What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Tibetan cuisine? Most of us would say momos, but it is not the only dish under Tibetan cuisine. For those who do not know much about Tibetan food, Tibetan cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes. Tibetan cuisine is a unique and vibrant blend of flavors from Indian, Chinese and Nepali cuisines, in particular. It offers a wide variety of dishes that are both satisfying and delicious. From their delicious noodle soups to delicious stews, everything from Tibetan cuisine is uniquely prepared and tastes delicious. If you are a foodie and want to explore the authentic flavors of Tibetan cuisine, then these are 7 Tibetan foods that you must try.
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Here are 7 Tibetan dishes you must try:
1. Yak Butter Tea
Let’s start with the most unpopular Tibetan drink which is Yak Butter Tea. It is a staple in Tibetan households. If you have heard about Indian tea which is called chai then it is somewhat similar to it. The only difference is that it is not sweet tea but salted tea. This traditional Tibetan tea is prepared by adding tea leaves to milk, yak butter and salt. The tea is known for its rich and creamy taste.
Be sure to try their salted butter tea. photo credit: unsplash
2. Shabhale
Shabhaley is a savory pastry filled with spiced meat and vegetables, which is deep fried to cook. It is made in the same way as Indian samosa or Chinese dumpling. Shabhale is a great snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is crispy from outside and soft from inside and is served with red chilli chutney.
Shabhale is made from maida or all purpose flour. photo credit: unsplash
3. Guma
Guma is a deep-fried blood sausage filled with fried rice and barely seasoned with spices and salt to add flavor. It is a simple Tibetan appetizer with complex flavours. This dish might not sound so appetizing but make sure you give it a go to taste the taste of authentic Tibetan cuisine.
These are deep fried blood sausages. photo credit: unsplash
4. Thukpa
This delicious noodle soup is a staple in Tibet and is perfect for chilly weather. Made with hand-pulled noodles, vegetables and meat, thukpa is a warm and comforting dish. Apart from being a delicious dish, it is also a healthy food as it includes protein-rich meat and vegetables like spinach, radish, carrots, etc., which are rich in nutrients.
Thukpa is a traditional noodle soup. photo credit: unsplash
5. Thenthuk
Thenthuk is another delicious noodle soup, prepared with hand-torn dough. Instead of the hand-pulled noodles used in thukpa, small pieces of dough sheet are used in thukpa’s succulent and meaty broth. Make sure you try this dish as both thuk and thukpa have different tastes.
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6. Tingmo
Made from yeast, flour, and water, tingmo is a soft and fluffy bread that’s perfect for soaking up rich and flavorful sauces. These are steamed buns that are a staple in Tibetan cuisine and are often served with savory stews and curries. So don’t miss to order it with curry dish.
7. Oath
Shapta is a stir-fried meat dish that is usually served with vegetables and a sour sauce. The name Shapta means thin slice in Tibetan, which refers to the thin slices of meat that are used in the dish. It is usually served with steamed rice or the Tibetan bread tingmo, and is a staple in Tibetan households.
A piece of meat cooked with vegetables is called shapt. photo credit: unsplash
Next time you plan to visit a Tibetan restaurant, make sure you try at least 3 to 4 dishes from the list shared above. enjoy.