The first time my husband and I went to Shang ri-la, it was in the winter. It was icy cold, snowing lots and all the restaurants were serving hot pot.
If you don't know what hot pot is similar to a fondue. Another name is Chinese steamboat or Chinese fondue. The meal is prepared in a metal pot that is placed in the center of the table and filled with simmering soup stock and slowly meat and vegetables are added until they are cooked. Sichaun hotpot is the most famous in China and it is insanely hot and spicy. It's delicious.
When we were in Shang ri-la nearly every restaurant was serving hot pot. It really warms you up when the weather is so cold. We usually have beef or fish hot pot. But, in Shang ri-la we found that the only hot pot you can get is yak! And, that is what we ended up having for dinner. The yak was in a thick soup broth and mixed with carrots and cabbage. I was actually really apprehensive about eating yak hot pot, but I have to say...it WAS good!
The next afternoon, after walking around the city sight seeing, we had to get out of the cold and wind for a little bit. We found a cute little restaurant with sunny windows and tried to warm up. The waitress recommenced trying the yak milk tea. She told us it was made with yak butter and was what everyone in the city drinks. We ordered and had no idea what to expect. I was thinking tea, just from the name. When it arrived it came in a huge bronze colored tea pot that looked like something that Aladdin would have. I loved it. The tea actually looked more like egg nog and had sweet, thick, different taste. It was great, but really filling.
The next time we went to Shang ri-la we went with four other friends. Our first night for dinner, we were starving after sight seeing all day. We found a cozy, warm little local restaurant. The wood fire heater was right in the center of the restaurant, so it was nice and warm. The owner recommended the yak burgers. He said his were the best in the city and he makes the daily. A few of us ordered the yak burgers, the rest beef or chicken. I got the chicken. But our friends who got the yak said it was delicious and would order it again.
If you've ever anywhere where they are serving yak. I suggest trying a dish or two. And if you ever find a place that is serving yak milk tea, you must order it! You'll be so happy you did.
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