Tsampa

Ingredients

• Roasted barley flour (tsampa) 200g
• Butter tea (hot) 200ml
• Yak butter 15g (or regular butter)
• Brown sugar or honey to taste (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Steps

1. 1. Brew strong tea, add butter and a little salt to prepare hot butter tea.
2. 2. Put the roasted barley flour into a bowl.
3. 3. Slowly pour the hot butter tea into the flour while stirring with your fingers.
4. 4. Place the mixture in a bowl and knead until it forms a smooth, thick dough. Add more flour or tea as needed.
5. 5. Shape into balls or cakes with your hands.
6. 6. Serve hot immediately. Can be rolled in sugar or dipped in honey for a sweeter version.

Cultural Tips

Tsampa is so central to Tibetan identity that Tibetans often refer to themselves as “tsampa eaters.” It is used in religious ceremonies, offered to monks, and scattered in the air during festivals. The traditional way of eating tsampa is to roll the dough with your right hand and hold the bowl with your left hand. This is a skill that every Tibetan has learned since childhood.