Ema Datshi 
Asian

From steaming thukpa to momos, head to this Tibetan food pop-up experience this weekend 

Mumbai-based home cook Esha Sahor Lepcha will bring her pop-up Tashi Dalek to Ashvita Bistro this week 

Rehna Abdul Kareem

WHO doesn’t love a steaming hot bowl of thukpa? Esha Sahor Lepcha, a home chef will be bringing with her a delightful range of authentic Tibetan dishes, served home style for Chennaiites. The three-day Tibetan food pop-up is called ‘Tashi Delek’ which means blessings and good luck, will introduce regular favourites, but will also serve dishes that are only native to the mountains.

A monotonous nine-to-five job led Mumbai-based home cook Esha Sahor Lepcha to quit and follow her passion for cooking. “I started cooking when I was in the seventh grade. My mother wasn’t a very good cook, so I wanted to cook and become really good at it. Last year,  I started having Tibetan pop-ups at home and inviting different people and it picked up.” Esha also does handmade ice creams, which are her own recipes. However, dishes like Kalo dal massu and Ema Datshi have been prepared in Tibetan households for ages by her grandmother and mother.

A six- course menu, the pop-up features the Ema Datshi, a main course dish, made with cheese and chillis and is native to Tibetan-Bhutanese cuisine. “You won’t be able to tell if you’re tasting just chillis or cheese, or if there’s something else,” says Esha with a laugh. “You can also try Shapta and Dal Massu, which is pan-fried dry meat with vegetables,” says Esha. The menu also serves veg options with its momos, cottage cheese fries and a spicy potato dish Shogo Khatsa. Top this with 
freshly handmade ice cream for 
dessert for the perfect Tibetan meal!

On July 27, 28, 29 
Lunch and dinner
At Ashvita Bistro
 

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