Suutei Tsai: The Salty Tea of Mongolia

Suutei Tsai: How to Make and Enjoy Mongolia’s Salty Tea

Suutei tsai (Mongolian: сүүтэй цай, ᠰᠦᠲᠡᠢ ᠴᠠᠢ, [suːˈtɛː ˈt͡sæ]) is a traditional Mongolian beverage that is made with water, milk, tea leaves, and salt. It is also known as süütei tsai, tsutai tsai, or Mongolian salty tea. This drink is an essential part of the Mongolian diet and culture, as it is often served to guests and consumed throughout the day. In this article, we will explore the history, preparation, and popularity of suutei tsai.

History of Suutei Tsai

Milk has been a very important ingredient in the Mongolian cuisine for centuries, as the nomadic people of Mongolia relied on various animals such as cattle, camels, horses, yaks, goats, and sheep for their milk production. Milk products such as cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream were also widely consumed and preserved for the harsh winters.

One of the reasons why Mongolians preferred to drink milk-based beverages rather than plain water was their belief that water was sacred and should not be polluted by human consumption. Another reason was the scarcity and quality of water sources in the vast steppes and deserts of Mongolia. Therefore, suutei tsai and other milk drinks such as airag (fermented mare’s milk) and tarag (yogurt) became the main sources of hydration and nutrition for the Mongolian people.

Suutei tsai was also a symbol of hospitality and friendship, as it was the first thing that was offered to visitors when they entered a Mongolian home, known as a yurt or ger. The host would pour the hot tea from a metal pot into a bowl and hand it to the guest, who would accept it with both hands and drink it with gratitude. Refusing to drink suutei tsai was considered rude and disrespectful, as it implied that the guest did not trust the host or appreciate their generosity.

Preparation of Suutei Tsai

The ingredients and methods of preparing suutei tsai vary depending on the region, preference, and availability of the Mongolian people. However, the basic recipe consists of four components: water, milk, tea leaves, and salt.

The water and milk are usually boiled together in a large metal pot over a fire or stove. The ratio of water to milk can range from 1:1 to 3:1, depending on how rich and creamy one likes their tea. The tea leaves are then added to the boiling mixture, and the tea is stirred with a ladle. The type of tea used can be green or black, but the most common one is a brick tea that is made from compressed stems and lower-quality leaves of the tea plant. The brick tea is chipped off with a knife and added to the pot according to the desired strength of the tea.

The salt is the final and most distinctive ingredient of suutei tsai. The amount of salt can vary from a pinch to a teaspoon, depending on one’s taste and tolerance. The salt adds a savory flavor to the tea and enhances the taste of the milk and tea. Some people also add butter or fat to their suutei tsai, which makes it richer and more filling.

The tea is brewed for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it reaches a light brown color. The traditional way of serving suutei tsai is to pour it from the pot into a bowl with a ladle, and then pour it back into the pot from a height. This process is repeated several times, which creates a frothy layer on top of the tea and aerates the drink. However, many people today skip this step and simply ladle the tea into bowls or cups.

Popularity of Suutei Tsai

Suutei tsai is one of the most popular and common drinks in Mongolia. It is enjoyed at any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner, and especially during cold weather. It is also a staple drink at many Mongolian festivals and celebrations, such as Naadam, Tsagaan Sar, and Mongolian New Year.

Suutei tsai is often accompanied by various snacks and dishes, such as boortsog (fried dough), aaruul (dried cheese), buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried dumplings), and tsuivan (noodle stew). The salty tea complements the meaty and oily flavors of these foods, and also helps with digestion and hydration.

Suutei tsai is not only a drink, but also a cultural and social experience for the Mongolian people. It is a way of expressing respect, gratitude, and friendship, as well as a way of sharing stories, news, and opinions. It is also a source of comfort, warmth, and energy, as well as a reflection of the Mongolian lifestyle and history.

Suutei tsai is a unique and fascinating beverage that deserves to be tasted and appreciated by anyone who visits Mongolia or is interested in its culture. It is a drink that can surprise, delight, and challenge the palate, as well as the mind and heart.