Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Lhasa, China

Lhasa, China, Lhasa, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Lhasa, China

1. Tibetan Momo

Steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, a must-try in Lhasa's bustling local eateries.
  • Authentic Taste: Experience the original Tibetan flavor without compromises
  • Affordable Delight: Enjoy a hearty meal at reasonable prices.
  • Wide Variety: Choose from various fillings such as meat, cheese, or vegetables.

2. Thukpa

Nourishing noodle soup with vegetables and meat, often served in traditional Tibetan restaurants.
  • Hearty Meal: Perfect for cold Lhasa days or after a day of sightseeing.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Tailor the Thukpa to your liking with different meat and vegetable options.
  • Rich Broth: Savor the depth of flavors in each spoonful of the aromatic broth.

3. Chuangba

Baked barley flour flatbread, traditionally served with butter and sugar, found in local bakeries.
  • Traditional Treat: Indulge in a centuries-old Tibetan snack.
  • Delicate Texture: Enjoy the soft, slightly sweet flavor of Chuangba.
  • Local Ingredients: Savor authentic Tibetan barley flour products.

4. Yak Butter Tea

Traditional Tibetan tea made with yak butter and salt, served in many teahouses.
  • Unique Taste: Experience the distinctive taste of this age-old beverage.
  • Warming Beverage: Enjoy a warming drink on chilly Lhasa mornings.
  • Cultural Significance: Learn about Tibetan culture through this traditional beverage.

5. Shampo

Tibetan flatbread made with wheat flour and filled with meat or vegetables, found in local bakeries.
  • Savory Snack: Try a delicious Tibetan savory pastry.
  • Portable Food: Perfect for quick bites during sightseeing.
  • Versatile Fillings: Choose from various fillings such as meat, cheese, or vegetables.

6. Lhasa-style Noodles

Spicy noodle dish served with vegetables and meat, often found in local noodle shops.
  • Flavorful Meal: Savor the unique spiciness of Lhasa-style noodles.
  • Quick Bite: Enjoy a quick, filling meal during your travels.
  • Spice Levels: Adjust the spiciness to your preference.

7. Butter Tea Pancakes

Thin pancakes made with barley flour and served with butter tea in local teahouses.
  • Tasty Snack: Enjoy a tasty treat perfect for teatime.
  • Traditional Pairing: Try the classic combination of pancakes and butter tea.
  • Delicate Texture: Enjoy the soft, slightly chewy texture of these pancakes.

8. Sik-Khyem

Tibetan sweet made with barley flour and yak butter, often found in local bakeries.
  • Delicious Dessert: Indulge in a traditional Tibetan dessert.
  • Energy Boost: Enjoy a sweet treat to help combat the cold Lhasa climate.
  • Local Flavors: Experience the unique taste of yak butter and barley flour.

9. Gyanta

Tibetan roasted barley flour snack, found in local markets.
  • Crunchy Snack: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of Gyanta.
  • Energy Boost: A filling and energizing snack for your travels.
  • Local Ingredients: Experience the taste of roasted barley flour.

10. Tsampa

Roasted barley flour mixed with water or butter and salt, often enjoyed by Tibetans.
  • Traditional Food: Experience the staple food of Tibetan nomads.
  • Energizing Meal: Get an energy boost with this simple yet nutritious dish.
  • Cultural Significance: Learn about Tibetan culture through their staple food.

11. Zanba

Tibetan porridge made with roasted barley flour and yak butter.
  • Hearty Meal: Warm up with a hearty bowl of Zanba.
  • Traditional Dish: Experience an essential Tibetan dish.
  • Cultural Significance: Learn about Tibetan culture through their traditional porridge.

12. Rok-pa

Tibetan bread cooked on a hot stone, found in local bakeries.
  • Traditional Bread: Experience the traditional Tibetan way of baking bread.
  • Versatile Food: Enjoy Rok-pa as a snack or with various dips and spreads.
  • Local Ingredients: Savor the taste of authentic Tibetan barley flour products.

13. Lhasa Beer

Tibetan beer made from barley, available in local breweries.
  • Local Beverage: Experience the unique flavor of Tibetan beer.
  • Cultural Experience: Learn about Tibetan brewing traditions.
  • Refreshing Drink: Enjoy a refreshing drink after a day of sightseeing.

14. Butter Scones

Tibetan butter scones made with barley flour and served in local bakeries.
  • Delicious Snack: Enjoy a tasty treat as a snack or dessert.
  • Traditional Baking: Experience the traditional Tibetan way of baking scones.
  • Local Ingredients: Savor the taste of authentic Tibetan barley flour products.

15. Yogurt with Tangy Berries

Fresh yogurt topped with tangy berries, available in local markets.
  • Refreshing Snack: A cool and refreshing snack for hot days.
  • Local Produce: Taste fresh yogurt made from local Tibetan milk.
  • Healthy Option: Enjoy a nutritious and filling snack.