Tongba

Tongba
Nepalese tongba in its namesake vessel.
TypeAlcoholic beverage
Country of origin  Bhutan
   Nepal
 India (Sikkim, Darjeeling district)
Region of originWestern Bhutan, Kirat (present day Eastern Nepal, Sikkim)
IntroducedLimbu people
Alcohol by volume 2–5%
Proof (US)4–10°
Colourmilky white
Ingredientsmillet, yeast, water etc.
Related productsChhaang

Tongba (Nepali: तोङबा pronounced [toŋba]) is a millet-based alcoholic beverage found in the eastern mountainous region of Nepal, Bhutan and neighbouring Indian regions of Sikkim and Darjeeling.[1][2] [3]; offering it is a sign of respect to a guest, and the drink is also an important element of special occasions and festivals. It is a soft alcoholic drink drank in Tibet for centuries, evidence being the wooden container it is made/drank in. It is also considered the traditional and indigenous drink of the Limbu people.[3]

  1. ^ Easen, Nick (2004-03-01). "Mountain High - TIME". Time. Archived from the original on October 15, 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-29.
  2. ^ P.53 Nepalese Cooking By Lauren Baird, 2011
  3. ^ a b MAHARJAN, UJJWALA (2011-12-16). "Sipping hot Tongba in cold winter - My Republica". www.myrepublica.com. Archived from the original on 2016-09-18. Retrieved 2014-08-25.