Tastes of Bhutan

On your visit to Bhutan, you are sure to encounter iconic landmarks such as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, vibrant Tsechu festivals, and the towering Buddha Point. There is another cultural encounter that awaits every traveler- Bhutan’s unofficial national dish, ema datsi, a fiery mix of chilies and local cheese served with generous portions of rice.

Bhutanese cuisine is deeply rooted in the country’s history and way of life. Influenced by Tibetan food traditions and flavored by neighboring India and China, it relies on staple crops such as red and white rice, maize, and buckwheat. While Bhutanese cities today offer a wide range of international cuisines, traditional meals remain at the heart of everyday life.

Traditionally, meals were eaten communally, seated on the floor, with rice and stews placed at the center and served by the matriarch of the household. Food was shared from wooden bowls known as dapa, eaten by hand.

Rice continues to be the backbone of Bhutanese meals, commonly paired with tsem (vegetable or cheese-based stews) and meat dishes made from beef, pork, or chicken. Although Bhutanese food is known for its spice, the fare in hotels and restaurants is typically tempered for the foreign palate.

Must-try dishes include:

Kewa Datsi: Creamy potato and cheese.
Shakam Paa: Dried beef cooked with chilies and radish.
Jasha Maru: A fragrant, minced chicken stew.
Momos: Steamed dumplings that have become a beloved Himalayan staple.

Regional Flavors

While rice and spicy stews are the universal language of Bhutan, the ‘accent’ changes as you move through the valleys. Some specialties, such as buckwheat dumplings or corn porridge, are found only in specific districts, rewarding only the most curious and open-minded eaters.

The West: In regions like Paro and Thimphu, Tibetan influence is strongest. Here you will find
Thukpa (noodle soup) and
Shabalay (meat-filled pastries). The village of Nobgang in Punakha is particularly legendary; as the ancestral home of the Four Queen Mothers, it is famous for
Ema Lumtsho (fried chilies) and the coveted
Aezey Nyergum, a complex chili paste made with 29 secret ingredients.
The Central Highlands: In the beautiful Bumthang Valley, buckwheat is king. Locals enjoy
Khurle (bitter buckwheat pancakes),
Puta (buckwheat noodles), and artisanal Swiss-style cheeses.
The East: As you move toward the sunrise, corn becomes the primary staple. Districts like Trashiyangtse are known for
Asham Thukpa (corn porridge) and
Zoedoe, a pungent fermented cheese comparable to a strong blue cheese.
The South: The Lhotshampa community brings the vibrant flavors of Nepal and India to the table. Expect fragrant curries, lentil dals, and a variety of marinated pickles and flatbreads.

An adventurous spirit will reveal that Bhutanese cuisine is far more diverse than rice and chilies. Discover regional specialties and local eats as part of our “Heart of Bhutan (8 day) and Grand Traverse (19 day) itineraries”.

The Modern Palette

Bhutan’s culinary scene has evolved rapidly in recent years. Once overlooked for fine dining, the country now boasts elegant restaurants and skilled chefs offering Bhutanese, fusion, and international cuisine against dramatic Himalayan backdrops.

Fine dining establishments are most commonly found in Thimphu and Paro, alongside four- and five-star hotels that serve refined Bhutanese, Indian, and continental dishes tailored to international tastes.

Hospitality in Bhutan extends beyond food to drinks. Guests are always offered a beverage- refusing is considered impolite. Tea is the most common offering, whether suja, a churned butter tea with salt, or ngaja, sweet milk tea.

For stronger options, traditional alcohols such as ara, banchang, and sinchang are widely enjoyed, especially in rural areas and during festivals. Bhutan also produces well-regarded beers like Red Panda and Druk 11000, along with local whiskies and rum.

However, the most exciting evolution in Bhutanese hospitality is the arrival of viticulture. At Mepham, we are proud to be the exclusive travel partner of the Bhutan Wine Company. As the only travel company offering dedicated wine tours in Bhutan, we provide our guests with unparalleled access to the kingdom’s first vineyards. Find out more as part of our signature “Wine and Cycling Tour”.