Tsampa
Tsampa is the traditional staple food of the Tibetan people, often referred to as their "instant noodles" and "highland chocolate." Tsampa is essentially roasted barley flour. Barley is rich in protein and fiber, and high in calories; a small amount can provide the energy needed for long journeys on the plateau.
Restaurant Recommendations
Guangming Gangqiong Sweet Tea House
Lhasa's most famous and vibrant teahouses are also where locals gather. In these decades-old teahouses, you can sit alongside Tibetan people and experience the slow pace of life in Lhasa.
Maggie Amy Restaurant
One of Lhasa's most famous Tibetan restaurants, located on Barkhor Street, is renowned as the legendary meeting place of the Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, and his lover. Besides tsampa, their butter tea, yogurt, and Tibetan-style roasted lamb chops are also famous.
Puba Cang Tibetan Cuisine
A trendy Tibetan restaurant near Barkhor Street, with a pleasant ambiance and performances. The tsampa here is exquisitely made, perfect for tourists to take photos.
