The most typical Mongolian beverage is süutei tsai (salty milk tea). This is the Mongolian version of the buttertea traditionally drunk in the Himalayan regions. The Mongols welcome visitors in three different ways, known as tsailaga (offering tea), budaalaga (offering rice) and dailaga (offering dinner).
Süutei tsai is made with salt and yak butter (the milk comes from the female yak, called a dri) and is served in bowls which, depending on the prosperity of the host, will be made of jade, pottery, silver or wood.
Süütei tsai is an acquired taste but it is consumed in great quantities in Mongolia, where it helps maintain the body temperature when the weather turns bitter cold. Rich in fat and protein, it provides the goatherds with a great source of energy.
