Must-Try Foods In Jokhang Temple (Lhasa) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, China

The Jokhang Temple, located in the heart of Lhasa, is an iconic center of Tibetan Buddhism, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. The food culture around Jokhang Temple has been influenced by its religious and cultural significance, offering a rich blend of Tibetan, Nepalese, Indian, and Han Chinese culinary traditions. The region's harsh climate and altitude have historically limited the variety of available ingredients, leading to a diet heavily reliant on barley, dairy, and meat. However, as a sacred site, the temple area includes various dining establishments that cater to the dietary restrictions of pilgrims, including a variety of vegetarian options avoiding any form of cow meat in deference to religious beliefs.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes Near Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, China

1. Tsampa (Vegetarian) - A staple Tibetan dish made of roasted barley flour, usually mixed with Tibetan butter tea.
2. Momos (Vegetarian/Non-Veg) - Tibetan dumplings that come in various fillings such as cheese, vegetables, and yak meat, excluding cow meat.
3. Thukpa (Vegetarian/Non-Veg) - A hearty noodle soup that can be made with vegetables or meat like yak or chicken.
4. Butter Tea (Vegetarian) - A traditional Tibetan beverage made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt.
5. Yak Yogurt (Vegetarian) - A thick and creamy yogurt made from yak milk, known for its sour taste.
6. Tibetan Sweet Tea (Vegetarian) - A milky tea sweetened with sugar, quite different from the salty butter tea.
Laphing (Vegetarian) - A spicy cold noodle dish made with starch jelly, usually served with soy sauce and chili sauce.
7. Balep Korkun (Vegetarian) - A type of Tibetan bread that's round and thick, often served with butter or cheese.
Shapale (Non-Veg) - Deep-fried savory pastries filled with minced yak meat, seasoned with Himalayan spices.
8. Tibetan Cheese (Vegetarian) - There are various kinds of Tibetan cheeses, including Chhurpi (hard cheese) and soft cheese varieties.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Jokhang Temple, Lhasass, China

1. Tibetan Family Kitchen
   Address: Near Barkhor Street, Lhasa
   Famous Food: Momos (Vegetarian/Non-Veg)
2. House of Shambhala Restaurant
   Address: No.7 Jiri Eerxiang, Lhasa
   Famous Food: Thukpa (Vegetarian/Non-Veg)
3. Dunya Restaurant
   Address: Barkhor Street, Lhasa
   Famous Food: Tibetan Sweet Tea (Vegetarian)
4. Lhasa Kitchen
   Address: Barkhor Street, Lhasa
   Famous Food: Yak Yogurt (Vegetarian)
5. Summit Café
   Address: No.1 Danjielin Road, Lhasa
   Famous Food: Laphing (Vegetarian)
6. Mayke Ame
   Address: Barkhor South Street, Lhasa
   Famous Food: Shapale (Non-Veg)
7. Snowland Restaurant
   Address: Mentsikhang Road, Lhasa
   Famous Food: Tsampa (Vegetarian)
8. Guangming Gangqiong Sweet Tea House
   Address: West of Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
   Famous Food: Balep Korkun (Vegetarian)