I was exploring the different tea time snacks enjoyed around the world when I came across the Bhutanese butter tea recipe, better known as Suja.
Suja, or Bhutanese butter tea, is a rich and savory drink that holds a special place in Bhutanese culture. Unlike the sweet teas most of us are used to, Suja is made with butter and salt, giving it a unique savory taste and deeply comforting flavor.
In Bhutan, where the weather is often cold, people drink multiple cups of Suja daily to stay warm and energized. It’s commonly enjoyed with snacks like zaow (puffed rice) or khapse (deep-fried dough) and is an essential part of social gatherings. Suja is quite similar to Tibetan butter tea, as both are made by churning tea with butter and salt, though there are some variations in ingredients and preparation.
The traditional Suja recipe calls for yak butter and at least double the amount of butter compared to what I used. The high-fat content makes it perfect for those living in high-altitude regions, where extra calories are necessary to stay warm and maintain energy levels.
However, since yak butter is hard to find and I live in the tropics, I reduced the butter to half. Of course, the butter makes it incredibly delicious!
But the first time I drank Suja, it was so rich that I felt very drowsy halfway through the cup, and I found it difficult to stay awake till the end of the cup, let alone get any other work done!
So, I adjusted the recipe to make it more suitable for my lifestyle while still keeping the essence of traditional Suja. However, I would still recommend that you drink this when you are in the mood to relax, not before you have to deal with work requiring focus, such as writing a blog post.
Traditionally, Tibetans make butter tea using Puerh tea, while the Bhutanese use Jarhi tea, which is grown in the mountains.
However, since these varieties aren’t readily available overseas, I used black tea as a substitute. It worked well in bringing out the deep, robust flavors needed for a good cup of Suja. While it may not be exactly the same as the traditional version, this recipe still captures the essence of this unique and nourishing drink.
Suja is a rich, indulgent, savory cup of tea that I highly recommend!
If you’re interested in more hot tea recipes, you can also check out my recipe for Waitrose Darjeeling Milk Tea!
Bhutanese Butter Tea/Suja Recipe
Bhutanese Butter Tea Suja Recipe
- 2.5 cups Water
- 2 tbsp tea leaves (black tea works well)
- ½ cup milk (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (or use salted butter and adjust salt to taste)
- A pinch of salt (optional, depending on butter)
- Boil the Tea – Pour a little over 2 cups of water into a pot, add the tea leaves, and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes.
- Strain It – Once boiled, strain out the tea leaves so you’re left with just the tea.
- Add Milk – Pour in ½ cup of room-temperature milk. This helps it blend smoothly without curdling.
- Add Butter & Salt – Drop in 1 tbsp of unsalted butter. Add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Melt & Boil – Let everything boil together for about a minute, giving the butter time to melt completely.
- Froth & Mix – Now, whisk everything really well. If you have a frother, even better!
- Serve & Enjoy – Pour into cups and enjoy your warm, buttery Suja!
