Bhutan is a unique country in South Asia where you can see a perfect blend of modernity and traditions. Despite vast modernism, the people of Bhutan are always rooted in their culture while not losing the traditional values. Along with preserving the natural beauty and environment, you can also see the preservation of traditional Bhutanese delicacies in this Himalayan Kingdom. You can book one of the best Bhutan family tour packages to embark on a unique food expedition here.
Bhutan is surrounded by various delicious cuisines and here you can find both fine dining as well as stress food items. You can be assured that all your food expectations whether it be veg or non-veg will be satisfied during your Bhutan trip. However, people with low spice tolerance must be careful while trying the food items because most of the Bhutanese food is based on chillies and quite spicy.
Here Are Some Of The Food Delicacies That You Shouldn’t Miss During Your Bhutan Trip
1. Ema Datshi
Ema Datshi is one of the most popular dishes of Bhutan which is a staple food among the locals. This Bhutanese stew made with yak cheese and chillies is considered the national dish of the country. During your trip, you must try a dish which is usually accompanied by red rice. Bhutanese people love spicy food and this dish is the perfect reflection of spiciness and simplicity.
Herein, you can find various restaurants as well as street food joints selling this dish at affordable rates. Apart from chillies and cheese, garlic, onions, and tomatoes are also added to this dish to give an additional taste and texture. It is truly a perfect dish to enjoy a wholesome lunch or dinner with your loved ones for a cherishing and comforting memory.
2. Suja
If you have booked the best Bhutan tour package then you must add tasting Suja tea during your trip. This is an authentic hot beverage of the country which the local people serve to welcome guests. The creamy tea is made with Jarhi tea leaves, unsalted yak butter, and yak milk.
This tea also has a Tibetan influence since due to the heightened cold in Tibet most people there consume Suja tea to keep them warm and comfy. However, most of the northern and western parts of Bhutan also have cold temperatures and the people there keep them warm with a hot cup of Suja. If you’re indulging in high altitude trekking or travelling to Bhutan during winter then don’t miss drinking a cup of Suja from a local outlet.
3. Yaksha Shakam
If you’re a dry meat lover then you must try Yaksha Shakam in Bhutan. This is a dish made with dry yak meat which tastes even better than dried beef meat. Apart from its taste, this dish is also nutritious and can make your lunch quite healthy with lots of protein and healthy oils.
After trying Yaksha Shakam with jerky meat you will surely forget the taste of packaged sausages or pepperonis. This is truly a heavenly dish to try for those people who cannot consume meat. All of your taste buds will feel blessed after tasting this dish which is also loaded with creamy fermented cheese made with Yak milk. You can order a bowl of rice or noodles with Yaksha Shakam for a heavenly food experience with a burst of flavours.
4. Momos
Momos or dumplings are one of the most flavourful dishes which is famous across the globe. This is also a popular dish in Bhutan that was actually brought to the country from Tibet. During your Bhutan journey, you can get a common sight of local outlets and restaurants selling steamy hot momos. It is also an essential part of Bhutanese cuisine that holds diverse flavours and aromas.
Usually, this dish is made by making thin sheets of flour dough which is then stuffed with minced vegetables or meat. Some of the varieties of momos that you can find in the Himalayan Kingdom are vegetable, beef, pork, and chicken momos which are served with a hot chutney made with tomatoes and chillies. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet fulfilling food option then you can opt for momos without a second thought.
5. Phaksha Paa
Bhutan is a heaven for pork lovers and one of the most popular pork dishes that one must taste is Phaksha Paa. Local people usually make this dish in a gravy or stew style where you can taste a burst of flavours coming from different spices and veggies. This dish is made by stir-frying mountain vegetables and spices in oil and then adding chunks of pork to the cooked gravy.
Bhutanese people often eat this staple food with a bowl of rice. Chillies are the mandatory ingredient in most of the dishes in Bhutan and this is why you must expect the gravy of Phaksha Paa to be quite spicy. However, eating it with rice usually balances the spiciness. If you’re avoiding pork for some reason then you also get a vegetarian option of this delicacy.
6. Jasha Maroo
Another Bhutanese delicacy that you can find all around the country is Jasha Maroo. This traditional chicken curry or stew is enjoyed throughout Bhutan due to its nutritious value and taste. Furthermore, the most noticeable flavour that will surely satisfy your taste buds is the ginger taste along with the mild aroma of dry spices.
For a hearty meal with your loved ones, you can order a bowl of red rice alongside Jasha Maroo. Some of the common ingredients used in this dish apart from chicken are tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chillies. However, you must always check for the spice level of this dish as it is also considered one of the spiciest cuisines of Bhutan.
7. Puta
Your Bhutan trip will surely be incomplete if you don’t try a bowl full of hot and steamy noodles. However, foodies who are opting for a healthier version of noodles then they can try Puta. This is a nutritious and hand-made noodle made with buckwheat flour. This Bhutanese delicacy is mostly popular in Bumthang Valley where you can see all the local people make it during local festivals and other special occasions.
You can book one of the best Bhutan family tour packages to travel to the scenic Bumthang Valley and try this local cuisine. The local outlets in Bhutan serve both dry and soupy varieties of Puta. Herein, the soupy one is more comforting and creamy as it is made by using fresh milk.
8. Zow Shungo
Bhutanese people are known across the globe for their anti-waste attitudes. One of the most common Bhutanese delicacies that reduces food wastage is Zow Shungo. This is a perfect dish that reflects the rich culture of Bhutan. Herein, the dish is made by using leftover red rice and vegetables. You won’t get this dish in popular fine-dining restaurants but you can definitely visit a local food outlet to taste this authentic dish.
People who are on a strict veg diet or want to opt for healthy food choices then they can undoubtedly opt for this food option. If you’re running out of budget then also this is a perfect dish for you as it can be found in most of the street food outlets at reasonable prices.
9. Goen Hogey
Most of the Bhutanese delicacies are packed with various types of meat but if you want to avoid those then you can order Goen Hogey. This is basically a nutritious salad made with datshi cheese, sliced cucumbers, cilantro, chilli flakes, and tomatoes.
The creamy texture, freshness, and added crunch that this dish provides will surely make your vacation experience more energizing and comfortable. You can also add sprinkles of authentic Sichuan pepper zheng to add a spicy kick to this dish. This salad is truly a palette-cleansing dish that can also be ordered as an accompaniment with other gravies and rice.
10. Juma
Another lip-smacking dish that is perfect for sausage lovers is Juma. This is a Bhutanese sausage made with minced meat, rice, and spices which is then wrapped into the intestine of any animal. This is one of the favourite delicacies among the Bhutanese people that is seasoned with a perfect amount of Sichuan Pepper. The zing sensation and aromatic flavours of Juma make it an ideal accompaniment with Bhutanese alcoholic beverages such as Ara.
This beverage is fermented millet, barley, and rice which makes a perfect pair with the meaty taste of Juma. This sausage is also an ideal representation of the Chinese influence in Bhutanese cuisine. However, not all Jumas have a nice flavour because certain sausages may taste quite bland and plain.
Booking one of the best Bhutan family tour packages from a reputed agency like Bhutan Packages will enable you to begin an adventurous and palatable journey. Each and every food item that you may find here will surely amaze you with its simplicity, aroma, unique texture, and creaminess. Whether you’re a meat lover or want to follow a nutritious diet routine, Bhutanese cuisine is packed with diverse delicacies that can satisfy all your needs.
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