Bhutan Famous Food Guide with 20 Traditional Dishes You Can’t Miss

Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes and Gross National Happiness but also for its unique and flavorful cuisine. Rich in tradition and bold in flavor, Bhutan famous food often features chili, cheese, buckwheat, and red rice—all staples that define the country’s culinary identity.

Whether you’re a foodie traveler or a curious visitor, this guide will introduce you to the best food to try in Bhutan, including the heart and soul of traditional food of Bhutan. 

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1. Ema Datshi: The National Dish of Bhutan

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A fiery stew made from green chilies and local yak or cow cheese, Ema Datshi is the pride of Bhutanese cuisine. Served hot with red rice, it’s spicy, cheesy, and addictive—definitely not for the faint-hearted.

• Must Try: With mushrooms or potatoes (variants: Shamu Datshi, Kewa Datshi)
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500 per serving
• Best Served With: Red rice or buckwheat pancakes

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2. Kewa Datshi: Potato and Cheese Stew

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A milder version of Ema Datshi, Kewa Datshi features thinly sliced potatoes cooked in a creamy cheese sauce with a hint of chili. It’s perfect for those easing into Bhutanese spice.

• Must Try: With extra cheese and green chilies
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹400 per serving
• Best Served With: Steamed rice

3. Shamu Datshi: Mushroom and Cheese Delight

This earthy and comforting dish combines local mushrooms with cheese and chilies, delivering an umami-packed punch. Among the top Bhutan famous food you’ll find on almost every menu.

• Must Try: With wild mushrooms
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500
• Best Served With: Red rice or buckwheat noodles

4. Phaksha Paa: Pork with Red Chilies

A hearty stir-fry of pork cooked with dried red chilies, radishes, and spinach. Phaksha Paa is the best food to try in Bhutan, ideal for meat lovers. The combination of smoky heat from the chilies and the earthiness of radishes gives it a unique depth of flavor. Served with red rice, it’s a satisfying and filling meal.

• Must Try: With local greens like spinach
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹600
• Best Served With: Bhutanese red rice

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5. Jasha Maru: Spicy Chicken Stew

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Made with diced chicken, garlic, tomato, and ginger, Jasha Maru is lighter than most Bhutanese dishes but still delivers flavor and warmth. 

Its mild yet aromatic taste makes it a perfect dish for those who prefer less heat but still want to experience Bhutanese cuisine. Often paired with steamed rice or flatbreads, it’s a comforting and easy-to-enjoy meal.

• Must Try: With a fried egg on top
• Price Range: ₹250 – ₹500
• Best Served With: Steamed rice or flatbreads

6. Sikam Paa: Sun-dried Pork Belly

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This winter favorite features sun-dried pork belly fried with red chilies. It is high in fat, high in flavor, and deeply satisfying. Often paired with a warming drink or served with rice, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy during the cold months.

• Must Try: With dried red chilies and garlic
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹700
• Best Served With: Buckwheat pancakes or red rice

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7. Goep: Spicy Tripe Dish

An adventurous pick, Goep is made from stir-fried beef tripe with green chilies and scallions. Not for the faint of heart—but highly rewarding for the brave. Its chewy texture and bold flavors make it a favorite among those who enjoy daring dishes with a spicy kick.

• Must Try: If you enjoy offal
• Price Range: ₹250 – ₹550
• Best Served With: A chilled beer or local Ara

8. Hoentay: Buckwheat Dumplings from Haa Valley

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These unique dumplings are made from buckwheat flour and filled with turnip greens, cheese, and ginger. A must-try version of momos found only in Bhutan. 

The earthy flavors of the buckwheat and the subtle spice from ginger make this traditional food of Bhutan a delightful treat, especially when paired with a spicy dipping sauce. It is perfect for a cozy meal or as an appetizer during festive occasions.

• Must Try: Fried version with spicy dipping sauce
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500 (6 pieces)
• Best Served With: Butter tea (Suja)

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9. Suja: Bhutanese Butter Tea

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Made from churned yak butter, tea leaves, and salt, Suja is more savory than sweet. A warm companion for Bhutan’s chilly weather and traditional food of Bhutan culture. 

