The Best Takeaway for Weight Loss: Indian vs. Chinese vs. Pizza vs. Thai – Who Wins?

Let’s be honest—sometimes, meal prepping goes out the window, and all you want is to collapse onto the sofa and summon a takeaway. But if you're on a weight loss journey, ordering a takeaway can feel like navigating a minefield of calories, hidden sugars, and regret.

So, which cuisine is the best for weight loss? Let’s pit four of the nation’s favourites—Indian, Chinese, Pizza, and Thai—against each other in a Takeaway Smackdown to find the healthiest option when you can’t be bothered to cook.

Indian Curry - Which one is best?

Round 1: Indian Takeaway – Can a Curry Be Healthy? 🍛

Typical Order: Chicken tikka masala, pilau rice, naan, poppadoms, and a side of onion bhajis.

🚨 Calorie Danger Zone:

• Sauces are the enemy. Anything creamy (korma, masala, butter chicken) is basically liquid calories.

• Naan bread? Delicious, but nutritionally bankrupt and packed with carbs.

✅ Best Low-Calorie Indian Choices:

• Tandoori Chicken or Chicken Tikka (no sauce, just spices) – approx. 300-400 kcal

• Saag (spinach-based) dishes – high in fibre, lower in fat

• Daal (lentil curry) – packed with protein and keeps you full

• Swap naan for chapati – fewer calories, less oil

💡 Verdict:Indian can be healthy if you choose grilled meats, lentils, and tomato-based sauces. But if you drown everything in creamy curries, naan, and deep-fried sides, it’s a caloric disaster.

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Round 2: Chinese Takeaway – Is It All Grease and MSG? 🥡

Typical Order: Sweet and sour chicken, special fried rice, spring rolls, prawn crackers.

🚨 Calorie Danger Zone:

• Deep-fried everything. Sweet and sour chicken? Basically chicken nuggets in sugar syrup.

• Special fried rice? Tastes amazing because it’s been fried in oodles of oil.

• MSG overload – not a calorie issue, but can lead to bloating and water retention.

✅ Best Low-Calorie Chinese Choices:

• Steamed Chicken & Broccoli – 300-400 kcal

• Plain Boiled Rice (not fried!) – fewer calories, less oil

• Hot & Sour Soup – high in protein, low in calories

• Chicken with Black Bean Sauce – savoury but not creamy

💡 Verdict:Chinese can be a calorie nightmare if you go for fried, saucy, or sugary dishes. But stick to steamed, stir-fried with minimal oil, or broth-based options, and you’re golden.

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Round 3: Pizza – The Ultimate Guilty Pleasure? 🍕

Typical Order: Large pepperoni pizza, garlic bread, and a side of regret.

🚨 Calorie Danger Zone:

• Cheese overload. One slice might seem harmless, but they’re usually 300+ kcal each, and let’s be real—you’re eating more than one.

• Thick crust = Carb Bomb. Stuffed crust? That’s basically eating a loaf of bread for dinner.

• Garlic bread side? Might as well order an extra pizza.

✅ Best Low-Calorie Pizza Choices:

• Thin-crust over deep pan – saves hundreds of calories

• Veggie toppings instead of meat feasts – cuts saturated fat

• Opt for a smaller pizza (or share!) – portion control is key

• Skip the garlic bread & dips – because that’s where the hidden calories lurk

  
  

💡 Verdict:Pizza is delicious but dangerous for weight loss. Smaller portions, thin crusts, and veggie toppings make it slightly less sinful, but it’s still a caloric splurge.

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Round 4: Thai Takeaway – The Sneaky Underdog? 🇹🇭

Typical Order: Thai green curry, coconut rice, prawn crackers.

🚨 Calorie Danger Zone:

• Coconut milk = Secret Fat Bomb. Even ‘healthy’ Thai food drowns in coconut milk, which adds hundreds of hidden calories.

• Sticky rice? Super tasty, but basically a bowl of carbs with no fibre.

• Fried noodles? Not much better than Chinese chow mein.

✅ Best Low-Calorie Thai Choices:

• Tom Yum Soup (spicy and low-cal, under 200 kcal!)

• Chicken Satay (without the peanut sauce overload)

• Pad Thai with extra veg (ask for less oil!)

• Papaya Salad (fresh, spicy, and low-calorie)

💡 Verdict:Thai food seems healthier because it’s lighter and fresher, but coconut-based curries and fried dishes are calorie-loaded. Stick to grilled, steamed, or broth-based options for the healthiest choice.

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And the Winner Is… 🏆

🥇 Indian Wins – If You Stick to Tandoori, Lentils, and Chapati🥈 Thai – Lighter options, but watch the coconut milk!🥉 Chinese – Can be healthy, but fried food is everywhere❌ Pizza – Sorry, but there’s no ‘diet-friendly’ pizza that’s actually satisfying

Final Takeaway Tips for Weight Loss:

✔️ Portion control is king – You don’t have to eat it all in one go!✔️ Ditch the creamy sauces and fried sides – They’re where most calories hide.✔️ Swap white rice for boiled, brown, or extra veg – More nutrients, fewer empty carbs.✔️ Ask for less oil, no MSG, and extra veg – Most takeaways will happily adjust your order.

So, next time you’re about to impulsively order a large Domino’s, maybe consider a grilled tandoori platter instead? Your waistline will thank you.

What’s Your Go-To Healthy Takeaway?

Let me know in the comments! 🍛🥡🍕🇹🇭

Dave.