Tongba is the traditional and indigenous drink of the Limbu people of eastern Nepal. To Limbus, Tongba is analogous to what vodka is to Russians, wine to French, Guinness to Irish and saké to Japanese.
-Wikipedia
Photo Courtesy davidheidebrecht
What to do when in Kathmandu when it rains? Drink tongba, of course! Tongba is the traditional alcoholic drink made from millet. It’s cooked and fermented, then dried and stored for about 6 months.
Tongba is drank out of large wooden containers (also called tongba) with tall straws crimped at one end to filter the hot water thats poured on top. As you drink, more water is added to top it off and keep the taste from becoming too strong.
They are great for cold and rainy days, since the drink really warms you both, both physically and in spirit.
According to legends, chhaang is also popular with the Yeti, who often raid isolated mountain villages to drink it.
Photo Courtesy in.beleza
1 comment so far ↓
Hi,
I was in Nepal last year and, after enduring a particularly hazardous mountainside road trip to Tatopani in a run-down car with bald tyres, I was brought back to life with a large mug of tongba. This is an ale rather than a beer (no hops) or wine (very short fermentation) and is very low in alcohol. This doesn’t matter as clearly something else is going on to provide a low-level though extremely pleasant buzz. Since then I have searched www for a recipe but can’t find one. If anyone has one please let me know.
Thanks,
John Mac
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