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What is Tongba?
Tongba is a traditional Himalayan beverage from Nepal. It is a fermented millet drink, served warm and sipped slowly through a bamboo or metal straw.
Tangy, earthy, and ritualistic, Tongba deepens in flavor with each hot water refill.
It is more than a drink. It is a slow sipping cultural experience.
What is Chhaang?
Chhaang is another traditional Himalayan beverage closely related to Tongba. It uses the same fermentation process but is typically strained and served chilled.
Often compared to a rustic rice wine or mild farmhouse beer, Chhaang is enjoyed across Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Tibet, especially during festivals and communal gatherings.
What comes in each Yak&Brew kit?
Each kit includes:
How do I brew it?
The process is simple and beginner friendly.
Visit our How to Tongba and Chhaang page or our YouTube Channel for full tutorials.
Quick steps:
How long does it take to brew?
Chhaang:
Primary fermentation: 24 hours in the fermentation bag
Secondary fermentation (storage/maturation): let it continue developing for another 5+ days
Best time to enjoy: after 3 - 4 weeks of maturation (flavor deepens over time).
Store: airtight, nonmetal container in a dark, warm place (70 - 90°F ideal).
Tongba:
Primary fermentation: 48 hours in the fermentation bag
Secondary fermentation (storage/maturation): let it continue developing for another 5+ days
Best time to enjoy: after 4 - 6 weeks of maturation (flavor deepens over time).
Store: airtight, nonmetal container in a dark, warm place (70 - 90°F ideal).
What happens during fermentation?
Fermentation transforms steamed grains into a lightly fizzy, naturally fermented beverage rooted in Himalayan tradition and depth of flavor.
How much does one kit make?
Each kit brews about 4 to 5 hearty servings.
For Tongba:
Expect 3 to 5 hot water refills from the same millet base.
For Chhaang:
Yield depends on how much water you use and how firmly you press the grains.
Less water = stronger brew
More water = lighter brew
How strong is it?
Tongba and Chhaang are naturally fermented and continue to develop in both flavor and strength as they mature.
The longer they ferment, the deeper and bolder the character becomes.
Strength varies based on time, temperature, and brewing method, and is traditionally mild to moderate.
Can I make Chhaang with this kit?
Yes.
To make Chhaang:
For full details, visit our Chhaang Brewing Guide.
What is the difference between Tongba and Chhaang?
Both are traditional fermented millet drinks, served differently:
Tongba:
Served warm. Grains stay in the vessel. Hot water is poured over and sipped through a straw.
Chhaang:
Served cool. Grains are strained and the liquid is poured into a cup or bowl.
Same roots. Different rituals.
Can I use a different yeast?
Yes.
Our blends are optimized for flavor, speed, and authenticity, but advanced brewers are welcome to experiment.
Can I choose my yeast flavor?
Yes.
We offer two styles:
What’s in the yeast sachet?
A curated blend of brewing yeast and powdered Himalayan inspired botanicals like ginger, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardamom.
All food-grade, plant-based, and vegan.
Is this beginner-friendly?
Absolutely.
If you can cook millet or rice, you can brew Tongba or Chhaang at home.
No special equipment required.
What do I need at home?
Basic household items:
Everything else is included.
Is it gluten-free?
No.
While millet and rice are naturally gluten-free, our yeast blends contain barley and wheat, which means this product is
not suitable for people with gluten allergies or celiac disease.
Is it vegan?
Yes.
All ingredients and components are 100% plant based.
Can kids or non-drinkers use this?
No.
This is a naturally fermented beverage intended for adult use only.
Can I reuse the kit?
Yes.
The aluminum straw and fermentation bag are reusable. Just source more millet and yeast.
How many pours per Tongba batch?
Expect 3 to 5 refills:
A slow sipping tradition meant to be shared.
How long does the kit last?
Unopened kits stay fresh 12 - 18 months in a cool, dry place.
Do you offer refill packs?
Coming soon. We are working on millet and yeast refills.
Do you ship internationally?
Not yet.
Currently U.S. only. We are working on global shipping.
Can I share my brewing story?
Absolutely.
Tag us @yakandbrew. We love seeing your brews.
Still have questions?
Email us: Support@yakandbrew.com
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