Momos Along the Himalayan Region How the momo is prepared and eaten, defines culture, religious practices, politics, geography, ethnic diversity, etiquette and the celebration of tradition
What Are Momos? Momos are dumplings originating in China and can be found along the Himalayan Region and throughout the Silk Road. They can be identified under the following names Momo – Tibet , Kashmir and Nepal Mog, - also in Nepal Buuz - Mongolia Jiaozi - China Mantı - Turkey /Afghanistan/Armenia Pierogi - Ukrain/Poland /Lithuania Pelmeni - Russia Mandu - the Korea Gyoza – Japan Wonton – Hong Kong Samos – India
What Are Momos? Classic Nepali Momo (Nepali Lamb Dumplings) Chicken MOMO (Nepali Chicken Dumplings) Vegetable Momo (Nepali Vegetable Stuffed Dumplings) Nepali Shrimp Momo (Nepali Shrimp Stuffed Dumplings) Kathmandu Delight Momo (Nepali Pork-Shrimp Stuffed Spicy Dumplings Classic Sherpa Momo (Nepali Stuffed Dumplings, Sherpa Style) Gorkhali Sweet Momo (Nepali Sweet & Spicy Dumplings) Masala MOMO (Spicy Dumplings, Kathmandu Style) Tibetan Momo (Non- Vegetarian Dumplings, Tibetan Style) Sekuwa Momo (Nepali Dumplings Stuffed with Barbequed Meat) Paneer Momo (Nepali Ricotta Cheese Dumplings) )
What Are Momos? Sweet MOMO Achar (Sweet Tamarind Achar for MOMOs) Classic MOMO Achar (Sesame-Tomato Achar for MOMOs) Sherpa MOMO Achar (Spicy Soy-Based Dipping Sauce for MOMOs
Geography – Tibet in Yellow
Other Names Har gow -- Chinese shrimp dumpling Varenyky Kreplach Baozi (steamed) Khinkali Tortilini, Ravioli - Italy
History The culture is not uniform and has been in danger of being lost. Tibetans living outside of the country, are under the guidance the Dalia Lama, since the invasion of Tibet by the People's Republic of China in 1950
Tibet
Tibet
Tibet Muslim-style Beef Momo
Tibet Yak lunch with Tibetan Monks Kyle & Dan's Travels a real traveler from London
Geography: Tibet is isolated behind the great Himalayas covering vast high land areas with many mountains and valleys
The cuisine can be influenced by China, Nepal and India
Religions and Ethnic Diversity Buddhism
Religions Tibetan Muslim
Religions Bon
Culinary Etiquette Dining custom Foods Host and guests are seated in certain positions, they pick up food from the table placed them in front and eat them separately. The old generation does not eat fish because their Buddhist beliefs refuse killing creature. Moreover, fish is a symbol of a dragon or river god which is holy for Tibetan people. Tibetan cuisine includes dried meat, cheese cake, caked, ginseng fruit cake, fried yak meat, sausage, stewed mutton, lamb’s head stew to name a few. Staple food includes: butter, zanba (roasted barley, yak butter and water), steamed cake with cheese, steamed cake, and of course dumplings and noodles.
Prevailing Flavors Fruits Ingredients Grains Very little meat because Buddhism does not allow taking he life of another. Meat is for the sake of survival. Slaughtering animals from their herds, their way of life is still religiously respectable. Even monks and nuns, welcome the dairy and meat products that the nomads provide. Very little fruits or vegetable can grow in Tibet, due to the cold and dry climate many places. Most of the people still live on yaks and sheep for their products. Where nothing but grass grows, the people are nomads who tend animals. They trade their animal products to farmers for dried vegetable, grains, flour, spices and other necessities.
Ingredients Barley and Wheat Harvest
Ingredients Llassa Open Market