Day 8, What Do Nuns Eat in Spiti? | Pangmo Nunnery (13100 ft) & Rare Zarā Dish I Nun/Monk Porridge

Hidden amidst the serene mountains of Spiti, Pangmo Nunnery is more than just a place of worship. It is a home where faith, discipline and simplicity come together to shape everyday life. In this episode, we spend an entire day with the nuns, experiencing their routines, sharing their meals and listening to stories that rarely find a place beyond the monastery walls. After taking a walk through the peaceful monastery and soaking in its tranquil surroundings, we met the head nun, Dolma Ji, who warmly welcomed us into the kitchen. She prepared zara, a traditional Spitian dish made with barley flour and water, finished with a generous dollop of butter. We shared this humble meal with a few young nuns, discovering how such simple ingredients come together to create something nourishing, comforting and deeply rooted in the local way of life. As we sat together over food, the conversations naturally unfolded. The nuns spoke candidly about their daily routine, the discipline of monastic life, the reasons that led them to embrace this path and the challenges they have faced along the way. Their stories offered a rare and heartfelt glimpse into a life devoted to learning, prayer and service. Our culinary journey continued with another traditional preparation made using sattu and butter tea, a staple that reflects the practical wisdom of mountain communities. Later, we were invited to share a simple yet satisfying lunch of dal and rice, reminding us that hospitality is often expressed through the most modest of meals. We then visited the prayer hall, where the sound of chants and the peaceful atmosphere reflected the spiritual essence of the monastery. Watching the nuns immersed in their prayers was a quiet yet powerful experience that revealed the rhythm and devotion of their everyday lives. As evening approached, everyone gathered once again for an early dinner. We sat together over fresh rotis, karela bhaja and homemade curd, sharing another meal that reflected the warmth, simplicity and togetherness that define life at Pangmo Nunnery. It was a beautiful reminder that joy often lies in the smallest moments shared around a dining table. Our day at Pangmo Nunnery was not just about tasting traditional food. It was about slowing down, understanding a different way of life and connecting with people whose kindness and resilience left a lasting impression on us. Join us on this unforgettable journey into the heart of Spiti, where every meal carries a story and every conversation becomes a lesson in compassion, contentment and faith. About the host: https://anubhavsapra.com/ https://buymeacoffee.com/anubhavsapra Also follow us on Facebook:   / delhifoodwalks   Twitter:   / delhifoodwalks   Instagram:   / delhifoodwalks   Design and filmed by Rahul Singh Texts by Swetaleena Nayak