There is just something special about yak dairy. The flavor, texture, and role it plays in Nepali dishes seem almost ethereal. While cow’s milk is more typical, yak milk possesses a singular place in Nepal’s culinary history, particularly for those living high in the mountains.
Yak dairy products come to life in the dishes of the Himalayas. The rich taste of yak cheese and the toasted flavor of yak butter transport you to those high alpine pastures. The yak butter tea and milk sweets bring warmth on cold mountain nights.
It is this sense of wonder and place that yak milk evokes within Nepali cooking. The spirit and resilience of the mountain herders who have relied on yak dairy for centuries also shine through. The high Himalayas have gifted Nepal with many culinary treasures, and the produce of the yak remains among the most distinctive.
At Everest Cuisine, we are inspired by incorporating these rustic and hearty yak milk products into our menu. First and foremost is the cheese, which we use in a variety of dishes from thukpas to tiramisus.
The flavor of yak cheese is richer, saltier, and more pungent than cow’s cheese. It adds a tangy dimension to curries while melting beautifully over our handmade pizzas. Yak cheese has a lower fat content which makes it a healthier alternative to its cow counterpart.
Yak butter is another essential ingredient, prized for its nutritional value and concentrated taste. We utilize it in curries, dough preparations, and even for topping naans. Yak butter contains high levels of CLA, which has been linked to numerous health benefits like boosting metabolism, lowering cholesterol, and aiding in weight loss. We also harness the rich yogurt-like taste of yak butter milk to create refreshing concoctions and ice creams.
The history and production of yak milk products are deeply intertwined with Nepal’s nomadic herding culture. For centuries, herders in the high Himalayas have relied on yaks for not just meat and wool but also their nutrient-rich milk. Yak cheese and butter would sustain herders during the long, harsh winters and be crucial for survival. Himalayan herbs and spices were often added to yak butter tea for additional health benefits.
Here at Everest Cuisine, we aim to honor this culinary heritage while elevating yak milk products through creative applications in our cuisine. From tandoori yak cheese starters to masala yak butter chicken, we utilize these Himalayan delicacies to the fullest. Our chef, Sagar, even incorporates yak milk ice cream and dahi into desserts like kheer and kulfi.
Yaks are uniquely adapted to survive in the extreme altitudes and bitterly cold temperatures of the Himalayas, and their milk mirrors this resilience. It contains 51% more protein and calcium compared to cow’s milk. Those seeking a healthier alternative to regular dairy products find yak milk beneficial. As chefs, we are fascinated by the prospect of marrying these nutritionally dense superfoods with modern culinary techniques.
So, the next time you dine with us, do explore the exotic yet familiar world of yak dairy through our curated Nepalese menu. Sample our charred yak cheese naan, yak butter paneer masala, or Himalayan yak milk Kulfi for a glimpse into the nutritional riches of the highest pastures on Earth. The flavors may be unfamiliar at first, but we promise they will leave you elevated, satiated, and deeply rooted in tradition.