Things that Tourists Should Know About Tibet Dining

It is beyond your imagination that Tibet can offer for its visitors from all over the world. Except for those cultural sites and significant landscape, Tibet is also a place that can satisfy your stomach with traditional dishes that you can also taste on high altitude area. Here is information for you to learn about the diet custom in Tibet and how to eat in Tibet.

What to Eat in Tibet?

Tibet cuisine is one of the must-try things when you travel to Tibet. The most famous dishes or snacks in Tibet are jerked beaf, zanba, butter tea, sweet tea, yogurt and highland barley wine. The most commonly used ingredients in Tibet dishes are mutton, beaf, pork, chicken, as well as potato. And Tibetan people usually take rice, noodles, and highland barkey as their staple food. You will find that Tibetan food taste lightly since it doesn't need any spicy spices. However, some restaurants will make chances to cater to most tourists from all over the world.

Except for traditional Tibet restaurants, there are restaurants that specialize in Nepalese dishes, Indian dishes, western food, and etc. You don't need to worry about what to eat in Tibet even if you can't get used to the taste of Tibet dishes.

Tibetan Zanba

Dining etiquette and taboos in Tibet

It is better for tourists from outside to know more about the dining etiquette and taboos to avoid troubles in Tibet.

The Main Dining etiquette in Tibet
1. The elderly and distinguished guests will be seated at the head of the table when the meal is ready in Tibet. And you should wait until all the guests arrive. Then, the elderly and distinguished guests should eat first, followed by family members and young people.
2. Drink water or tea slowly without sounds. And don't drink it all at once and wait for the host to fill it up for you for another two times. On the 3rd time, you are expected to drink it up.
3. When the host hands you something like a bowl of rice or a cup of tea, or when you hand somthing to others, please always remember to take it with both of your hands to show respect.

Tips to Eat in Tibet

1. Don't eat too much for one time. Your body may need time to adopt to the environment of high altitude area, which means it will slow down your ability to digest.
2. You'd better eat slowly on the plateau to help your body to absorb the food. It takes energy to digest and eating slowing can make it easier.
3. In fact, Tibetan diesh are delicious if you like the natural taste of the food. Just be happy to have a try, making your journey more interesting.