A unique savory tea made with black tea, milk, water, salt, and often a pat of butter. The national beverage consumed throughout the day in every Mongolian home.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Presentation Guide
Vessel: traditional Mongolian bowl
Accompaniments: boortsog
Instructions
-
1
Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add tea leaves and simmer 3 minutes until dark.
-
2
Strain tea leaves. Return liquid to pot.
-
3
Add milk and salt. Bring just to a simmer, do not boil.
-
4
Add butter and stir until melted.
-
5
Ladle the tea up and pour it back from a height repeatedly to aerate and mix thoroughly.
-
6
Serve in bowls, not cups. Refill frequently as etiquette demands.
Did You Know?
Mongolians traditionally ladle the tea up and pour from height 100 times to properly mix it, a meditative morning ritual.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- pot
- ladle
- tea strainer
Accompaniments
The Story Behind Suutei Tsai
Suutei tsai has been the lifeblood of Mongolian culture for over a thousand years. In the vast steppe where water can be scarce, milk tea provides hydration, calories, and warmth in a single drink. It is the first thing offered to any visitor who enters a ger, and refusing it is a serious breach of etiquette. The salted rather than sweet flavor profile reflects the practical needs of nomads who required electrolyte replacement.
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