🍡beverageΒ·IndiaΒ·North Indianeasy⏱ 15 minutesπŸ‘₯ 2-3

Gur Gur Chai

ΰ€—ΰ₯ΰ€° ΰ€—ΰ₯ΰ€° ΰ€šΰ€Ύΰ€―

About

A rich, salty butter tea from the Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Tibet. Made with strong tea leaves, yak butter, and salt, it has a creamy, savory flavor and is traditionally served in small bowls. It's consumed throughout the day, especially in cold weather, to provide warmth and energy.

Cultural Context

Gur Gur Chai is a staple in Ladakhi and Tibetan households, named for the 'gur gur' sound of churning. It's central to hospitality rituals and provides essential calories in high-altitude climates. Often paired with tsampa (roasted barley flour) or thukpa noodles.

Ingredients

2 tbspblack tea leaves (preferably Pemagul or similar strong variety)(loosely packed)
4 cupswater
2 tbspyak butter (or unsalted cow butter as substitute)
1/2 tspsalt(adjust to taste)
1/4 cupmilk (optional)(for milder flavor)

Method

1) Boil tea leaves in water for 5-7 minutes. 2) Strain and return liquid to pot. 3) Add butter and salt. 4) Churn vigorously (traditionally with a wooden plunger) until frothy. 5) ...

Gastronome unlocks the rest

Full method, yields, ratios, and sourcing notes.

The Gastronome plan is $15/month (or $150/year). Permanent memory, Cerebrus-verified answers, full library access.

Techniques Used

Regional Variations

Central Tibet

Often uses brick tea instead of loose leaves

Bhutan

Sometimes includes soda for extra froth

Dietary

VegetarianGluten-Freedairy

Sources

πŸ“–

Dolma Tsering β€” Tibetan Kitchen

2018cookbook
πŸ“–

Ladakhi Women's Travel Company β€” Himalayan Homestays Cookbook

2015cookbook
πŸ“–

Madhur Jaffrey β€” A Taste of India

1985cookbook

Research Evidence

Share

Pinterest converts best for culinary content

Related Recipes

Foodgeist is developed, created, and maintained by one food geek. It gets lonely. It gets expensive. Say hi β†’

Foodgeist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.