Although Bhutan is well known for its splendid natural beauty and scenic landscapes, food is a segment that is mostly left unnoticed. Bhutan offers a wide range of quality meal options with food prepared from authentic style using homegrown ingredients. Most of the hotels offer a delectable range of Bhutanese cuisine that comes in unique textures and aromas. Despite having a wide range of offerings, the cuisine of Bhutan is highly influenced by Indian and Chinese cuisines. Chillies and Cheese are the major food ingredients that are mostly incorporated in the majority of the food dishes making it spicy which can be challenging for some. Ema Datshi is the national dish of Bhutan and is available in various forms mostly served with a portion of red rice. Here is a list of some of the most popular food dishes that need to be relished during a visit to Bhutan.
Ema Datshi
The national dish of Bhutan, Ema Datshi is a perfect combination of chilli and Cheese made into curry mostly served with red rice.
Red Rice
Mostly found in the valley of Bumthang, red rice is a staple diet for the people of Bhutan. Despite having the same taste as normal rice, red rice comes with more nutritional value.
Jasha Maru
The Bhutanese form of chicken curry, Jasha Maru is a tasty dish made with local ingredients, seasonal vegetables and small chunks of chicken mostly served with red rice.
Phaksha Paa
Prepared with a combination of chillies, sliced pork meat and local spices, Phaksha Paa is one of the most popular food dishes of Bhutanese cuisine and is easily found in the majority of restaurants.
Shakam Paa
Similar to Phaksha Paa, Shakam Paa is a curry made out of jerky beef meats along with other spices and ingredients. This is a spic curry and is considered to be one of the most popular food dishes among Bhutanese people.
Suja
Tea is the most popular beverage in the life of Bhutanese people and one perfect example of it is Suja. It is a beverage mostly made with tea leaves cooked in fermented butter prepared from yak milk. The Suja is very rich in flavour and is one of the major parts of Bhutanese cuisine.
Ara
Ara is the traditional alcohol drink of Bhutan that is made from fermented rice, maize, millet and buckwheat which is distilled into a drink. This alcoholic drink is mostly prepared during festivals or at the time of celebrations and is commonly consumed in Bhutan.
Puta
Puta is a form of Bhutanese noodles that are handmade from buckwheat. Although it may taste similar to regular noodles, these come with high nutritional value and a healthy alternative.
Momo
One of the most common food dishes of Asian countries, momo is a popular part of Bhutanese cuisine. Although it is made in a similar way the stuffing mostly includes a mixture of meats and vegetables that offer unique taste and texture to it.
