Food In Barkhor Street

Food History of Barkhor Street, Lhasa, China

Barkhor Street in Lhasa is not only the spiritual heart of the city but also a central hub for Tibetan culture, including its unique cuisine. The street has been a gathering place for both pilgrims and merchants for centuries, and it winds around the sacred Jokhang Temple. Historically, Barkhor Street provided sustenances like Tsampa (roasted barley flour) and butter tea to pilgrims who journeyed long distances, and over years, it has evolved to include a diverse array of food reflecting both indigenous traditions and influences from neighboring regions such as India and Nepal.

The bustling circuit around the temple has always been lined with stalls and small eateries where one can find traditional Tibetan delicacies, often influenced by the altitude and climate of the region which necessitates high-energy foods. Historically, due to the religious significance of the area, a respect for life and Buddhist principles, including dietary customs, has influenced the type of food sold here. For example, traditionally there has been less emphasis on meat and more on vegetarian dishes, yak dairy products, and barley-based foods.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Barkhor Street, Lhasa

1. Tsampa - A simple yet sustaining vegetarian dish made from roasted barley flour and yak butter, it’s a must-try for any visitor wanting to experience the essence of Tibetan cuisine.
2. Butter Tea - A traditional non-veg (due to yak butter) beverage that combines tea, salt, and yak butter into a warm, frothy drink perfect for the Lhasan climate.
3. Momo - Tibetan dumplings that come in various fillings including cheese (vegetarian) or yak meat (non-veg), they are a popular savory snack.
4. Thukpa - A hearty noodle soup that can be vegetarian or include meat, it’s a delicious option for warming up during chilly days.
5. Yak Cheese - A vegetarian food, yak cheese is often enjoyed as a snack or used in various traditional dishes.
6. Lhasa Sweet Tea - A blend of black tea, milk, and sugar, this sweet beverage is a vegetarian delight and a staple in local tea houses.
7. Yak Yogurt - A nutritious vegetarian snack, yak yogurt is tangy and often served with a sprinkle of brown sugar.
8. Tingmo - Fluffy Tibetan bread that is vegetarian and can be paired with curry or soup or enjoyed on its own.
9. Shapale - Deep-fried pastries filled with vegetables (vegetarian) or meat (non-veg), shapale is a satisfying street food choice.
10. Laping - This is a spicy and cold mung bean noodle dish, it is typically vegetarian and is flavored with various sauces and chili oil.

Top Famous Restaurants in Barkhor Street, Lhasa

Tibetan Family Kitchen

- Address: No.1 Danjielin Road, Barkhor Street
- Famous Food: Yak Meat Momos (non-veg), Cheese Momos (vegetarian)

House of Shambhala Restaurant

- Address: No.7 Jiri Eerxiang, Barkhor Street
- Famous Food: Tibetan Style Potatoes (vegetarian), Yak Meat Curries (non-veg)

Mayke Ame

- Address: 89 Mentsikhang Road, Barkhor Street
- Famous Food: Sweet Milk Tea (vegetarian), Tibetan Noodles (Thukpa) with Vegetables (vegetarian) or Yak Meat (non-veg)

Lhasa Kitchen

- Address: No. 3 Minzu Road, Barkhor Street South
- Famous Food: Buttered Tea (non-veg), Tsampa (vegetarian)

Dunya Restaurant

- Address: 100 Beijing East Road, Barkhor Street
- Famous Food: Yak Cheese Sandwich (vegetarian), Yak Burger (this item contains yak meat but it's not cow beef and is considered non-veg)