The Savory Energy Drink of the Himalayas

Butter tea is more like a salty, thick soup than the sweet beverage you might expect. It blends tea leaves with yak butter and salt to create a calorie-dense drink designed to keep people warm in freezing mountain climates.

This unique staple has sustained people across the Himalayan regions for centuries. Because the high-altitude weather is harsh, the added fat from the butter provides essential energy that standard tea cannot offer. It is typically served in a churner to ensure the ingredients are perfectly emulsified before being poured. Beyond its cultural importance, it is also a clever way to stay hydrated and nourished while living in some of the most rugged terrain on Earth.