Bhutanese cuisine is a true reflection of the country’s culture and environment. The food of Bhutan is known for its bold, spicy flavors, with chili being more of a vegetable than a spice here. A key element in almost every dish is cheese, especially yak cheese called datshi. The national food of Bhutan, Ema Datshi, perfectly represents this. It’s a simple dish made with fresh chilies and melted cheese, giving it a spicy yet creamy taste. Bhutan food is designed to be hearty and warm, which makes sense considering the cold climate of its mountainous regions.
Known as the last Shangri-la, this country definitely knows how to preserve its culture through its food. The preparation of most dishes here is simple and uncomplicated much like the lives of Bhutanese people. There is a good variety of tasty momos everywhere and you can eat them to your heart’s content. However, some of these traditional foods of Bhutan are usually neglected by travelers, either due to lack of knowledge or because one needs to acquire the appetite for the Bhutanese dishes.
Bhutanese Cuisine You Can Try!
Most Bhutanese dishes are simple but packed with nutrients. The heavy use of chilies, cheese, and meat provides warmth and energy, necessary for surviving Bhutan’s cold winters. Locally grown ingredients like red rice and buckwheat are also staples, emphasizing the sustainable practices of the region. The food in Bhutan not only nourishes but also connects people to their land and traditions thus making preservation of the Bhutanese cuisine a factor that helps in driving the guiding philosophy of Bhutan—Gross National Happiness.
Traditional Food of Bhutan
- Ema Datshi: This is the national food of Bhutan. Green or red chilies are stewed with datshi, and sometimes onion and garlic are added. The dish is quick to prepare and served with rice at every meal. Its spiciness is balanced by the creamy cheese making the spice less punchy. It is one of the simplest dishes that is a staple in Bhutanese cuisine.
- Kewa Datshi: This is just one step ahead from the national food of Bhutan, Ema Datshi. Kewa datshi is when thinly sliced potatoes are cooked with cheese and chilies till they are tender. It’s a comforting and hearty food often eaten as a side dish. The creamy potatoes make it a good option for those looking for something less spicy.
- Phaksha Paa: Pork is another one of the staple ingredients in Bhutanese dishes, this and other meats are usually cooked with onion, garlic and the obvious chillies. Phaksha paa too features marinated pork stir fried with dried chillies, radish and the other staples mentioned. The final Bhutanese dish turns out to be a great stew that is savory and pairs well with red rice.
- Shakam Paa: This one is a famous food of Bhutan with dried beef taking center stage.
Dried beef is cooked with radish and chilies. The dish has a chewy texture while the rich flavor comes from the radish and chillies, making it a favorite among protein-rich foods in Bhutan. This goes well with red rice or simple buckwheat noodles.
- Jasha Maru: The freezing winters of Bhutan can be daunting to some, but nothing helps like a bowl of simmered stew of diced chicken. Sauteed garlic, onions, tomatoes, and chilies make for a fragrant, spicy broth. This famous food of Bhutan is usually served with the famous red rice.
- Khule: People eat the pancakes as their breakfast or a simple snack. These pancakes can be made both sweet and savory and one can have it with some eggs or as a bread with Bhutanese stews. These pancakes made of buckwheat or barley are simple yet a delicacy amongst the food of Bhutan.
- Puta: This dish is made with homemade buckwheat noodles mixed with chillies for a kick of spice and served with scallions and eggs. Found mostly in Bumthang due to its cold temperature where buckwheat grows with resilience. Do not forget to try some when in Bumthang Bhutan for the authentic taste.
Khule and Puta once used to be very common Bhutanese dishes in central Bhutan like Bumthang and Gangtey until they started to diminish. In recent years, the dishes have risen to popularity again.
Recommended Read: Discovering the Best Time to Visit Bhutan
Street Food of Bhutan:
- Momos: These little pockets of joy that have half of Delhi crazy, are loved in Bhutan too. The momos in Bhutan are a haven for meat eaters, one can find minced beef, pork, chicken and a variety of vegetables stuffed into thin layered momos. Many have their secret ingredients that they add to these.
- Hoentay: Sure you can have as many momos you want but do not forget to try these warm and delicious dumplings made with buckwheat dough. Commonly eaten in the Haa Valley, these dumplings are packed with the goodness of turnip leaves, perilla and pumpkin seeds, cottage cheese, butter and Sichuan peppers.
