You’ve made it all the way to the Kingdom of Happiness in Asia, and ready to feast your heart out. But kind of food is to be expected in Bhutan?
First and foremost, get ready for plenty of hot and spicy. For a country full of zen-ful attitudes, food in Bhutan sure speaks from an opposite and fiery end of the spectrum. If you’re a lover of chilies and piquant flavors, then you’re in heaven!
Local cuisine incorporates lots of chilies, red peppers, spinach, cabbage, chicken, beef, yak…etc. Vegetarians will be offered many choices as a huge population in Bhutan don’t eat meat due to religious practices.
Since most travelers arrive in Bhutan with guided tours, meals are often pre-arranged either at local restaurants or hotel buffets in which you’ll most likely encounter these 13 aromatic and tempting dishes. Eat well to refuel for that trek up Tiger’s Nest!
1. Kewa-datshi
Bhutan’s version of gratin. A chili dish with potatoes and cheese.
2. Puta
Puta is a unique dish from the area of Bumthang where buckwheat noodles are served with curd.
3. Phaksha Paa
A spicy pork dish to be eaten with red rice.
4. Jasha Maru
A chicken plate cooked with chili, tomatoes, garlic and onion. A fantastic dish to refuel after a day of trekking.
PHOTO Jetset Times5. Red Panda Beer
This tasty beer is prevalent throughout Bhutan, the taste is refreshing and light.
PHOTO Jetset Times6. Po cha
Butter tea is a staple in Tibet and Nepal and made with fresh yak butter. If you’re not used to having oil in your tea, you might not be a fan. But it’s definitely worth a try! Many travelers love a cup during mornings and evenings.
PHOTO Jetset Times7. Red rice
Although the color will appear more rose pink, red rice contains more fiber than white rice. The taste is more coarse and chewy but has a good bite.
PHOTO Jetset Times8. Zow shungo
This is an easy dish of rice with whatever vegetables are available and can be seen at hotel buffets too.
PHOTO Jetset Times9. Shamu-datshi
A chili dish with mushroom and cheese.
10. Mutter paneer
A traditional dish in India can be found in many Bhutanese restaurants. This curried peas and cheese is ideal for vegetarians!
11. Momos
Bhutanese’s version of dumplings. Typically made with yak, the Bhutanese version come with beef as well.
12. Ema datshi
A Bhutanese staple that’s made of cheese and chili. The dish is on the exceedingly hot side, so be prepared for the burn!
PHOTO Jetset Times13. Khuli
In the area of Bumthang, these buckwheat pancakes and replaces red rice at times.
