Makye Ame: a new trademark in Lhasa_Travel Guides

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Makye Ame: a new trademark in Lhasa

2011-08-24 14:49:00 | From:

Building in yellow is the symbol of Makye Ame. [Photo by Wang Xinxiu/China Tibet Online]

If you are interested in French food, "Michelin Red Guide' series would be helpful to pick out a three-star restaurant; to enjoy a taste of Beijing flavor, you could go straight to Quanjude restaurant for the notable "Roast Duck". What about typical Tibetan food? Makye Ame is a place you should not miss.

Located in the southeast corner of Barkor, a famous commercial street in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Makye ame is a must-visit place for tourists. Makye Ame was endowed with profound culture significance and commercial value as one of the most famous restaurants in Tibet.

It is a yellow building and used to the residential place for the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso three hundred years ago. The term Makye Ame comes from his poem, meaning "holy mother", "pure lady" or 'beautiful ancient dream" in Tibetan language.

Makye Ame has witnessed a romantic legend of the sixth Dalai Lama. One day Tsangyang Gyatso was having a rest there when a pretty young girl unveiled the door curtain, looking inside. Her moon-like face shone the tavern, as well as Tsangyang Gyatso’s heart.

Inspired by this legend story, Tsering Wangqing started the business of "Makye Ame" in 1997, making a combination of Tibetan culture and Tibetan cuisine.
There are totally four branches of Makye Ame across China, two in Beijing.

It is a good place to relax after a tiring trip. Another thing you can entertain yourself in Makye Ame is reading the customers’ messages and leaving you own. Years later, if possible, you could come back here and recall the memories of your last trip, or you could buy a published version if you want.

An overview of Barkor Street from Makye Ame. [Photo by Wang Xinxiu/China Tibet Online]