We really enjoyed this touching short film, Butter Tea, written and directed by Tenzin Wangchuk Tasur. The film follows the growing friendship and understanding between a Tibetan-American barista (Tenzin Phurpatsang) and his elderly Tibetan customer (Dhamchoe) as a result of sharing Tibetan butter tea (bho jha or po cha). It is definitely worth your time!
We first had butter tea at Taste of Tibet in Madison, WI many years ago, and we were really intrigued by its creamy and salty flavors. Outside of Tibetan restaurants, or private homes, of course, we have not really seen butter tea on offer. As the film shows, there is finesse in making a proper cup, though if you happen to have black tea, salt, and yak butter, you can make your own. I have also seen adapted versions made with cow’s milk butter. However, another option is to visit the real, Tibetan-owned cafe featured in this short film, Ngatso Cafe in Woodside, Queens, NYC. Via Kottke, we were directed to a discussion of the importance of butter tea in Tibetan culture.
Eating The World 