BellaOnline Forums Food and Wine Chinese Food Do you think Chinese food is healthy or unhealthy?

I think it depends on where your eating. Some restaurants use a lot of oil in their moo goo gai pan and beef with broccoli. And some places have an option where you can have the meats and veggies steamed and then served with the sauce on the side. Wonton soup is usually pretty healthy in my opinon

I feel, some Chinese dishes are healthy like, soups, noodles, shrimp dishes, curry & sauces. I order the same whenever I visit Chinese restaurants in Detroit. But some dishes like szechuan fried-rice, szechuan fried noodles seem to be more oily.

I order egg drop soup, and steamed veggies and it seems really healthy to me! Of course you CAN order deep fried sugar-coated food too, but that's probably true in any cuisine

I didn't realize this. I always order the moo goo gai pan when I am in the mood for ultra healthy because I thought it was always the healthiest option on the menu. From now on I will check with the waiter about the oil content.

I think Chinese food at most restaurants is bad for you but if you make it yourself or go to an upscale place you might get food that is more authentic and natural.

I feel that chinese food in restaurants are quite unhealthy. Even stir-fries, they use quite a lot of oil. And famous dishes like lemon chicken, sweet and sour chicken, are all deep fried. But, if you get home cooked food, then the oil content can be controlled. ___________ my blog: partyplanningmenus.blogspot.com

I love Chinese food, but I know the stuff I get when I eat out is not the healthy kind. When I fix Chinese food at home, I know it's much more healthy. But I just love Panda Express!

I'm pretty sure that every Chinese restaurant I've gone to has had steamed options. So you don't have to get the "fried in oil" food - you can go for the steamed dishes instead!

Hmmm. Traditionally, Chinese food is made with plenty of oils, pork and salt. But if you make your own Chinese food you can lighten up on the oils and sodium when you stir-fry.

It CAN be healthy but I don't think the restaurants worry about health first.

Also, you have to know what to choose. There are healthier options. Steamed fish (still has oil though), etc.

Healthy food = food that does not contain excessive proportions of fats and sugars but which contains a good proportion of protein, vitamins, minerals etc.
Unhealthy food = food that does contain excessive proportions of fats and sugars, but does not contain proportionate amounts of proteins, minerals, vitamins etc.

My eating pattern consists of predominately healthy foods - everything in moderation.