OK, let’s start with the obvious: Chinese cuisine is delicious. Pork dumplings, beef and broccoli, fluffy rice…mmm. What you might not realise is that it’s totally possible to enjoy these and other classic dishes without zapping your Points® Budget. This guide is a good place to start. Ordering from your favourite local restaurant? Check out our tips for navigating the menu so you can stay on track with your goals. Prefer to cook? We’ve rounded up 31 super flavourful Chinese recipes you can make right in your kitchen. Dig in below.
Tips for ordering Chinese takeout
A Chinese takeaway may not be as high in Points® as you think. Here’s how to make it wok for you!
Scan the menu for keywords.
The terms “steamed,” “sauteed,” and “stir-fried” are your friends, here—such dishes are typically lower in Points than those billed as “crispy” or “fried.” Giving the menu a quick read will help you spot your best options.
Know your starters
In the mood for a starter? Watch out for words such as 'battered' or 'crispy' as these mean deep-fried. Save Points by skipping the prawn crackers and spring rolls. Instead, consider broth-based soups— such as wonton, egg drop or sweet and sour soups. When you're in the mood for dumplings, reach for steamed or pan-fried veggie, prawn, beef, pork, or chicken ones.
Decide on your main.
For mains, explore steamed lean proteins like chicken or prawn with vegetables or egg with chicken. You may also find it helpful to order your dish steamed with sauce on the side so you can control the amount you add to your dish. Points-friendly garlic sauce, black bean sauce, and brown sauce are good choices. Vegetarian options like Chinese vegetables with tofu or vegetable lo mein are also good bets. Other noodle options to explore? Chow fun, a stir fried broad flat noodle, with chicken or beef.
Sub brown rice for white.
As a whole grain, brown rice contains more micronutrients and fibre than refined white rice. For a ZeroPoint® option, skip the traditional rice and heat up your own frozen cauliflower rice instead.
Add veggies to your order.
A side of ZeroPoint steamed mixed non-starchy vegetables can round out a plate and make a meal more satisfying. You’ll instantly amp up the nutrient quotient of your meal, filling fibre included.
Portion out a serving.
Sure, it’s convenient to pop the lid off a takeaway container and dig right in. The potential downside is losing track of how much you’ve eaten. Grab a plate and spoon out one serving at a time. You can always have more if you like!
Drink water or green tea.
If you want to lower your sugar intake, you might need to have a think about what you are drinking. Water plays a big part in keeping you healthy by helping you stay hydrated and green tea, native to China, is packed with antioxidants.
Use chopsticks!
Using chopsticks can help slow down your eating and help you to recognise when you are full. Eating slower can also help you to appreciate your food more.
Let WW help you
You’ll find Points for the most common Chinese Restaurant food items on the WW app. If you fancy a takeaway but you're running out of Points or weeklies - or you just fancy a healthier version of your favourite takeout - why not make takeaway-style food at home? There are plenty of Chinese-style recipes on the WW app for you to try.