#tsampa

What is it?

Well, consider it one of the OG himalayan cliff bars (kinda literally): It was used along the silk road, and most especially in Tibet and along the himalayans as a quick boost power food you can travel with.

It's usually a kind (or up two) of flour, but mostly barley, mixed with seeds at times, some fruits like apricots, salt, yak butter, tea or butter tea. You can dissolve it, or just eat it as is once it's solidified and or chilled.

Happy Losar, my friends! Today we celebrate the Tibetan New Year, the Year of Wood Dragon. Wood is the Element of the year. The year of the Wood Dragon is the 38th year in the 60-year cycle of the Tibetan calendar. In Tibetan, this year is called Tromo, which translates as Wrathful. The Wood Dragon is characterized by his uncanny ability to attract fortune and luck despite his often peculiar…

Types Of Offering: Torma 

Usually prepared by monks, torma are sculptures made from tsampa and butter that are carefully shaped like dough into religious images. 

Simple torma can be no more than a basic conical shape representing a stupa, or these small floral ones. More advanced sculptors can make 3D mandalas, human figures, and monastery miniatures too! 

Coming down from the upper levels of the Pelkor Chöde Monastery assembly hall, this man is carrying a small bag of རྩམ་པ་ (tsampa, a roasted flour, usually made of barley). Tsampa is one of the common offerings in Tibetan Buddhist temples. Later in the day, the making of tsampa will end up becoming an interesting interlude in our journey.

Happy New Year, my Tibetan sisters and brothers! Today we celebrate Tibetan New Year, called Losar. Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days. Happy Losar!! On the first day of the Tibetan New Year, Tibetans usually celebrate at home with their family members. Preparing homes for Losar requires some days, as families thoroughly clean their homes,…

Tsampa—the Tibetan staple of food

Tsampa has been the staple food for Tibetans for hundreds of years. It is roasted flours, most commonly barley flour, but can also be wheat or maize flours. Along with salty Tibetan butter tea, it constitutes the signature traditional Tibetan diet. In terms of preparation, it has a variety of ways to suit different situations and tastes. Usually, it is mixed with salty Tibetan butter tea or…