It’s commonly enjoyed with local snacks like dumplings or puffed rice, enhancing the overall dining experience.

• Must Try: With puffed rice or Khur-le
• Price Range: ₹50 – ₹150 per cup
• Best Served With: Light snacks or dumplings

10. Red Rice: The Staple of Bhutan

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Semi-milled and grown in the Paro Valley, red rice is nutty and chewy. It’s the daily base that supports most Bhutanese meals.

• Must Try: With Ema Datshi or Phaksha Paa
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹300 per plate
• Best Served With: Any main dish

11. Puta: Buckwheat Noodles

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A specialty of the Bumthang region, Puta is Bhutan’s take on soba. The noodles are made from buckwheat flour and typically stir-fried with eggs, garlic, and spices. 

This hearty dish is both filling and flavorful, making it a popular choice for lunch or dinner. Often paired with a side of chili paste, Puta offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. 

• Must Try: Stir-fried with eggs and garlic
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500
• Best Served With: A side of chili paste

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12. Khur-le: Bhutanese Pancakes

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Made from buckwheat or wheat flour, Khur-le pancakes are soft, spongy, and traditionally eaten for breakfast with butter or cheese. 

They offer a comforting start to the day, often paired with a cup of butter tea. These pancakes are a staple in Bhutanese households, loved for their simple yet hearty flavor.

• Must Try: With local honey or cheese
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹300
• Best Served With: Butter tea or Suja

13. Zoedoe: Yak Cheese from Eastern Bhutan

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High in protein and full of character, Zoedoe is a Bhutan famous food that can be found as either soft or hard cheese. 

Great as a snack, especially during treks, this cheese provides essential energy and sustenance. Often enjoyed with dried fruits or spicy dips, it’s a favorite among locals for its rich taste and portability.

• Must Try: With dried fruit or spicy chili dips
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹350 per piece
• Best Served With: Tea or Ara

14. Chogo: Hardened Cheese Snack

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Made by drying yak cheese for days, Chogo is often considered the best food to try in Bhutan. It may take hours to soften in your mouth—perfect for treks and travel. 

Its firm texture and salty flavor make it an excellent snack for energy during long journeys. Often enjoyed with tea or local spirits, Chogo is a beloved part of Bhutanese culture.

• Must Try: On hikes or long journeys
• Price Range: ₹100 – ₹300
• Best Served With: Just patience!

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15. Ara: Local Rice-Based Alcohol

A traditional food of Bhutan made from rice, maize, or barley, Ara is often homemade and served warm. It’s a go-to during festivals and cold nights. 

The drink is deeply ingrained in Bhutanese culture, often shared among friends and family to celebrate important occasions. With its rich, earthy flavor, Ara provides both warmth and a sense of community.

• Must Try: Warm with egg and butter (a winter classic)
• Price Range: ₹100 – ₹500 per serving
• Best Served With: Festive meals or cold nights

16. Lom: Preserved Mustard Greens

A winter essential, Lom is made from sun-dried mustard greens. It’s usually stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and sometimes bits of dried pork or beef. It carries a slightly bitter taste and is rich in iron.

• Must Try: With dried meat or cheese
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹350 per serving
• Best Served With: Steamed rice or buckwheat noodles

17. Bathuk: Bhutanese Noodle Soup

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Bathuk is a comforting noodle soup made with hand-pulled wheat noodles in a hearty broth of vegetables, meat, and chilies. 

It’s a go-to winter meal in the highlands, perfect for warming up after a cold day. Often enjoyed with a generous sprinkling of cheese, Bathuk is both filling and satisfying, offering a taste of home for many Bhutanese.

• Must Try: With minced beef or chicken
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹450 per bowl
• Best Served With: Chili paste and Suja

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18. Tshogem Datshi: Spinach and Cheese Curry

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This variant of Datshi uses spinach (tshogem) cooked in a spicy cheese sauce, offering a healthier and greener take on the national dish. 

The combination of creamy cheese and vibrant greens creates a deliciously savory dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful. It’s a great option for those who enjoy the traditional spiciness of Datshi but prefer a lighter, vegetable-forward version.

