What is Thukpa Soup?

Thukpa Soup is a noodle soup topped with vegetables, spices, and meat. This quintessential dish is very popular in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, China, and the states of Sikkim, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India However, the method of cooking and the ingredients differ depending on the regions’ preference and availability.

In the case of Nepal, it is available in every nook and corner of the country. So, what makes this dish so famous in these countries? What are its ingredients and cooking procedures? If you want to know everything about this dish, you have come to the right place. In this article, you can find out everything about thukpa, from its origin to the ingredients and recipe.

Origin

Thukpa is believed to have originated in the Eastern part of Tibet. However, digging deeper, some people also believe that thukpa may have originated in China. Wherever it may have originated, the thukpa has since evolved to garb the palate of people of Nepal, India, and Bhutan as well.

Among Tibetan people, Amdo Thikpa (thenthuk) is famous, which is a variant of Thukpa. There are many wider varieties of Thukpa in Tibetan tradition that includes, including Tenthuk (Hand-pulled noodle), Gyathuk (Chinese noodle), Pathug (Hand rolled pinched noodle), and Drethug. These varieties of noodles make Chupka taste different.

The Nepalese version of thukpa contains noodles, chili powder, masala, vegetables, and meat pieces. The most typical Nepali thukpa is found in the Sankhuwasabha district. Since there are many Tibetan refugees in Kathmandu, typical Tibetan thukpa can be found in Kathmandu valley as it is found in Tibet.

Ingredients and the recipe

Thukpa does not only mean soup of noodles. A bowl of thukpa contains happy ingredients like vegetables, spinach, spices, and meat, while noodles are the main ingredients. If you are tempted to prepare this dish at home, here is a simple recipe. First of all, heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the spice paste, and cook for a few minutes. Once the spices lose their raw smell, pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Later, add chicken pieces and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until cooked. This process helps you to make the soup for the dish.

Meanwhile, boil at least 2 liters of water in a large saucepan, add noodles, and cook it for 2 more minutes. Drain and refresh the noodles in cold water. Drain again and keep it aside.

Lastly, divide the noodles into bowls and pour the soup of chicken and vegetables over the noodles and top it with coriander, and carrots and enjoy the hot and spicy Thukpa soup.

This comforting noodle soup is the most-try dish whenever you are in the Himalayas or cold places. Especially, if you are in Kathmandu, you have to taste this dish as it is easily available in every corner of the city.