Nepal is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and spiritual depth, but there's another facet of this Himalayan gem that deserves your attention, its beverages. From the snowy highlands of Mustang to the tropical plains of Terai, Nepal offers a variety of drinks that are not just delicious, but also steeped in tradition and cultural significance.
Whether you're trekking through Annapurna, exploring the cultural heritage of Kathmandu Valley, or relaxing in a lakeside cafe in Pokhara, these traditional Nepali drinks- both alcoholic and non-alcoholic offer a unique way to connect with the country and its people.
In this blog, we explore the most iconic beverages to try in Nepal, categorized into two broad groups: Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic. So get ready to sip your way through Nepal’s culture!
Alcoholic Beverages to Try in Nepal
1. Chhyang
Origin: Mountain regions, popular among Sherpa, Tamang, and Rai communities
Description: Chhyang (or Chang) is a milky-white, slightly sweet rice beer made from fermented rice or millet. It's often served during festivals, family gatherings, and religious ceremonies. Served in a large jug or bowl, it’s considered a communal drink and symbolizes hospitality.
Flavor Profile: Mild, tangy, and effervescent
When to Try: Try it during Tihar or while visiting mountain homestays.
2. Raksi
Origin: Nationwide, especially in rural areas
Description: Raksi is a traditional distilled alcoholic beverage made from rice, millet, or barley. It’s strong, clear, and often compared to Japanese sake or moonshine. Locally brewed, Raksi is an integral part of many cultural rituals and feasts.
Flavor Profile: Pungent, warming, and sharp
When to Try: Ideal during cold evenings or local feasts in the hills.
3. Tongba
Origin: Eastern Nepal, especially among the Limbu community
Description: Tongba is a hot millet-based alcoholic drink served in a wooden or bamboo container with a straw. Boiling water is poured over fermented millet, and the drink is sipped slowly, often refilled several times.
Flavor Profile: Earthy, warm, and slightly sour
When to Try: Best enjoyed in the chilly regions of Ilam or Taplejung.
4. Aila
Origin: Newar community, Kathmandu Valley
Description: Aila is a home-distilled liquor made from rice, wheat, or millet. Often used in religious offerings, Aila is deeply tied to Newar rituals. It’s served in small brass or clay cups and consumed during feasts.
Flavor Profile: Strong, clean, and aromatic
When to Try: During Newar festivals like Indra Jatra or at a traditional Newari feast.
5. Khukri Rum
Origin: Commercial, made in Nepal
Description: A premium dark rum brand, Khukri Rum is one of Nepal’s best-known exports. It’s made using molasses and Himalayan spring water, aged in oak barrels.
Flavor Profile: Rich, caramel, and spicy
When to Try: Great for cocktails or sipping during a quiet evening.
6. Marpha Brandy
Origin: Marpha village in Mustang
Description: A fruit brandy made from apples or apricots, Marpha brandy is locally produced in the Mustang region. It reflects the ingenuity of local distillers who’ve used surplus fruits for generations.
Flavor Profile: Fruity, warm, and slightly woody
When to Try: After a long trek in the Annapurna region or while staying in Marpha village.
7. Jand
Origin: Indigenous Tharu and hill communities
Description: Jand is a home-brewed fermented beer made from corn, barley, or millet. It is a traditional drink among the Tharu community and is considered nutritious and mildly intoxicating.
Flavor Profile: Sour, slightly sweet, and grainy
When to Try: During local harvest celebrations or cultural immersion trips in the Terai.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Try in Nepal
1. Butter Tea (Po Cha)
Origin: Himalayan regions, especially Mustang and Dolpo
Description: Butter tea, or "Su Cha," is a salty tea made with tea leaves, yak butter, and salt. It’s an essential drink in high-altitude areas where its high fat content helps with energy and warmth.
Flavor Profile: Salty, creamy, and buttery
When to Try: On a trek to Upper Mustang or while visiting monasteries.
2. Lassi
Origin: Terai and urban areas across Nepal
Description: Lassi is a popular yogurt-based drink available in sweet or salty versions. It’s a favorite during hot summer months and is often flavored with cardamom, rosewater, or saffron.
Flavor Profile: Sweet/tangy, cooling, and creamy
When to Try: Midday refreshments in Lumbini or Janakpur.
3. Nepali Tea (Chiya)
Origin: Nationwide
Description: Nepali tea, often referred to as "Chiya," is a spiced milk tea made with black tea leaves, sugar, milk, and spices like cardamom and cloves. It’s a staple across households and tea shops.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, spiced, and energizing
When to Try: Morning or evening across Nepal, from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
4. Juju Dhau (King Curd)
Origin: Bhaktapur
Description: Though technically a yogurt, Juju Dhau is often served in a clay pot and enjoyed like a dessert drink. Made from buffalo milk, it has a creamy texture and rich taste.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, creamy, and thick
When to Try: After meals in Bhaktapur or during local festivals.
5. Sattu Drink
Origin: Terai Region
Description: Made from roasted gram flour (sattu), mixed with water, salt, and sometimes lemon or spices, this drink is both nutritious and hydrating. It’s popular among farmers and laborers.
Flavor Profile: Nutty, savory, and refreshing
When to Try: As an energy drink during hikes or village tours.
Ready to Taste Nepal in Every Sip?
From communal brews in the highlands to sweet, spiced teas in the lowlands, Nepal’s beverage culture is a fascinating blend of taste and tradition. These drinks offer more than refreshment, they tell stories, hold cultural value, and bring people together.
Explore the Tastes of Nepal with Confidence
Craving a real taste of Nepal? Let Best Heritage Tour guide you through immersive food and drink experiences- from local brewery tours to homestays where you can try these traditional drinks firsthand.
Best Heritage Tour
Website: www.bestheritagetour.com
Email: info@bestheritagetour.com
Phone: +977-9851149197 (WhatsApp/Viber available)
Author: Best Heritage Tour
Date: 26th May, 2025
