Bhutan cuisine is an integral part of Bhutanese culture and identity. It is a reflection of the country’s geography, climate, and history, and it showcases the Bhutanese people’s creativity and ingenuity in using local ingredients to create flavorful and nutritious dishes.
We will explore Bhutanese cuisine in more detail, looking at the history, ingredients, and cooking techniques along with some popular dishes to eat. Navigate between your interest using the options below.
BHUTAN FOOD TOUR
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BHUTAN CUISINE
Bhutanese cuisine has evolved over centuries and is influenced by the country’s geography, climate, and cultural traditions. Bhutan is a landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas, and its mountainous terrain and cool climate make it challenging to grow crops. As a result, the Bhutanese people have had to develop creative ways of using the ingredients that are available to them.
Bhutanese cuisine is also influenced by the country’s neighbors, including India, Nepal, and Tibet. Bhutan shares a border with these countries, and there has been significant cultural exchange over the years. As a result, Bhutanese cuisine has elements of these cuisines, but it is unique in its flavor profile and cooking techniques.
TRADITIONAL BHUTAN CUISINE
1. Ema Datshi
Ema Datshi is Bhutan’s national dish and is a spicy dish made with chili peppers and cheese. The dish is made by simmering diced chili peppers in a pot with a type of cheese called “datshi” until the cheese has melted and formed a sauce. The dish is typically served with rice and is a staple of Bhutanese cuisine.
2. Jasha Maru
Jasha Maru is a spicy chicken dish that is made with onions, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, and tomatoes. The chicken is simmered in a pot with the spices and vegetables until it is cooked through and the flavors have blended together. The dish is typically served with rice and is a favorite among Bhutanese people.
3. Kewa Datshi
Kewa Datshi is a dish made with potatoes and cheese. The potatoes are diced and simmered in a pot with a type of cheese called “datshi” until the cheese has melted and formed a sauce. The dish is typically served with rice and is a popular vegetarian option in Bhutanese cuisine.
4. Red Rice
Red rice is a type of rice that is unique to Bhutan and has a nutty flavor. It is often served with curries, stews, and other dishes and is a staple of the Bhutanese diet. Red rice is rich in nutrients and is a healthier option than white rice.
5. Chhurpi
Chhurpi is a type of cheese that is made from yak milk. The cheese is dried and can be eaten as a snack or added to dishes for flavor. Chhurpi is a popular snack in Bhutan and is often served with tea.
6. Shakam Paa
A popular dish in Bhutanese cuisine that features dried beef and spicy chili peppers. The chili peppers provide a strong heat that can be adjusted to taste, and the onions add a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
BHUTAN STREET FOOD
Street food is an essential part of Bhutanese cuisine, and it plays an important role in the daily lives of Bhutanese people. The streets of Bhutan are filled with a variety of food stalls and vendors selling delicious and affordable snacks and meals. Here are some popular street foods in Bhutan:
7. Momos
Momos are the most popular street food in Bhutan. These steamed or fried dumplings are filled with meat or vegetables and are served with a spicy sauce. They are commonly found in food stalls and markets throughout Bhutan, and they are an essential part of Bhutanese cuisine.
8. Jaju Soup
Jaju Soup is a popular street food in Bhutan that is made with vegetables, noodles, and meat. The soup is flavorful and filling, and it is served hot in a small bowl. It is a perfect snack or meal on a chilly day.
9. Phaksha Paa
Phaksha Paa is a popular street food in Bhutan that is made with pork, radish, and chili peppers. It is a spicy and flavorful dish that is typically served with rice. It is a staple food in Bhutanese cuisine and is commonly found in food stalls and markets throughout Bhutan.
10. Chamuey
Chamuey is a popular street food in Bhutan that is made with dried meat, chili peppers, and cheese. The meat is dried and then stir-fried with chili peppers and cheese until it is cooked. It is a spicy and flavorful dish that is typically served as a snack.
11. Gyuma
A popular Bhutanese dish made with marinated beef or pork that is deep-fried until crispy. The meat is usually seasoned with garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices, and it is often served as an appetizer or snack.
12. Nakey
Nakey is a popular street food in Bhutan that is made with puffed rice, peanuts, and spices. It is a crunchy and flavorful snack that is commonly found in food stalls and markets throughout Bhutan. It is a perfect snack to munch on while exploring the streets of Bhutan.
13. Thukpa
Thukpa is a popular street food in Bhutan that is made with noodles, vegetables, and meat. It is a hot and flavorful soup that is perfect for a quick meal on the go. It is commonly found in food stalls and markets throughout Bhutan.
BHUTAN FOOD TOUR
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BHUTAN DESSERTS
Bhutanese desserts are a sweet and indulgent part of Bhutanese cuisine. Although they are not as well-known as the savory dishes, Bhutanese desserts are delicious and unique, often featuring local ingredients such as buckwheat, red rice, and butter. Here are some popular Bhutanese desserts:
14. Juma
Juma is a deep-fried dessert made with wheat flour, sugar, and butter. The dough is rolled into small balls, flattened, and then deep-fried until crispy. Juma is a popular snack in Bhutan and is often served during festivals and special occasions.
15. Shakam Ema Datshi
Shakam Ema Datshi is a unique dessert that combines the savory flavors of Bhutanese cuisine with a sweet twist. It is made with dried beef (shakam) and chili and cheese sauce (ema datshi), but with added sugar and spices. The result is a sweet and spicy dessert that is rich and flavorful.