- Thukpa: Street food in Bhutan is quite rich and varied, an example of this is the flavorful steaming bowl of thukpa. The dish is a combination of noodles and warm stew. Usually it contains the basic aromatics along with chillies, chopped onions and several kinds of meat, eggs or just the vegetables. The Bhutanese dish doesn’t have any dairy making it perfect for vegans.
- Suja (Butter tea): This tea originally comes from Tibet. Bhutan enjoys the beverage as it combines tea with butter–which they have in abundance due to their extensive cattle rearing. This also is perfect for the climate they dwell in, the cold in Bhutan is best tackled with some warm tasty butter tea and some puffed rice called zaow. The Bhutanese use the Jarhi tea, along with some salt, unsalted butter and milk. The tea not only energizes you but also helps in digestion and reduces altitude sickness.
Travel Beyond: Bhutan Road Trip
Top Eateries in Bhutan by Region
Best Restaurants in Thimphu
- Kelden Restaurant: It’s a popular restaurant amongst locals serving traditional food of Bhutan.
- Ambient Cafe: A cozy cafe to enjoy a range of vegetarian and vegan food in Bhutan.
- Chh’a Bistro: A must-visit for those wanting to have good food of Bhutan.
Best Restaurants in Punakha
- Merengma Bistro & Bar: Right beside the Punakha river, this one offers set meals made with farm fresh ingredients that are rich in flavor and very filling.
- Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria: This warm and cozy place is great for lunch, serving the best traditional food of Bhutan.
Best Restaurants in Paro
- My Kind of Place: A simple menu and delicious food in a great portion makes it one of the best restaurants in Paro.
- Sonam Trophel Restaurant: Famous for its warm service and authentic flavors, visitors like the Saag datshi served here.
- Taktsang Cafeteria: The cafe is the perfect pit-stop on the Tiger’s Nest Hike to have coffee, suja and a spread of local food of Bhutan.
Explore more: The Tiger’s Nest Monastery Guide
Local Food of Bhutan as Souvenirs
Bhutan offers several unique food items that are perfect for sharing a taste of your travels back home. These items will not only remind you of the food of Bhutan but also allow you to share its unique flavors with friends and family.
Yak Cheese (Datshi): The cheese brings the flavors of Bhutanese cuisine to your kitchen.
Pickles (Ezay): Spicy and tangy, Bhutanese pickles make a great addition to meals.
Dried Meat: These protein-packed meats are part of the traditional foods of Bhutan.
Buckwheat Noodles (Puta): A versatile ingredient used in Bhutanese cooking.
Bhutanese Red Rice: Nutty and nutritious, this is a staple in many Bhutanese dishes.
Read More: Bhutan Visa for Indians & Entry Permit for a Hassle-Free Entry
Food of Bhutan FAQs
Which is the famous food of Bhutan?
The famous food of Bhutan is Ema Datshi, it is also the national food of Bhutan. This dish is made with a hearty combination of fresh chilies and melted yak cheese, creating a spicy and creamy flavor that is central to Bhutanese cuisine.
Is Bhutan food veg or non-veg?
The cuisine of Bhutan includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. While Bhutanese dishes like Ema Datshi are vegetarian, meat, especially pork, beef, and chicken, is widely consumed in Bhutan food.
What is the traditional breakfast in Bhutan?
A traditional breakfast in Bhutan often includes staple foods of Bhutan like red rice, buckwheat pancakes, and sometimes Ema Datshi. Butter tea, called Suja, is also a part of the morning meal in Bhutanese cuisine.
What is the street food in Bhutan?
Street food in Bhutan often consists of Bhutanese dishes like momo (dumplings), fried noodles, and ezay (spicy chutney). These foods in Bhutan are popular with locals and visitors alike for their bold flavors and simplicity.
What language is spoken in Bhutan?
The official language spoken in Bhutan is Dzongkha. However, English is widely understood, especially in urban areas, and many Bhutanese also speak Hindi.
Why is Bhutan so famous?
Bhutan is famous for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, Gross National Happiness policy, and vibrant Bhutanese cuisine. Its focus on sustainability and preserving cultural traditions make it a special destination for travelers.
What do Bhutanese drink?
Popular drinks in Bhutanese cuisine include butter tea (Suja) and Ara, a traditional alcoholic drink made from rice or barley. These beverages are a part of daily life in Bhutan food culture.
Is Bhutan food spicy?
Yes, Bhutan food is generally spicy. Chilies are a staple in most Bhutanese dishes, making food in Bhutan known for its heat, especially in the national food of Bhutan, Ema Datshi.
Tailor-made Trips: Bhutan Tour Package