Tibet, considered by many a country of romance and mystery, has a variety of foods that appear exotic to the Western world but makes use of its resources to provide a nutritious and balanced diet for its people.  The type of food in Tibet tends to make use of high heat energy in meats like mutton and beef to compensate for the low temperatures and high altitudes.

Tibet cuisine is very simple, containing no heavy seasonings or sauces.  A staple of the typical Tibetan diet is Tsampa, a dough made of roasted barley flour and spread with yak butter.  Meals are usually accompanied by water or beer.  Dumplings called “momo” are served with nearly every meal, packed with tasty yak meat and often deep-fried.  When someone is moving away from the area, noodles are served instead, to honor the departing friend.  The length of the noodle signifies the distance that will be between the host and the guest when the move is completed.  The role of the yak in Tibetian life is to provide more than just meat and milk; every part of the yak is put to use.

Unfortunately, there is a history of conflict in Tibet that isn’t as simple as the native food.  The answer to the question “where is Tibet located?” will provide some clues as to why the nation has had so much trouble through the centuries. Tibet is nestled in the Himalayan mountain range of Asia, is a part of China and is bordered by India, Burma (now called Myanmar), Nepal and Bhutan.  Classified as a high altitude desert, it is nonetheless rich in natural resources and provides grazing grounds for the livestock of Tibetans.  Because of its proximity to so many powerful countries, Tibet has a history of conflict and occupation.  In 1959, the Peoples Republic of China took over Tibet and, despite years of seeking autonomous rule, it remains a subject of China and a source of conflict that has fueled sympathy movements all over the world.  The most visible is the “Free Tibet” movement fueled by many celebrities.  China’s relationship to Tibet has become a point of contention in many countries but it remains a problem with no solution in sight.

Tibet’s relationship with other surrounding countries has generally been a good one, particularly concerning India’s relationship to Tibet.  Most of Tibet’s trade routes cross through India and the Tibet-India relationship has generally been one of mutual support against the country of China.  Many Tibetians in India are there to escape persecution by the Chinese police and the limitations imposed on their freedom of movement and speech.  The Dalai Llama, spiritual leader of the Tibetians, is striving not for independence but for more autonomy and freedom from the heavy restrictions China imposes on Tibet’s trade agreements and the personal lives of its citizens.

There are an increasing number of Tibetan restaurants opening in the United States and the rest of the world.  As well as serving immigrant Tibetans, they cater to a growing number of customers that want a different cuisine that is both healthy and delicious.