16. Khapsey
Khapsey is a traditional Bhutanese snack that can also be served as a dessert. It is made with wheat flour, sugar, and oil and is deep-fried until crispy. The result is a sweet and crunchy snack that is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
17. Goen Hogay
Goen Hogay is a refreshing and light dessert made with fresh fruits and yogurt. The dish combines chopped fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges with a creamy yogurt sauce. It is a healthy and delicious dessert that is perfect for a hot day.
18. Red Rice Pudding
Red rice pudding is a popular dessert in Bhutan that is made with red rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom. The rice is cooked until it is soft, and then the milk, sugar, and cardamom are added to create a creamy and sweet pudding. The dish is often served during festivals and special occasions.
19. Khuru Khoam
Khuru Khoam is a unique and delicious dessert made with fried cheese and honey. The cheese is fried until crispy and then drizzled with honey to create a sweet and savory dessert. It is often served during festivals and special occasions.
BHUTAN DRINKS
Bhutanese drinks are an essential part of Bhutanese cuisine, culture, and lifestyle. Bhutanese people enjoy a wide range of beverages, from traditional hot teas to locally brewed alcoholic drinks. Here are some popular Bhutanese drinks:
20. Suja
Suja, also known as butter tea, is a traditional hot beverage in Bhutan. It is made by boiling tea leaves with water, adding salt and yak butter, and then churning the mixture until it becomes frothy. Suja is a staple in Bhutanese households and is often served to guests as a sign of hospitality.
21. Ara
Ara is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Bhutan that is made by fermenting grains such as rice, wheat, and maize. It is usually served in a bamboo container called a bangchang, and sipped through a bamboo straw called a pipsing. Ara is a potent drink and is often consumed during festivals and special occasions.
22. Bangchang
Bangchang is a traditional Bhutanese drink made with fermented millet, wheat, or rice. It is served in a bamboo container and is often sipped through a bamboo straw. Bangchang is a popular drink during festivals and is often served alongside traditional Bhutanese dishes.
23. Butter Tea with Rum
Butter tea with rum is a popular drink in Bhutan, especially during the cold winter months. It is made by mixing hot butter tea with rum and is served piping hot. The drink is warming and comforting, perfect for cold days.
24. Doma
Doma is a traditional Bhutanese drink made by chewing betel nut and then wrapping it in a betel leaf. The combination of the betel nut and the leaf creates a slightly bitter and stimulating taste. Doma is a popular drink among Bhutanese people, and it is often consumed after meals or during social gatherings.
25. Chang
Chang is a traditional fermented drink made from barley or millet. It is a popular drink in Bhutan and is often served in bamboo containers. Chang is usually consumed during festivals and special occasions.
BHUTAN VEGETERIAN FOOD
Vegetarianism is common in Bhutan, with many people following a vegetarian or mostly vegetarian diet for cultural, religious, or health reasons.
Many restaurants and hotels offer vegetarian options of their most famous dishes including Ema Datshi, Kew Datshi, Shakam Datshi, Phaksa Paa, Kewa Phagsha, Jasha Maru and Momos.
From Ema Datshi to momos, Phaksha Paa to Kewa Datshi, Bhutanese cuisine has something for everyone. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat-lover, a spice enthusiast or prefer milder flavors, Bhutan cuisine has a dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
BHUTAN CUISINE COOKING TECHNIQUES
Bhutan cuisine uses a variety of cooking techniques, including grilling, roasting, boiling, and frying. However, many traditional Bhutanese dishes are cooked using a method called “zhim,” which involves simmering ingredients in a pot or wok over low heat for an extended period. This method of cooking allows the flavors to blend together and creates a rich, flavorful dish.
Another unique cooking technique used in Bhutan cuisine is “dum,” which involves steaming food in airtight containers. This technique is used to make dishes like momos, which are steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
Bhutan cuisine also makes use of traditional utensils, including the tsa-tsa, a flat pan used for roasting grains, and the doma-torkar, a wooden tool used for pounding chili peppers and other spices.
BHUTAN CUISINE INGREDIENTS USED
Bhutan cuisine uses a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.
Rice is a staple of the Bhutanese diet and is often served with curries, stews, and other dishes. Red rice is a type of rice that is unique to Bhutan and has a nutty flavor. It is often used in traditional Bhutanese dishes.
Meat is also an essential ingredient in Bhutanese cuisine, and the Bhutanese people eat a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and yak. Yak is a staple in the high altitude regions of Bhutan and is often used to make soups, stews, and curries.
Vegetables are another important ingredient in Bhutanese cuisine, and the country’s mountainous terrain has led to the development of unique vegetables that are not found elsewhere. These include jute, a leafy vegetable that is used to make soups, and ferns, which are used to make salads.
Chili peppers are a ubiquitous ingredient in Bhutanese cuisine and are used to add spice and flavor to dishes. The Bhutanese people are known for their love of spicy food, and they use chili peppers in almost every dish. In fact, Ema Datshi, Bhutan’s national dish, is made with chili peppers and cheese.
Dairy products are also essential in Bhutanese cuisine, and the Bhutanese people use a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, and yogurt. Yak cheese is a popular cheese in Bhutan and is often used in dishes like Ema Datshi.