• Must Try: With fresh spinach and added garlic
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹400
• Best Served With: Red rice

19. Jaju: Bhutanese Milk and Vegetable Soup

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Jaju is a mild, comforting soup made with seasonal greens (like turnip leaves or spinach) and flavored with butter and milk. 

It’s light and often eaten with heavier meals, providing a soothing balance. The creamy texture and subtle flavors make it a perfect starter or side dish to accompany more robust Bhutanese dishes.

• Must Try: With wild spinach and local butter
• Price Range: ₹100 – ₹250
• Best Served With: Any spicy main course

20. Sisi Shamu: Wild Fern Shoots and Mushrooms

A unique forest-to-plate dish, Sisi Shamu combines tender wild fern shoots and local mushrooms stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and cheese. 

The earthy flavors of the mushrooms and ferns perfectly complement the creamy cheese, creating a rich and aromatic dish. It’s a delightful option for those seeking an authentic taste of Bhutan’s natural bounty.

•  Must Try: Fresh in monsoon or early summer
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500
• Best Served With: Red rice or Khur-le

Craving the delicious flavors of Bhutanese cuisine? Begin with your visa application process today. Ensure a hassle-free trip by checking your visa status or exploring the appeal process to avoid any delays!

FAQs

1. What is Bhutan’s National Food?

The national dish of Bhutan is Ema Datshi, a Bhutan famous food made of green chilies and local cheese (usually yak or cow cheese). It’s a staple in every Bhutanese household and symbolizes the Bhutanese love for spicy food. It’s usually served with red rice and has several variants like Kewa Datshi (with potatoes) and Shamu Datshi (with mushrooms).

2. Is Bhutanese Food Cheap?

Yes, Bhutanese food is generally affordable, especially in local eateries and traditional restaurants. A full meal can cost between ₹200 and ₹500 in most places. Fine dining options and tourist-specific cafes may charge more, but even then, Bhutan remains a budget-friendly destination for food lovers.

3. What Type of Food is Eaten in Bhutan?

Bhutanese cuisine is heavily influenced by local produce, chilies, and cheese. Common staples include red rice, buckwheat, and maize. Meals are often spicy and feature dishes like Ema Datshi, Phaksha Paa (pork with chilies), and Hoentay (buckwheat dumplings). Vegetarians will also find a variety of cheese- and vegetable-based dishes.

4. What is a Typical Breakfast in Bhutan?

A traditional Bhutanese breakfast may include Khur-le (buckwheat or wheat pancakes), Suja (butter tea), and boiled eggs or leftovers from dinner like Ema Datshi. In urban areas, toast, porridge, and tea are also common.

5. Which are the Famous Restaurants in Bhutan?

Some popular restaurants to try in Bhutan include:

• Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant (Thimphu) – for authentic traditional food
• Zombala 2 (Paro) – famous for momos and Datshi variants
• The Zone (Thimphu) – for fusion food and Bhutanese dishes
• Sonam Trophel Restaurant (Paro) – well-rated for local flavors
• Babesa Village Restaurant (Thimphu) – for cultural ambiance and traditional meals

6. Which is the Best Food to Try in Bhutan During Ramadan?

While Bhutan is a Buddhist country and Ramadan is not widely observed, Muslim travelers can enjoy lighter and milder dishes like:

• Kewa Datshi (potato and cheese stew)
• Jaju (milk and vegetable soup)
• Hoentay (dumplings)
• Red rice with sautéed vegetables
  It’s advisable to dine in hotels or cafes that offer international or Halal-friendly food options.

7. What is the Traditional Food of Bhutan?

Traditional Bhutanese food includes dishes like:

• Ema Datshi (chilies and cheese)
• Phaksha Paa (pork with chilies)
• Sikam Paa (dried pork belly)
• Red Rice (from Paro Valley)
• Hoentay (dumplings from Haa Valley)
  These foods reflect Bhutan’s unique use of spice, dairy, and local ingredients like yak meat, buckwheat, and seasonal greens.

8. What Currency is Used in Bhutan?

The official currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BTN). It is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR), which is also widely accepted across Bhutan. Indian currency notes in denominations of ₹500 and below are commonly used by both locals and tourists.