Lhasa Local Cuisine

Explore the authentic flavors and must-try dishes of Lhasa

Tibetan Butter Tea
Tea
Tibetan Butter Tea

Traditional salty tea with yak butter, essential for high altitude

¥10-20
Any time
Very common

Best Places:

  • Tea houses
  • Local restaurants
  • Monasteries

Pro Tip:

An acquired taste, helps with altitude sickness

Tsampa
Traditional Food
Tsampa

Roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea, a Tibetan staple

¥15-30
Breakfast or snack
Common

Best Places:

  • Local restaurants
  • Traditional eateries
  • Monasteries

Pro Tip:

Traditional way to eat is by rolling into balls with your hands

Yak Meat
Main Dish
Yak Meat

Various dishes made with yak meat, a local specialty

¥40-80
Lunch or dinner
Common

Best Places:

  • Local restaurants
  • Traditional eateries
  • Food streets

Pro Tip:

Leaner and healthier than beef, try different preparations

Tibetan Noodles
Noodles
Tibetan Noodles

Hand-pulled noodles served in various broths and sauces

¥20-40
Lunch or dinner
Common

Best Places:

  • Noodle shops
  • Local restaurants
  • Food streets

Pro Tip:

Often served with yak meat and vegetables

Tibetan Snacks
Street Food
Tibetan Snacks

Various traditional snacks including pastries and sweets

¥10-25
Snack time
Very common

Best Places:

  • Barkhor Street
  • Food streets
  • Local markets

Pro Tip:

Try the traditional Tibetan pastries and sweets

Tibetan Beer
Beverage
Tibetan Beer

Local barley beer with unique flavor and cultural significance

¥15-30
Evening
Common

Best Places:

  • Local bars
  • Traditional restaurants
  • Cultural venues

Pro Tip:

Try the local barley beer for authentic Tibetan experience

Lhasa Food Culture Guide

Dining Etiquette

  • • Use chopsticks properly, don't stick them upright in rice
  • • Try a little of everything when dining with others
  • • It's polite to serve others before yourself
  • • Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows appreciation

Ordering Tips

  • • Point at menu pictures if language is a barrier
  • • Ask for "bu la" (not spicy) if you can't handle heat
  • • Street food is generally safe from busy vendors
  • • Don't tip - it's not customary in China