How many calories in kabsa? Chicken and meat kabsa, per plate and per 100 g

Chicken kabsa has roughly 150 to 200 calories per 100 g, and a typical restaurant plate of rice with a quarter chicken comes to about 700 to 1,100. Meat kabsa is usually higher. The oil or ghee in the rice and the chicken skin make the biggest difference.

Kabsa is a family favourite and a weekly meal in many homes. Its calories vary a lot, because every kitchen cooks it differently. Here is how to estimate yours.

Kabsa per 100 g

As a mixed dish of rice and chicken, kabsa is usually around 150 to 200 calories per 100 g. Rice cooked with plenty of oil or ghee, and fatty meat, push it higher.

A plate of kabsa

A typical plate is built from two parts:

• Rice, 300 to 400 g: cooked with oil, about 170 to 200 calories per 100 g, so about 500 to 800
• Chicken, a quarter (about 200 to 250 g with bone): about 250 to 400 depending on skin and cooking

So a chicken kabsa plate is often about 700 to 1,100 calories. With lamb or camel meat, which carry more fat, it is often more.

The rice decides most of the calories, the oil decides most of the rest.

Protein in kabsa

A quarter chicken gives roughly 35 to 50 g of protein, which is a lot. The rice adds a few grams. That makes kabsa a good meal for training days, if the portion fits.

How to estimate your plate quickly

1. Weigh your usual plate of rice once (or use your fist: about 150 g cooked rice).
2. Count about 180 calories per 100 g of kabsa rice.
3. Add the chicken: about 165 to 200 per 100 g of meat without skin, more with skin.
4. Add extras: daqoos sauce is light, but nuts, raisins and fried onions add up quickly.

Kabsa on a diet

• Fill half the plate with salad, a quarter with chicken, a quarter with rice.
• Take the chicken without skin.
• Use less oil when cooking at home: one tablespoon less is about 120 calories saved for the pot.
• Eat slowly and stop at your planned portion; leftovers make a good lunch tomorrow.

The takeaway

Think about 150 to 200 calories per 100 g, and roughly 700 to 1,100 for a full plate. Shulah's catalogue includes local and everyday foods, so you can log your kabsa and see what is left for the day.