Must-Try Foods In Norbulingka Palace (Lhasa) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Norbulingka Palace, Lhasa, China

The Norbulingka Palace, meaning 'The Jeweled Park' in Tibetan, is not just a historical palace and garden in Lhasa but also a cultural symbol. While the residence itself is not specifically known for its food history, Tibetan cuisine as a whole reflects a deep connection with the local culture and environment. The traditional fare available in the Lhasa region, including that near Norbulingka Palace has been shaped by the high altitude, harsh climate, and the Tibetan people's need for high-energy foods to combat cold weather.

Local food is typically rich in protein and calories, with a reliance on barley, dairy, and different meats, excluding beef as cows are considered sacred in Tibet. The cuisine found in Lhasa, including the areas around Norbulingka Palace, heavily features yak meat, mutton, and various kinds of vegetables that can be grown in the high-altitude conditions.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Norbulingka Palace, Lhasa, China

• Tsampa (Veg) - Roasted barley flour, which is a staple Tibetan food often mixed with butter tea.
• Momos (Non-Veg/Veg) - Tibetan dumplings that can be filled with meat other than cow or vegetables, a delicious and common snack.
• Thukpa (Non-Veg/Veg) - A hearty noodle soup that can be prepared with either meat or vegetables.
• Butter Tea (Veg) - A traditional high-energy drink made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt.
• Tibetan Noodle Soup (Non-Veg/Veg) - A simple but flavorful dish with noodles, vegetables, and sometimes meat, not including beef.
• Yak Yogurt (Veg) - A rich and creamy yogurt made from yak milk; it's tangy and often served sweetened.
• Shapale (Non-Veg) - Deep-fried pastries filled with minced meat (excluding cow) and spices.
• Lhasa Beer (Veg) - A popular local barley beer, light and refreshing to accompany your meals.
• Balep Korkun (Veg) - A type of Tibetan bread that’s usually round and fluffy.
• Tibetan Sweet Rice (Veg) - Known as Desi, a sweet treat made from rice, butter, and sugar, often eaten during Tibetan New Year.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Norbulingka Palace, Lhasa, China

• Tibetan Family Kitchen

  Address: Barkhor Street, Lhasa

  Famous Food: Momo (Non-Veg/Veg), Tibetan-style yak meat (Non-Veg)

• Lhasa Kitchen

  Address: North Barkhor Plaza, Lhasa

  Famous Food: Thukpa (Non-Veg/Veg), Yak meat dishes (Non-Veg)

• Snowland Restaurant

  Address: Mentsikhang Road, Lhasa

  Famous Food: Tibetan Pizza (Veg), Yak Burger (Non-Veg)

• House of Shambhala Restaurant

  Address: No.7 Jiri E'er XIang, Lhasa

  Famous Food: Shapale (Non-Veg), Tibetan curry (Non-Veg/Veg)

• Dunya Restaurant

  Address: Lhasa Zhaji Residential District

  Famous Food: International cuisine with Tibetan influences (Non-Veg/Veg)

Note that while beef is not consumed due to cultural reasons, the other types of meat such as yak, chicken, and mutton are very common in Tibetan cuisine. Vegetarian options are also readily available, especially given the increasing popularity of Lhasa as a tourist destination.