At the heart of Lhasa’s bustling old quarter, Yeshe’s Café is rewriting the script on Tibetan hospitality. Founded 25 years ago by Yeshe Chodron’s mother, this neighborhood spot has long been a local favorite. Now, with Yeshe’s return from Peking University—where she earned her PhD in anthropology—the café is embracing a bold new identity.
Yeshe draws on her academic lens to blend ancient flavors with global flair. Imagine sipping Shoton Festival coffee infused with yak butter spices, or biting into tsampa cookies dusted with organic Tibetan barley. Each recipe carries a story: from sacred temple rituals to modern street food, all brewed or baked in the same rustic ovens that have served local families for decades.
Step inside and you’ll see walls adorned with Hayao Miyazaki prints, paying homage to storytelling that transcends borders. Plush cushions and warm wood tones evoke Himalayan homestays, while free Wi-Fi and a curated vinyl collection invite digital nomads and local creatives to linger. It’s a space where tradition meets Instagram-ready moments.
With Lhasa evolving into a hub for adventurous travelers and cultural explorers, Yeshe’s Café has become more than a coffee shop—it’s a living exhibit of Tibetan heritage. Through every cup and cookie, Yeshe Chodron crafts a bridge between past and present, inviting a global audience to taste the future of Himalayan cuisine.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
