An often repeated saying in Tibet is that the day never truly starts for a Tibetan until tsampa and butter tea has been consumed, so if you’re in Tibet, you must join locals in trying this much loved and hearty dish. Typically made from nutty tasting highland barley flour, which has been made from dried, roasted, and ground barley, the flour is mixed with butter tea, dri cheese, and sugar. It’s said you can live on tea and tsampa and Tibetans may well agree. Add to this the fact it is convenient to prepare, fortifying to boot, and able to be added to other dishes, such as soups or momo, and you have in your hand the ultimate iconic Tibetan food. As for flavor, while every restaurant and household will have its own variation on a tsampa theme, expect to enjoy the fragrance of roasted barley coupled with a milky accent thanks to the addition of ghee and milk tea regardless of where you get your fill.
Update: July 02, 2023
