Must-Try Foods In Drepung Monastery (Lhasa) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Drepung Monastery, Lhasa, China

The Drepung Monastery, one of the great three Gelug monasteries of Tibet, has a food history that is deeply intertwined with its Buddhist traditions. Being one of the largest monasteries in the world, Drepung Monastery has historically provided a large number of meals each day to its monks. The food at Drepung Monastery is traditionally vegetarian, in line with the Buddhist precept of ahimsa, or non-violence. Over the centuries, the monks at Drepung would have eaten simple, vegetarian meals that include Tsampa (roasted barley flour), dairy products, and vegetables. This simple diet has been supplemented by donations from lay supporters.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Drepung Monastery, Lhasa, China

1. Tsampa (Veg) - A traditional Tibetan staple of roasted barley flour, usually mixed with butter tea.
2. Thukpa (Veg/Non-Veg) - A hearty noodle soup that can be prepared vegetarian without the use of cow meat.
3. Momos (Veg/Non-Veg) - Tibetan dumplings that can be filled with vegetables or non-cow meat filling.
4. Butter Tea (Veg) - A salty tea mixed with butter, it's a traditional and essential Tibetan drink.
5. Lhasa Beer (Veg) - Brewed in Lhasa, this is a unique barley beer that is quite popular in Tibet.
6. Yak Cheese (Veg) - A dairy product made from the milk of the yak, often served with bread or Tsampa.
7. Tingmo (Veg) - A steamed bread that is fluffy and typically eaten with savory stews or soups.
8. Shapale (Non-Veg) - Deep-fried pastries filled with meat, but can also be found with vegetable fillings.
9. Dried Fruit and Nuts (Veg) - A common snack in Tibetan cuisine, often including walnuts, almonds, and dried apricots.
10. Sweet Rice (Veg) - A dessert made with rice, sugar, and sometimes raisins and nuts, often served during Tibetan festivals.

Top Famous Restaurants in Drepung Monastery, Lhasa, China

• Tibetan Family Kitchen
  Address: No.1 Danjielin Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China
  Famous Food: Vegetarian Momos (Veg), Yak Meat Momos (Non-Veg)
• House of Shambhala Restaurant
  Address: No.7 Jiri Erxiang, Lhasa, Tibet, China
  Famous Food: Tibetan Curry (Veg option available), Yak Cheese Pizza (Veg)
• Lhasa Kitchen
  Address: No.3 Minzu Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China
  Famous Food: Thenthuk (Veg option available), Tibetan-style Yak Ribs (Non-Veg)
• Maya Café
  Address: No.38 Yutuo Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China
  Famous Food: Yak Cheese Sandwich (Veg), Seasonal Vegetable Plate (Veg)
• Dunya Restaurant
  Address: Zhuangshang South Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China
  Famous Food: Vegetable Lasagna (Veg), Yak Dumplings (Non-Veg)