Shigatse Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find the Best Local Dishes

As the cultural heart of Tsang and a key stop on Tibet travel itineraries, Shigatse offers a culinary experience that stands apart from Lhasa's more familiar tastes. Nestled at the foot of Mount Everest, this historic city blends highland agricultural traditions with unique pastoral influences, creating dishes that are both hearty and full of local character. Whether you're exploring the grand Tashilhunpo Monastery or wandering the colorful Xigaze Pedestrian Street, sampling Shigatse's local food is a must for understanding its culture.

Must-Try Shigatse Specialties

When it comes to Tibetan cuisine, many travelers first think of Lhasa's sweet tea or Tibetan noodles, but Shigatse has its own star dishes that reflect the region's identity. The most iconic is Pengbi, a beloved local snack made from pea starch. To make Pengbi, peas are crushed and filtered, and the middle layer of the starch liquid is used as the base. Served hot, it's sprinkled with freshly ground pepper, offering a savory, slightly spicy taste with a rich aftertaste that lingers on the tongue. Pengbi is a street food staple and a true symbol of Shigatse's snack culture. Another Shigatse exclusive is potato momos. These aren't the typical meat-stuffed dumplings you might find elsewhere; instead, boiled and mashed potatoes are mixed with dough, filled with stir-fried minced meat, rolled in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. The outer layer is crispy while the inside is soft and creamy, a perfect blend of textures that's popular among both locals and visitors.

Foreign Tourist-Friendly Restaurants in Shigatse

Exploring local food is much easier when you don't have to worry about language barriers, and Shigatse has several great spots that cater to international travelers with English menus. One of the best is Songtsam Restaurant, located at No. 19 Xigaze Pedestrian Street—conveniently close to Tashilhunpo Monastery, making it an ideal stop after your temple visit. The restaurant's interior is decorated with traditional Tibetan carpets and tapestries, and the air is filled with the warm aroma of butter tea. Here, you can order all the Shigatse specialties mentioned above, plus other favorites like curry chicken, potato sauce, and Tibetan dumplings filled with lamb. The staff are familiar with foreign guests' tastes and happy to explain each dish in detail. For a more local yet still accessible experience, Tashi Restaurant on Beijing Road is a popular family-run spot. They are accustomed to foreign tourists and can gladly explain dishes.

Conclusion

Pair up with a responsible, professional local guide, and you'll get access to all the best insider tips for Shigatse's food scene—plus personalized suggestions that fit perfectly with where you're exploring.