At the table
Break off a small piece to try. If it is dry or firm, soften it in tea; roasted millet is another traditional accompaniment.
Contains milk and is not vegan. Dried sheets may be firm or chewy; check the ingredients of any accompaniments separately.
Plain milk skin contains no chili and is suitable for lacto-vegetarians. Thickness, dryness and accompaniments vary; a mixed serving needs its own ingredient check.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
May be softened in tea.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Rich dairy flavor
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft or dried
- How it’s made
- Heat milk, cool, lift the skin and dry.
May be softened in tea.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Inner Mongolia.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有奶皮子吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Milk Skin at the Tea Table
Nai pizi belongs to the dairy foods often called white foods in Mongolian food culture. Milk is heated and left to cool so that a rich skin forms on top. The sheet can be lifted, folded into a semicircle and dried. At the tea table, it can be softened in tea or eaten with roasted millet. Its rich dairy taste and folded, lightly pitted surface distinguish it from a flour pancake.