curried potatoes
by Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
I’m a fan of books that inform of mountaineering expeditions, maybe as a strategy to expertise one thing I’ll by no means truly do. Accounts of climbing within the Himalayas at all times embody ingesting cup after cup of butter tea, a warming beverage fabricated from tea leaves, yak butter, water, and salt. Once more, one thing I by no means thought I might strive, till I visited Café Tibet in Berkeley, California.
This restaurant, which first opened in 1999, options “Conventional and Genuine Tibetan Delicacies.” As we walked into Café Tibet, previous an indication confirming that the restaurant is vegan, the individuals forward of us mentioned, “This can be a actually good place!” I used to be already feeling enthusiastic about our restaurant alternative and their remark and Café Tibet’s décor added to my anticipation. Café Tibet is adorned with colourful prayer flags and work of Tibetan scenes.
The multi-page menu provided so many attention-grabbing selections that it was difficult to determine what to order. We determined to order a wide range of smaller plates in order that we may pattern a number of various things. The primary dish to reach was Sho-kho-kha-tsa, described on the menu as curried potatoes mildly seasoned with contemporary ginger, garlic, and coriander. The fork-tender potatoes have been coated in a flavorful, delicate however scrumptious sauce, sprinkled with coriander.
momos
Subsequent, we shared a sampler platter of Momos. Momos are steamed dumplings, described in a Tibetan cookbook as “steaming parcels of consolation.” We have been in a position to strive momos with three completely different fillings – spinach and mushrooms; potatoes, carrots, and cabbage; and tofu and blended greens. They have been served with mint sauce and our attentive server additionally introduced us a bottle of very spicy sauce as one other accompaniment.
tofu chips
Our subsequent dish was Trama chura, described on the menu as tofu chips served with home sauce. Trama chura was fingers of flavorful tofu, flippantly coated with a seasoned crisp breading and fried. I don’t suppose I even used the home sauce. This dish was so expertly seasoned that I wished to savor the flavour of the tofu and breading unadorned.
Mango lassi
We ordered a mango lassi to share. This drink had a tang and a delicate sweetness. Our server requested if we wished it made with or with no sweetener. We opted for with out and agreed that the ripe mango alone made it candy sufficient for us.
Bod-Jha
Our server shocked us with a complementary bowl of Bod-Jha, the butter tea I had examine. This creamy heat drink, extra of a soup than tea, was made with Tibetan tea, plant milk, vegan butter, and salt. I might fortunately drink this on a cold day, whether or not within the Himalayas or in Berkeley, California.
Pak
We had ordered Pak, a dish made with roasted barley flour, provided on the menu as both savory or candy. Our server advisable the candy model. She introduced us a plate of tan nuggets with a small bowl of coconut yogurt for dipping. The Pak jogged my memory of a chickpea flour-based fudge that I as soon as made utilizing a recipe from an Indian cookbook. It was mildly candy with a nutty taste and was a stunning finish to a scrumptious meal.
After I return, I hope to strive the hand-pulled noodles and a curry in addition to having extra momos, Pak, and different dishes we loved a lot.
Café Tibet is positioned at 2020 College Ave., Berkeley, California.
To discover a record of veggie eating places within the USA and Canada go to: https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php
