Thenlay Nurboo

cheesemaker

Thenlay Nurboo is a cheesemaker from Ladakh, India, who gained international acclaim after his traditional yak cheese, Yak Churpi, won a gold medal at the Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026. Having grown up in a pastoral community known for producing this unique cheese for generations, Nurboo initially experimented with various cheese-making techniques but ultimately returned to his roots, focusing on the traditional methods that his family and community have practiced. His achievement brought significant attention to Ladakhi Churpi, a cheese that is typically difficult to find outside of its native region.