Momo: Would it ever be a proper Tibetan food guide without mentioning momo? The word momo actually means dumpling, which is exactly what these are. Momos or rather their original form are not restricted to Tibet; they are popular in various forms (jiaozi from China, for instance). The original Tibetan momo is a meat dumpling filled with yak meat, but you’ll most certainly get a wide variety of vegetarian and meat momos around our resort in Dharamshala. Momos are typically made of refined flour (maida) in the plains but true Tibetan momos use wheat to make their momos. They can either be steamed or fried: Either makes the perfect lunch, snack or dinner depending on your hunger levels!

Yak Meat: Something that is endemic to Tibet and finds itself in Dharamshala here and there is yak meat. Tibetans have sustained themselves on the yak for millennia. This hardy animal has been a source of dairy, wool and when times get tough, the meat. Yak meat is said to be incredibly resourceful for those living in the cold mountains. The meat is eaten in a variety of ways: Stewed, used in stir frys and curries. Usually the meat is smoked and preserved to last them over months since nothing is to be wasted after an animal is used for its meat. Yak jerky is a common snack among Tibetans too. You may not be able to find it around our resort in Dharamshala, but you will find Tibetans and their yaks in certain parts of the town!