Skip the tourist restaurants. What do Lhasa locals eat for breakfast? Who makes the most authentic Butter Tea? This list of 10 eateries covers breakfast to midnight snacks — the real flavors of Lhasa.
Breakfast: Butter Tea is Lhasa locals' soul food. Try the old spots near 八廓街, 15-30 RMB/person. Lunch: Local restaurants — order Butter Tea and seasonal vegetables, 50-80 RMB/person. Dinner: Butter Tea veteran near 太阳岛, 80-150 RMB/person. Late night: BBQ stalls near 仙足岛, 30-50 RMB/person.
10 recommended spots: ① 八廓街 old Butter Tea (20-year veteran); ② 太阳岛 trendy Butter Tea (good ambiance); ③ 仙足岛 hole-in-the-wall (most authentic); ④ Farmhouse near 布达拉宫; ⑤ Seafood/river fish near 大昭寺; ⑥ 藏传佛教-themed restaurant; ⑦ Local breakfast joint; ⑧ Night market BBQ; ⑨ Dessert old shop; ⑩ Souvenir shop. Budget: a full day of eating ~200-400 RMB/person.