Cultural significance of Tsampa རྩམ་པ Culturally significant, nutritionally rich, and simply made with an ancient grain, barley, Tsamba (AKA Tsampa) has been a fast and honest food of Tibetan people for centuries. It is not only a predominant staple of our diet but is also used for Buddhist and mystical rituals. The word “tsamba” refers to coarse […]
This mysterious, underused but established spice goes by a variety of names: Sichuan pepper, Japanese pepper, Aniseed pepper, Prickly ash, and others. The plant is said to belong to the citrus family – Zanthoxylum simulans. Tibetans, though, call this burgundy pigmented and uniquely flavorful spice “Yerma” (གཡེར་མ), and in our cooking it enhances any dish. Because […]
UPDATED with more details about Losar, July 2, 2016. It’s exciting to be back home in Rebgong (Reb gong, Tongren)—the home still nearest and dearest to my heart, even after making a new home in the West. Returning to my roots for Losar, the Lunar New Year, is special. Traditionally, Losar falls on the first […]
With the cold weather in full swing here in North America and in the Far East where I’m from, I thought I would share with you a winter comfort blanket, in the form of hot beverage that will warm you from the inside out. And who knew there are health benefits of tea that’s rich in […]
The ultimate time of gift giving—the season of Christmas celebration in the West—reminds me of my traditions on the Tibetan plateau. Almost all Tibetans, who live in the high mountains, deep valleys, and on grasslands, practice Buddhism. Giving or offering is a large part of our culture, and its meaning deepens when referring to […]
July turned to August. My departure for the West was fast approaching. And my cousins had yet to practice a long-lived tradition in that neck of woods – Rebgong. A Tibetan custom, you are invited to a scrumptious meal, if you’ve returned from a journey, worked or studied a distance away, completed a long period […]
As an expatriate, the journey afar from North America back to my motherland, the Tibetan plateau, has always been very special. Just the thought of a trip home uplifts memories of my upbringing in the majestic land where I feel most connected. Spending two months with my loved ones, visiting historic spots, as well as […]
