OK, let’s start with the obvious: Chinese cuisine is delicious. Pork dumplings, beef and broccoli, fluffy rice…mmm. What you might not realize 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 30 super flavourful Chinese recipes you can make right in your kitchen. Dig in below.
Tips for ordering Chinese takeout
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 apps
In the mood for a starter? Consider broth-based soups—like steamed selections, they’re often low in Points. If variety is your thing, you might enjoy combining a few appetizers to make a complete meal. Here are some favourites to consider:
| Appetizer | Points |
| Hot and sour soup (1 cup) | 1 |
| Egg drop soup (1 cup) | 1 |
| Wonton soup (1 cup) | 2 |
| Steamed or pan-fried veggie, shrimp, or chicken dumplings (1 dumpling) | 1 |
| Steamed or pan-fried beef or pork dumplings (1 dumpling) | 2 |
| Chicken lettuce wrap (1 wrap) | 1 |
| Shrimp or chicken spring roll (1 piece) | 5 |
Decide on your main
We’ve rounded up some Points-friendly entrees for you below. 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. With just 1 Points value per tablespoon, both Asian garlic sauce and Chinese brown sauce are good choices.
| Entree | Points |
| Steamed chicken or shrimp with vegetables (1 cup) and 2 tbsp ginger-garlic sauce on the side | 2 |
| Steamed shrimp and broccoli without sauce (1 cup) | 0 |
| Chicken egg foo young (1 patty) | 2 |
| Moo goo gai pan with chicken or shrimp (1 cup) | 3 |
| Vegetable lo mein (1 cup) | 5 |
| Shrimp lo mein (1 cup) | 6 |
| Chinese chicken and vegetables (1 cup) | 2 |
| Chinese vegetables with tofu (1 cup) | 3 |
| Chinese vegetables with beef (1 cup) | 6 |
Shrimp with garlic sauce (1 cup) | 3 |
| Chicken stir-fry with garlic or black bean sauce (1 cup) | 5 |
Sub brown rice for white
As a whole grain, brown rice contains more micronutrients and fibre than refined white rice.
Add veggies to your order
A side of ZeroPoint steamed mixed 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 takeout 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!
Make that mug of tea
If your order came with a freebie tea bag, why not put it to use? Sipping unsweetened tea (or water) between bites can be a pleasurable way to practice mindful eating. The habit keeps you hydrated and can extend the enjoyment of a meal.
Enjoy the fortune cookie
Each crunchy cookie is just 1 Points value each. And who knows? Maybe yours will contain a useful tidbit of wisdom.