calories than deep-fried dim sims, as the steaming process adds no additional fat. The protein, carbohydrate, and fibre content is the same in both preparations. Steaming is the preferred preparation for those managing calories or fat intake.
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on Australian food composition databases, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) nutrient data, and standard recipe analysis. Actual values vary by cooking method, recipe, brand, and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.