Butter tea, tsampa, momos, thukpa and yak dishes are the staples. Lhasa also has excellent Sichuan, Nepali and Indian restaurants.
Twelve things to try
Tea churned with yak butter and salt. Salty and warming, it takes a few cups to enjoy.
Milky tea with sugar, served in the tea houses of the old town. A good first step.
Roasted barley flour, mixed with tea and butter into a dough. The everyday staple.
Dumplings filled with yak meat or vegetables, steamed or fried, with a chilli dip.
A noodle soup with meat and vegetables. Good after a cold day.
A fried pastry pocket with a meat filling.
Served as stew, in a hotpot or with potatoes. Lean and slightly sweet.
Thick, sour and fresh. Found at markets and, in August, at the Shoton Festival.
Sweet rice with butter and raisins, served at festivals and family meals.
A barley beer. Light, cloudy and low in alcohol, but still best avoided on your first nights at altitude.
Lhasa has many Sichuan restaurants. Order stir-fries and noodles when you want a break from yak.
Dal, curries and breads are easy to find near the old town.
How to eat well at altitude
Appetite drops at altitude. Eat small meals, drink plenty of water and skip heavy dishes on your first night. Tap water is not safe to drink, so use boiled or bottled water. If you are vegetarian, say so early: momos, noodle soups and vegetable stir-fries are all easy to find in Lhasa.
The best places to eat near the sights are the tea houses on and around Barkhor Street. Ask your guide to take you to a place where locals eat rather than a restaurant on the main tourist road.
Good to know
- Menus in the old town often have English and pictures
- Restaurants outside Lhasa are simpler
- Carry snacks on long drives
- Ask for less chilli if you are sensitive
Frequently asked questions
Is the food safe for visitors?
Hot cooked food in busy restaurants is generally fine. Avoid raw salads and unboiled water.
Can vegetarians eat well in Tibet?
Yes in Lhasa and Shigatse. In villages and on the road, options are fewer, so tell your guide in advance.
Do I have to drink butter tea?
No. Take a sip to be polite. Your host will keep refilling your cup, so leave it full if you do not want more.
