Sha Balep

Tibetan Pasties

Preparation info
  • Makes

    10

    • Difficulty

      Easy

Appears in
Taste Tibet: Family recipes from the Himalayas

By Julie Kleeman and Yeshi Jampa

Published 2022

  • About

Sha balep (literally, ‘meat breads’) are widely and wildly loved by Tibetans. Vegans, do not look away now! You can make a vegan version using the tofu, Chinese cabbage and mushroom filling. Potatoes are another good fit, but have a go with any veggies you enjoy and have to hand.

There’s a saying in Tibetan, ‘If you mess up, I’ll give you a sha balep’, which means that if you step out of line, you’ll get a slap. The Tibetan rappe