With its sloping landscape and amazing vistas, Bhutan has become the ultimate destination for touring. And it goes without saying you’ll find some hearty traditional food in Bhutan.
Food intrigues everyone, regardless of which country you visit. The food of Bhutan is packed with delectable recipes that make us crave them simply by looking at them.
Although some are tempered with spices from around the world to appeal to different palates, we recommend travelers try the traditional home cuisines for a more authentic experience.
It is the food of Bhutan, which is also among the best and most difficult to get by elsewhere. Here are some must-taste (and little known) food of Bhutan that take your taste buds on a truly unique experience:
9 Delicious Food of Bhutan
- Ema Datshi
- Kewa Datshi
- Shakam Datshi
- Goep
- Jasha Maroo or Maroo
- Haabi Hoentey
- Khur-le, Buckwheat Pancake
- Puta
- Chogoo
2 Drink Specialties
- Suja
- Arra
#1. Ema Datshi – Chilli With Cheese
Starting off, ema datshi, which primarily consists of chili and cheese, is a significant food of Bhutan. Throughout your time in Bhutan, you are most likely to have ema datshi almost every day.
Ema datshi is made either with fresh green or dried red chilies and cooked with a generous amount of local cheese and butter.
Although the basic elements remain the same, the more you eat ema datshi, the more you’ll find that no two are alike.
#2. Kewa Datshi
Since Kewa means potato in Bhutanese, kewa datshi translates to “potatoes and cheese.” And, surprisingly, you will find that Kewa Datshi is almost comparable to scalloped potatoes.
The potatoes are usually sliced thinly or diced and then cooked with cheese and butter. Although it is a mild food of Bhutan, the Bhutanese normally add a few chilies to meet their peppery taste buds.
#3. Shakam Datshi
As you may have realized, visiting Bhutan and eating Bhutanese food without consuming a lot of cheese and chili is highly unlikely.
Bhutanese dried beef, or shakam, is one of the most well-known meats. The beef is dried and stored to resemble beef jerky, although it is thicker and not fully dehydrated.
Dry beef is chopped into bite-sized pieces and cooked with cheese, butter, and dried red chilies in preparing shakam datshi.
#4. Goep
If you like tripe, try goep in Bhutan, which is made from slices of tripe stir-fried with dried chiles and occasionally cooked with vegetables.
Like any other food of Bhutan, the dried chilies are what you will appreciate the most about eating goep. When preparing goep, they must be pressure-cooked for a smooth texture that is soft and easy to chew.
#5. Jasha Maroo or Maroo
Jasha maroo is a stew made with chicken.
One of the most common aspects of Bhutanese jasha maru is the distinct ginger flavor present in practically every jasha maroo dish.
The flavor of the dry spices isn’t particularly strong, but the ginger gives this meal a reason to be enjoyed by every Bhutanese and visitor from around the world.
#6. Haabi Hoentey – A Celebratory Food of Bhutan
Haabi Hoenteys are dumplings that are popular in Haa valley and are occasionally served during celebrations such as the Lomba festival (Bhutanese new year)
Hoenteys resemble Tibetan dumplings, but they’re primarily made of buckwheat dough and turnip.
Haabi hoenteys are available freshly steamed or deep-fried, which is a new variation. Haabi hoentey is a rich and nourishing dish that tastes much better when dipped in Bhutanese chili sauce (ezay).
Let’s say there won’t be any difficulties finding hoenteys or dumplings if you visit Bhutan.
#7. Khur-Le, Buckwheat Pancake
Khur-Le is usually made from wheat and barley flour. Khur-le is usually consumed as breakfast food. In the past, this food of Bhutan was usually served as lunch for cattle herders and is incredibly filling.
It is buckwheat, barley, or wheat flour-based pancake. It goes well with other Bhutanese dishes like ema datshi or shakam datshi and eggs and chutneys.
#8. Puta
Puta is a traditional food of Bhutan enjoyed by the people of Bumthang in central Bhutan. They are a healthy alternative to rice and other food in Bhutan.
They’re traditionally cooked in boiled water, but they’re also best served when stir-fried in oil.
They can be spiced up to match the taste thanks to the ubiquity of different spices from all over the world.
Surprisingly, preparing puta is a breeze. Aside from the noodle pressing, the procedure is straightforward. Unless you have the right tools, pressing the noodles out will need a lot of strength.
#9. Chogoo
Chogoo (also known as churpi) is a dried yak cheese that is rock-hard yet eatable and is quite prevalent across the country. Chogoos can be found in Tibet and Nepal as well.
They’re made by storing cheese and allowing it to solidify organically, and they’re so hard to chew that you’ll have to chew them for hours before they dissolve on your tongue.
This is the food you seek when traveling across Bhutan and need something to snack on.
Chogoo strands hang like necklaces from the walls and ceilings in the markets of Bhutan, and you should definitely try it when you’re at it.
Drink Specialties
#1. Suja
Tea and coffee are widely available in Bhutan’s restaurants, cafes, and bars; however, Suja, or butter tea, is a traditional hot beverage that is second to none.
Although it is not for the diet-conscious, it is a delicious combination of salt and butter that goes well on cold winter days and gives you the energy to take over the world once more.
#2. Arra
Arra is a major local specialty that can be served cold or hot. It is a beverage that is closely connected to how wines are made.
It can be consumed plain or boiled with egg, but it is not always suitable for the faint of heart because they are extremely strong.
Depending on where you live, you can also find other local wines. Several locally consumed beers, typically in 750 ml bottles, are also readily available.
Bottom Line
The food of Bhutan will certainly amaze you with its delightful servings and oh so pleasant aroma. Don’t let this narrowed list stop you from doing more research and getting the taste of Bhutan.
From the local stalls to luxurious restaurants, you can get your tongue on various food of Bhutan. However, we recommend that you try these exquisite Bhutanese foods in a more home-cooked atmosphere for a more unique experience.
Are you ready to travel to Bhutan?
Now that you know what various food to try, it’s time to book your trip to Bhutan! Check out the Step by Step Guide To Planning Your Ideal Holiday.