Drinking tongba

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While in Nepal, Vince indulged in a drink called ‘tongba’. He was under the impression that it was a speciality of the Sherpa people but Wikipedia says it is the ‘traditional and indigenous drink of the Limbu people of eastern Nepal’. ‘Tongba’ is actually the vessel that holds the drink. Fermented millet is placed in the tongba which is then filled with boiling water. After leaving it to stand for about five minutes, the liquid is ready to drink. The metal straw was perforated on the side rather than being open at the bottom. This acts as a filter to prevent the millet grains being sucked up. Hot water (in the flask/thermos to the left of the photo) is added as the level drops until the alcohol is depleted. I tasted it and, while I didn’t mind it, I didn’t feel inclined to ordering my own – so I just drank half of Vince’s. No, I didn’t! That last bit is a joke!!