Tsampa

Tsampa or Tsamba (Tibetan: རྩམ་པ་, Wylie: rtsam pa ; Chinese: 糌粑; pinyin: zānbā) is a Tibetan and Himalayan Nepalese staple foodstuff, particularly prominent in the central part of the region. It is roasted flour, usually barley flour and sometimes also wheat flour. It is usually mixed with the salty Tibetan butter tea.

Preparation

Tsampa is quite simple to prepare; indeed, it is known as a convenience food and often used by the Sherpas, nomads, and other travelers. While traditional tsampa is prepared with tea, water or beer is sometimes used in its place. It may also be prepared as a porridge. André Migot described its preparation:

Cultural significance

Besides constituting a substantial, arguably predominant part of the Tibetan diet, its prominence also derives from the tradition of throwing pinches of tsampa in the air during many Buddhist rituals. It is believed that tsampa-throwing actually predates Buddhist beliefs in the area and was originally used as an offering to animistic gods to request their protection. The tradition was consequently incorporated into Buddhism as a "mark of joy and celebration" used at celebratory occasions such as marriages and birthdays. Today it is particularly known in that regard for its use in New Year celebrations, where it is accompanied by chanted verses expressing the desire for good luck in the forthcoming year, for both oneself and others. Tsampa-throwing also occurs at most Buddhist funerals, where the action is intended to release the soul of the deceased.

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