Best Food in Lhasa

When traveling to the plateau, eating well is key to avoiding altitude sickness. Due to natural conditions, Tibetan cuisine may not be as diverse, but it has unique local flavors. Let's explore some of the best Tibetan foods you can find in Lhasa.

Drinks and Desserts

Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is a favorite among visitors to the Tibetan region. Compared to butter tea, its taste is more acceptable to tourists. Made by brewing black tea with sugar and milk, sweet tea is delicious, aromatic, and not overly sweet. It's richer than regular milk tea, making it perfect for sipping slowly while basking in the sun.

Recommended Places:

1. Old Guangming Sweet Tea House 
The largest and oldest sweet tea house in Lhasa, where a cup of sweet tea costs only 1 RMB. Take a glass, find a seat, and wait for the staff to come around with the tea. It's usually crowded, so avoid it if you don't like noise.

• Address: Cangyi Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
• Opening Hours: 08:00-19:00

2. Canggu Nunnery Tea House

Located next to Lhasa's only nunnery, this tea house is quieter. Pick a number for ordering and exchange it at the counter. The sweet tea is served in old-fashioned thermos flasks, so don't order too much at once.

• Address: Linkuo South Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
• Opening Hours: 08:00-19:00

Butter Tea

Butter tea is a traditional Tibetan drink made from butter and strong tea. It is highly nutritious and can stave off hunger, relieve altitude sickness, and provide warmth. The taste is salty and may not be for everyone.

Recommended Place:

Genpen Tibetan Family Kitchen

A cozy family restaurant offering Tibetan hot pot and simple homemade dishes. Butter tea is their specialty, perfect for trying during your meal.

• Address: No. 1 Danjielin Road, Lhasa
• Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00

Yak Yogurt

Tibetan yogurt is made from yak milk, which is thicker and more sour than regular yogurt. It has a semi-solid texture and is often enjoyed with sugar or honey.

Recommended Places:

1. Ancient Tree Yogurt

A popular yogurt shop with very thick and not overly sour yogurt. Their yogurt ice cream is a hit, and they also offer ginseng fruit yogurt and osmanthus yogurt.

• Address: No. 28 Barkhor South Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa
• Hours: 10:30-20:00

2. Qianzhan Yak Yogurt Shop

Located near Potala Palace, this well-known yogurt shop offers a variety of flavors. You can try yogurt with ice cream and ask for some barley to be added for a unique taste.

• Address: West Gate of Potala Palace, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
• Hours: 11:00-21:00

Main Dishes

Tibetan Noodles (Tsam-thuk)

Tibetan noodles are made from highland barley and are known for their firm texture. The essence of Tibetan noodles lies in the broth, which is made from yak meat and bones, creating a light and fragrant soup that is unforgettable.

Recommended Place: Xueshan Nima Tibetan Restaurant

It a great place for authentic Tibetan cuisine. Their Tibetan noodles are a must-try, and the restaurant is decorated in traditional Tibetan style with a heavy butter aroma.

• Address: No. 3-8 Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
• Hours: 12:30-21:30

Tsampa

Tsampa is a traditional Tibetan staple food made from barley flour mixed with butter, milk residue, and sugar. It is very filling and helps relieve altitude sickness, though it may take some getting used to.

Recommended Place:
- Lhasa Namaste Restaurant
  - A Nepalese restaurant near Jokhang Temple with elegant design and excellent service. You can order a small portion of tsampa to try. Be mindful not to eat too much as it is very filling.
  - Address: No. 5 Lugu Alley, Chengguan District, Lhasa
  - Hours: 11:30-21:30

Potato Momos

Tibetan potatoes are very flavorful and make delicious potato momos. These dumplings are filled with mashed potatoes and savory stuffing, perfect with tomato sauce or Tibetan chili.

Recommended Place: Yangqing Cang Tibetan Restaurant

A local favorite with many customers, so reservations are recommended. Their potato momos, yak hot pot, and grilled mushrooms are highly recommended.

• Address: No. 9 Baguo Mall opposite Eight Corners Three Alley, Beijing East Road, Lhasa
• Hours: 09:00-23:00

Meat Dishes

Stone Pot Chicken

Stone pot chicken is cooked in a valuable stone pot made from mica stone. The chicken is a special plateau breed with firm meat. Authentic stone pot chicken includes various Tibetan herbs, giving the chicken soup a faint herbal aroma. It is slow-cooked for five hours and is a must-try.

Recommended Place: Tian Village Stone Pot Tibetan Chicken

A large pot filled with delicious chicken and mushrooms in rich broth. The service is excellent, and guests are served sweet tea upon arrival, leaving you fully satisfied after a meal.

• Address: No. 5 Baguo Alley, Beijing East Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
• Hours: 10:00-23:00

Tibetan Pork (Zangxiang Pig)

Tibetan pork is a unique plateau breed, known for its firm and tender meat. Grilled Tibetan pork is highly recommended as the fat becomes deliciously crispy without being greasy when roasted. Enjoy it with special Tibetan dipping sauce.

Recommended Place: Lamu Tibetan Restaurant

A well-known local restaurant offering authentic Tibetan cuisine. The Tibetan pork is both tender and juicy, and other dishes are equally delightful.

• Address: 300 meters into the alley to the left of the gate of the Ground Satellite Station, Nanjing Road, Lhasa
• Opening Hours: 09:00-23:00

Yak Hot Pot

Yak hot pot is a must-try dish in the highland area. The yak meat is firm and flavorful, perfect for dipping in Tibetan sauce. The hot pot also includes noodles and tripe, all deliciously seasoned.

Recommended Place: Ruyi Linka Tibetan Bar

Specializing in yak hot pot, this bar offers secret dipping sauces and well-cooked yak meat. The meat is tender and well-flavored without any off-taste. The service is great, and guests are often presented with a Hada scarf.
 

Hours: 10:30-23:00