When you think about the Everest Base Camp Trek, some things that come to the top of your head might be the snow-capped Himalayas, the natural scenery, stunning landscapes, trekkers walking in a line, and the Sherpa people. To ensure you get the best of all, the Alpine Club of Himalaya recommends great EBC trekking and touring packages. But have you ever wondered
What Sherpa Dishes You Must Try on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Food is a crucial part of any trekker. You need to fuel yourself with the right food to keep functioning properly. It might come as a surprise, but you can find a variety of dishes along the way. But we suggest you try the authentic dishes of the people who call the Himalayas their home. The Sherpa cuisines are not only delicious but also keep your body warm and energetic for the trek. So, here are 10 Sherpa dishes you must try on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Sherpa Momo and T Momo
If you have never tried momo, you should try this in your Everest Base Camp Trek. Momo is a bite-sized dumpling made from flour dough with a spoonful of fillings. Traditionally, the fillings were limited to minced meat, but now you can find different fillings like vegetables, panner, cheese, tofu, and even more. And the momos can be steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried. Momos in Everest Region taste better than regular momos in Kathmandu as they use local spices in Everest Region. To beat the cold, we recommend you try hot soup momo.
Similarly, T momo or Ting Momo is a fluffy bun made of flour dough rolled in a unique shape. Since it has no fillings, it is a bit bland by itself. So, it is usually paired with vegetable curry, hot drinks, or pickles.
Where to Eat: Momos are generally found at any trail lodges. But, T momos are rare, and only some hotels in Namche Bazar offer them.
Shyakpa (Sherpa Stew)
Skyakpa or Sherpa stew is a common dish among the people living in the Himalayas. It is a flavorful noodle soup of hand-pulled dough strips, vegetables and fresh or dried meats (usually yak or sheep). The dough strips are round and thick or cut flat. And the vegetable used in soup is all locally grown, making the dish healthier and tastier. To bring more flavor to your stew, you can add more spices or salt per your desire. You can also try this without meat which is tasty as well.
The best part about Shyakpa is that you can try it multiple times at different places, and you will find different tastes every time. Every household has a different version of the stew.
Where to Eat: Almost all the hotels offer Shyakpa.
Thukpa
Thuka is a simple noodle soup similar to Syakpa. It is amongst several Sherpa Dishes You Must Try in Everest Base Camp Trek. While the noodles in Syakpa are hand-pulled, Thukpa noodles are long, thin, and usually ready-made. The long noodles are mixed with cooked meat variety of local vegetables like onions, carrots, chilies, and greens. It is a bit spicier and contains more veggies than shyakpa. It also makes a great alternative for soup.
Where to Eat: You can find this lodges menu on your trek. Restaurants in Kathmandu also offer Thukpa.
Tsampa
Tsampa is another prominent dish in the Himalayan Region. It is a glutinous dish made from roasted barley flour. Sherpas eat Tsampa by mixing it with salt, butter tea, and yak cheese to form a calorie-filled dough.
You can also try it by making Tsampa porridge (Cham-dur) or dry-powered Tsampa. Due to its nutritious nature, it makes a better option for a breakfast. And, you can also carry it easily.
Where to Eat: Most lodges offer Tsampa or Tsampa porridge.
Rilduk
Rildok is a traditional Sherpa soup made with a dumpling of mashed potatoes. Boiled potatoes are pounded until they turn soft and sticky. Then, it is squeezed into small dumping and dropped in a boiling soup of onion, garlic, and tomatoes. The mashed potatoes become light enough to float in the soup. You can sprinkle some pepper or some other spices the Sherpa suggests to bring more flavor.
Where to Eat: Local eateries in lower Solukhumbu like Salleri, Phaplu, Chiwong serve Rilduk.
Shyaphaley – Sherpa Meals
Shyaphaley is another Tibetan cuisine that is widely loved in Nepal. It is bread or dough filled with minced meat, cabbage and spices. Usually, it is made into a semi-circular shape and then deep-fried until it turns golden brown. They pair better with spicy tomato dipping.
Where to Eat: Local eateries in Lukla and Namche Bazar
Riki Kur and Kur (Tibetan Bread)
Riki kur is another common breakfast dish for Sherpas. It is also called “Sherpa pancake” since it is similar to the flat cake of bread. Unlike pancakes, Riki Kur is not sweet. Instead, it is made by mixing flour and potatoes and pounding it flat. Once cooked, yak cheese, butter, and spices are spread on it. To make it more flavorful, you can add spicy dipping sauce.
Kur or Tibetan Bread is also widely used by Sherpas. These are made with a thick flour dough by adding baking powder to a frying pan. The fluffy flatbread also makes a wonderful breakfast. Usually, Sherpas eat it by topping it with chili sauce, spices, or butter.
Where to Eat: Riki Kur is offered best in Sherpa Village, and Kur is found in hotels or lodges along the trail.
Su-Chiya (Butter Tea)
Regarding the beverages, su-chuya or butter tea is a must-try hot drink during your Everest Base Camp Trek. Traditionally, tea leaves were boiled in water, then transferred to a wooden butter churn, and added salt and butter. Then, it was transferred into copper pots to warm. But nowadays, any vessel can be used for making tea.
Where to Eat: Most hotels have su-chiya along the trails. Suppose a local household offers su-chiya. Don’t miss it!!!
Chyang
No celebration in the Sherpa community is complete without alcohol. Not only is it used while socializing, but it is also considered sacred and offered to gods. Chyang is a locally made alcohol of fermenting rice for several days. Unlike most alcohol, it has a milky color and sweet taste.
What to Eat: Best places to try chyang are small eateries along the trails. However, we do not recommend drinking chyang during the trek. Alpine Club of Himalayas looks after your safety and health. We suggest you drink it on your way back or try it in tou after the trek celebration.
Khapse and Somar
Khapse is another popular dish among the Sherpa community, made on special occasions like New year’s, monastery events etc. It is like a traditional biscuit made in different shapes. Khapse is made from flour, egg, butter, sugar and yeast. Unlike many other dishes, it is also possible to store longer.
Where to Eat: If you travel to Everest Base Camp during their special occasion, you can find it in local eateries. Local people might also offer it to you.
