Bhutan is famous for a lot of things and one of them being its exotic and mouth-watering food that is world-famous. People around the world visit this place for its lovely culture as well as food that reflects its tradition and authentic values. If you are in this gorgeous land of culture, consider grabbing a bit of all these exotic dishes that you won’t find anywhere else! Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of flavors!
Ema Datshi
Ema Datshi is the national dish of Bhutan and is world-famous for its flavor. The word ‘Datshi’ in Bhutanese language means ‘cheese’ and that is the essence of this dish. If you are a cheese lover, you are going to get hold of this and never letting go of it for sure. Since Bhutanese people love cheese and chilies the most, this dish is an extremely special part of their food. This is a traditional Bhutanese stew made with Yak cheese and lots of chilies. That is what makes this dish complete and worth eating. The thing is that they prefer eating these two ingredients so much that almost everything you will find in Bhutan will either be spicy or cheesy. Ema Datshi is a must-try dish for its added flavors of garlic, onion, tomatoes along with red rice. So, you are sure to have one of the best taste buds here.
Where to eat: The Place in Chang Lam for the best stew!
Shakam Paa
Shakam Paa is another popular dish in Bhutan and is one of the most preferred dishes in Bhutan. It is loved for its taste of dried beef with chilies. This is one of the most unique taste buds in Bhutan and is also a great source of protein. It is served alongside chilies and radish. Shakam Paa is definitely one of the most loved dishes in Bhutan and is a part of their daily routine. If you are here, you must try this one and you will know what we are talking about. The art of cooking beef by drying it and then preserving it is a unique form in which the Bhutanese people cook their food. This adds to the flavor and makes sure that you get the best one out of it. Have this at any local or renowned restaurant. Each one of them offers the best taste ever!
Where to eat: Dorji Troy Restaurant for the best Shakam Paa.
Jasha Maru
Another famous dish in Bhutan that is popular for its extremely spicy taste! If you love spicy food, then you just cannot miss this one. It has the nametag of being one of the spiciest dishes in Bhutan but has a lot of admiration for that. Typically made from chicken, this dish has a lot of added flavors like onion, garlic, ginger for the best taste. Sometimes beef is also used instead of chicken here and red rice is served along. Red rice is another typical dish that is clubbed with almost everything. The aroma is great, the taste is even more mouth-watering. Consider having this as the first thing in Bhutan because this taste will hover your mind over a really long time.
Where to eat: San Maru Restaurant in Norzin Lam for an ultimate Jasha Maru.
Phaksha Paa
Phaksha related to pork and Paa is a type of curry. So this one is basically a serving of the most loved food in Bhutan that is Pork along with a curry. This gravy stew of pork is definitely a must-try for all those who love traditional and aesthetic food. This is also a spicy stew so consider a nice restaurant before consuming this one. For the best taste, visit an authentic restaurant and have the best taste of Phaksha Paa with dried red chilies. With so many spices, excess chilies and a hell lot of vegetables, this stew has the most amazing taste ever! A staple Bhutanese food with the most incredible taste buds- this one is sure to have an everlasting impact on your heart as well as mind.
Where to eat: Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant in Pedzo Lam for the ultimate Phaksha Paa.
Dumplings
Although these are available everywhere in the world; dumplings are an imperative part of Bhutanese cuisine. The dumplings you will have here will not be the same anywhere else. With such a tempting filling and cooking style, these dumplings are loved by everyone everywhere. One of the most loved street foods in Bhutan are these dumplings and we gave no doubt about it. There are a lot of different fillings that are seen in different areas and all of them are pretty decent. Anything you name- beef, pork, cheese, and chilies, of course, it is all a part of the fillings in dumplings. Have this one and you will not forget it for years to come!
Where to eat: Zombala 2, Phendey Lam for World’s best dumplings.