Close your eyes for a moment. Picture misty valleys curled around ancient monasteries, the sound of fluttering prayer flags echoing through pine-scented air, and the warm smile of a Bhutanese grandmother stirring a steaming pot over a firewood stove.
Well this Bhutan—where even the food feels like a spiritual experience.
Bhutan is not just a destination for the eyes and heart—it’s a feast for the soul. While the dramatic landscapes and tranquil dzongs draw you in, it’s the humble, hearty, and fiery traditional food that makes you stay. Rooted in centuries of tradition, Bhutanese cuisine is all about balance—of fire and comfort, simplicity and richness, spice and serenity. As we all know that Bhutan is the land of the thunder dragon, soaring Himalayas, fluttering prayer flags, and smiling faces. But beyond the monasteries and majestic dzongs lies a hidden treasure trove that every traveler must explore—Bhutanese cuisine. It is deeply rooted in culture, simplicity, and bold flavors, Bhutan’s traditional food is a beautiful fusion of spice, warmth, and authenticity. From the smoky kitchens of Paro to the bustling street corners of Thimphu, Bhutanese dishes offer more than just nourishment—they offer stories.
So, if you’re planning a trip to this mystical Bhutanese kingdom, prepare your palate! In this blog we share some list of must-try traditional Bhutanese dishes that will spice up your upcoming Bhutan tour package.
1. Ema Datshi – The Spicy National Treasure
Let’s begin with Bhutan’s beloved national dish is stew called Ema Datshi. It is a bold love letter to those who like to eat spicy food but not very much spicy food. Made from fiery green or red chillies simmered with yak cheese or cottage cheese, this dish is served with every meal, every day, and is loved by every Bhutanese soul. Basically it is cooked in a clay pot. In Bhutan, chillies aren’t a spice—they’re a vegetable.
It’s spicy. It’s creamy. It’s addictive. And it’s everywhere—from royal kitchens to roadside diners. Trying Ema Datshi isn’t just tasting a dish. It’s tasting Bhutan’s identity.
2. Kewa Datshi – Potatoes in Cheese Paradise
Not into spice? Meet Kewa Datshi, Ema Datshi’s mellow cousin. Soft slices of potato soak up melted cheese, with just a hint of green chilli for character. It’s like mashed potatoes decided to take a gap year in the Himalayas—and came back enlightened.
Pair it with red rice and a smile.
3. Shamu Datshi – Mushroom Madness
If you love mushrooms? This one’s for you. Shamu Datshi is a rich mushroom and cheese stew, warm, creamy, and earthy. Locals love it during monsoon when fresh wild mushrooms are in season. Try it with a glass of hot suja or it’s called Bhutanese butter tea—a match made in Himalayan heaven.
of potato soak up melted cheese, with just a hint of green chilli for character. It’s like mashed potatoes decided to take a gap year in the Himalayas—and came back enlightened.
Pair it with red rice and a smile.
4. Suja – The Butter Tea You Didn’t Know You Needed
It might surprise your taste buds, but give it time.
Suja, or Bhutanese butter tea, is made with fermented tea leaves, butter (often yak butter), and a pinch of salt. It’s warming, energizing, and the perfect companion to chilly mountain mornings. Locals sip it like coffee. You might just leave Bhutan craving it more than cappuccino.
5. Phaksha Paa – Pork with a Punch
Bhutanese love their meat, and Phaksha Paa is a perfect example. Just imagine juicy pork slices stir-fried with dried chillies, radishes, and sometimes fiddlehead ferns. Smoky, savory, and boldly spiced , the delicious Phaksha Paa is a dish that demands attention. Often served with Bhutanese red rice, this dish is comfort food for the locals—and a fiery wake-up call for travelers who dare. Basically it’s smoky, spicy, and simply unforgettable for every foody person. Especially when cooked over firewood in traditional kitchens.
6. Jasha Maru – The Chicken Curry with a Twist
Jasha Maru is a delicious chicken curry dish in Bhutan that is perfect for those who want a simple meal without overindulging. The earthy ginger flavor is a standout, making it a must-try dish when visiting Bhutan from India. This isn’t your regular chicken curry. Sometimes with your choice or demands Jasha Maru will be made light, brothy, and cooked with ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and—you guessed it—chillies! Served with red rice, it makes for a satisfying, soulful meal. Some travelers prefer to eat the most tasty Non Veg food throughout their Bhutan journey, It’s often the first non-veg dish recommended to tourists.
7. Hoentay – Bhutanese Momos/Dumpling with a Buckwheat Touch
Ditch the regular momos for Hoentay, a traditional dumpling made with buckwheat dough and Stuffed with spinach, cheese, and turnip greens, and served with a fierce chilli paste, these dumplings are festival food turned comfort food. Your cravings for street momos will be satiated in Bhutan with the local delicacy. The only difference is that this dumpling is made with a buckwheat wrapper. Bite into one during the Lomba Festival in Haa Valley, and you’ll feel centuries of culture in a single chew.
8. Red Rice – The Bhutanese Staple
Every meal in Bhutan is incomplete without red rice, a slightly nutty, chewy grain grown in the Paro valley. Packed with nutrients and local pride, it pairs beautifully with every datshi, paa, or maru you try.
Final Spoonful
Eating in Bhutan isn’t just about satisfying your hunger—it’s about immersing yourself in its culture. The smoky kitchens, the generous servings, the spice-soaked stories, they all weave a delicious tale of tradition and love.
So, when you’re wandering through Bhutan’s scenic trails or spiritual monasteries, remember—let your taste buds go on their own adventure too.
Let TravelZia take you on an unforgettable culinary and cultural journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon! From cozy farmhouse dinners to authentic cooking experiences in hidden Himalayan villages—Travelzia Bhutan Tour Packages are designed for foodies, explorers, and soul-searchers alike.
Book your Bhutan adventure today with Travelzia and eat your way through the most magical kingdom on earth.
