Local Cuisine & Dining in Yushu
Like people in other Tibetan areas, local Tibetans in Yushu mainly live on meat and tsampa (roasted barley flour) as staple foods, accompanied by dairy products such as butter, yogurt and chura (dried cheese). Grilled lamb ribs are a signature local dish. If you are not used to Tibetan food, there is no need to worry. Every county town has plenty of Han Chinese restaurants, most serving Sichuan cuisine, as well as halal eateries, generally featuring spicy flavors. In autumn, fruits are sold everywhere across Yushu, yet they come at a relatively high price. All fruits and vegetables are transported here from lower-altitude regions.
Yushu Local Delicacies
Grilled Lamb Ribs (Leiba)
Many travelers are deeply impressed by the distinctive grilled lamb ribs locally called leiba. Lamb ribs are first boiled until half-cooked, coated with sauce, then grilled over charcoal. This cooking style is similar to Turkish kebab, a word originating from the Turkish language.
Bayankala Yogurt
Highly recommended. It is sold at the Bayankala Dairy Shop opposite the old square at the town’s three-way intersection. Priced at 4 yuan per jin, the yogurt has a rich and authentic flavor.
Jiegu Post Station
Located on Hongwei Road in Jiegu Town, this venue features strong ethnic vibes. Guests can even cook for themselves and enjoy meals in a homely atmosphere. Recommended dishes: pure yak milk yogurt, air-dried meat, grilled lamb ribs and dough slices.
Sichuan Cuisine
All county towns have numerous Han Chinese restaurants dominated by Sichuan dishes, alongside halal restaurants. Most of the food is spicy.
Fruits
Fruits are widely available all over Yushu in autumn but are quite pricey, since all fruits and vegetables are transported from areas at lower altitudes.
Dining Spots in Jiegu Town
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Bayankala Dairy Shop
Don’t miss its famous yogurt. Located opposite the old square at the three-way intersection. Price: 4 yuan per jin, with rich and genuine taste.
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Sihai Restaurant
Tucked in an alley opposite Yushu Prefecture Hotel in Jiegu Town. Run by Sichuan locals, it serves excellent Sichuan food. It also provides shower service for 5 yuan per person, with clean facilities.
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Jiegu Post Station
Situated on Hongwei Road. It boasts rich ethnic features and offers self-catering and family-style dining. Must-tries: yak milk yogurt, air-dried meat, grilled lamb ribs and dough slices.
Dining in Nangqian County
Several small Sichuan restaurants beside the Armed Police Compound in Nangqian County serve tasty home-style dishes at affordable prices.
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