Suutei Tsai is a traditional Mongolian hot beverage that packs salty yet indulgent creamy flavours. The name Suutei Tsai is derived from Mongolian words that mean 'a tea with milk'. Suutei Tsai is easily brewed with the help of usual ingredients such as water, milk and green tea powder. A hint of salt gives it a distinct taste and flavour. Most foreigners usually have a hard time adjusting to its unique flavour. But Mongolians deeply admire this drink and absolutely love it. Milk is an essential part of Mongolian diet. Many Mongolian people are habitual to drinking milk daily, and, it is often said that they drink milk as one drinks water. An old tradition among Mongolians was to not drink water straight. They used to believe that water is sacred. During the mid-thirteenth century, a Franciscan friar named Rubrack set out to the Mongol Empire to make an account of the Mongols. In his account, he noted Mongolians drinking habits with water and observed that many Mongolians opted to drink milk-based products. One of these milky drinks they would drink was Suutei Tsai. Even today, the drink holds a special place in the hearts of many. It is often drunk alongside every meal. Every season is perfect to sip on this delightful salty tea. Mongolian people also welcome their guests with a comforting cup of Suutei Tsai as a gesture of hospitality. This hot beverage can be drunk as is or paired with a bowl of snacks. So would you like to discover the rich and unique taste of this drink? Here are the steps for brewing it at home with ease and comfort.
Ingredients -
- Half cup full cream milk
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Half cup water
- 1 tablespoon green tea
Steps in the making-
- Take a saucepan and add water. Once the water starts to boil, add the rest of the ingredients.
- Let everything boil together until it dissolves all the flavours well.
- Strain it into a cup.
- Ta da, your cup of Suutei Tsai is ready.
