Suutei tsai: The Traditional Mongolian Salted Tea

What is Suutei tsai?
Suutei tsai is a salty milk tea that has been part of Mongolian tradition for centuries. The drink is also known as süütei tsai, tsutai tsai, salt tea, or Mongolian salt tea. The unique combination of tea, milk, and salt makes this drink something special.

Ingredients and Preparation
The basic ingredients for Suutei tsai are water, milk, tea leaves, and salt. A simple recipe calls for one liter of water, one liter of milk, one tablespoon of green tea, and one teaspoon of salt.
The ingredients can vary. Some recipes use green tea, others black tea. Butter or fat is often added. In Mongolia, fresh whole milk is typically used. A mixture of half milk and half cream creates a rich drink that closely resembles the authentic flavor.
Roasted millet is often added. Occasionally, tail fat is also added to enhance richness and flavor. The traditional method of preparation involves stirring by scooping up the tea during brewing and pouring it back in from a height. Many people skip this step today.
Mongolians usually use tea made from pressed blocks. These are made from low-grade tea stems or leaves and store well. When needed, the tea is chipped off and added to the suutei tsai.

Cultural Significance and Popularity
Suutei tsai is one of the most common beverages in Mongolia. It is drunk with meals and throughout the day. Upon arrival at a Mongolian home (yurt or ger), guests are traditionally served suutei tsai along with a hospitality bowl full of snacks.
The drink can be enjoyed on its own or paired with boortsog (Mongolian cookies) or buuz (Mongolian dumplings). Today, suutei tsai is also available as an instant powder.

Popularity Among Other Cultures
While Mongolians appreciate suutei tsai, foreigners often have difficulty getting used to its unusual taste. The salt in the drink, in particular, takes some getting used to for people accustomed to sweet teas.
The historical significance of dairy products in Mongolian culture explains the drink’s popularity. Traditionally, many Mongolians did not drink plain water, possibly because they considered water sacred. Instead, they preferred milk-based beverages such as suutei tsai or airag (fermented mare’s milk).