Food and Drinks

The traditional Tibetan diet is mostly limited to barley, meat (mutton or yak) and dairy products, with very few spices or vegetables, although brutally hot chili sauce is often served on the side. Even good Tibetan food is very monotonous with most Tibetan restaurants serving nothing other than thukpa (noodle soup) and tea. Unfortunately there is not a single genuine high standard Tibetan restaurant in Tibet. One would have to go to neighbouring provinces such as Sichuan for such type of restaurant. All Tibetan restaurants in Lhasa featured in guidebooks and frequented by non-Chinese tourists are westernized ones serving a few Tibetan dishes along with pizzas, spaghetti, pancakes, etc.

Traditional plates:

Momos - dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, steamed or fried

Tingmo - bland, nearly tasteless steamed bread

Thukpa - a hearty noodle soup with veggies or meat

Thenthuk -

This is not permitted. If you plan to visit Tibet, be prepared to have a private tour or be part of a group tour. Before 2008, although a rarity, there were some free tours, however, all persons must be accompanied and have to go through various check points. This is for security reasons especially in the outskirts of Lhasa.

- How much tour freedom do I really have?

When visiting tour points in Tibet, you have to be accompanied by a tour guide but if you are relaxing for the day, you are permitted to be alone. There are very clear rule

• “Excuse me, where is the Broken Bridge?”
• “Just under your feet”
• “But where is the West Lake?”
• “Sorry, I’m still looking for it, too many people in my eyes, I cannot find it!”