Butter Tea

Set in the heart of Queens, New York, Butter Tea tells the story of Tenzin, a young Tibetan-American barista who begins his first day at a newly opened Tibetan cafe. Among the cafe's regular customers is an elder Tibetan named Dorjee who always orders the traditional Tibetan drink of butter tea. Their daily interactions spark an unexpected bond as the two connect across generations, and Tenzin is gradually pulled into a deeper understanding of his cultural identity, guided by Dorjee's quiet wisdom and stories. Rooted in the Tibetan diaspora experience, Butter Tea explores the power of oral tradition and mentorship in preserving heritage. The film invites viewers to see how something as simple as making tea can become an act of remembrance and belonging.