Bhutan's cuisine is heavily influenced by its distinctive culture and mountainous terrain. The primary elements that create the core of Bhutanese cuisine are red rice, cheese, and chillies. Ema, or chillies, are frequently utilised as a main vegetable and provide many meals their renowned hot taste. Datshi is a cheese prepared from cow's or yak's milk that helps offset the heat. The combination of chili and cheese creates one of the country's most beloved and well-known dishes, Ema Datshi, which is considered the national dish of Bhutan. The food is typically simple yet hearty, designed to provide warmth and sustenance. While the southern Bhutan have dishes similar to that of nearby countries, the northern part includes dishes that are more unique and offers a new perspective to your taste buds. However


Here is the list of must try food dishes in Bhutan.

Ema Datshi:

This is a must-try since it is the national dish. Fresh or dried chilli peppers are simmered in a creamy, savoury cheese sauce to create this fiery stew. The traditional version with red chillies is a mainstay at every meal, however there are numerous variations.

Kewa Datshi

Ema Datshi's milder, vegetarian substitute. Kewa, or thinly sliced potatoes, are cooked in the same mouthwatering cheese sauce in this recipe. This recipe is flavourful and comforting, making it ideal for people who are less tolerant of spicy foods.

Shamu Datshi

Another well-liked version of Datshi is Shamu Datshi, which emphasises the earthy taste of mushrooms baked with creamy Bhutanese cheese. This meal highlights the nation's indigenous produce and is a great choice for mushroom aficionados.

Phaksha Paa

This stew of pork is thick and filling. It is prepared with dried pork strips and cooked with mountain vegetables like spinach or radishes and dried red chillies. The fat from the pork turns into a tasty, slightly greasy gravy that goes well with rice.

Jasha Maru

A well-liked comfort food is a fiery chicken stew. It is made using shredded or finely diced chicken that has been cooked with a mixture of chilli peppers, onions, ginger, and garlic. Because of its brothy, soupy nature, it's perfect for a hearty, hot supper.

Shakam Paa

This is a great dish for meat lovers. It's a stir-fried meal of sun-dried pork belly with red chillies. The pork gets a distinct, rich flavour and a delightful texture from the sun-drying process.

Momo

A signature dish of Bhutanese cooking, momo are the most popular Himalayan foods. They are packed with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, minced meat or a mixture of vegetables, and can be steamed or fried. Usually, they come with a hot dipping sauce.

Hoentay

A unique kind of dumpling from the Haa Valley, they are comparable to momos. They are usually loaded with a mixture of cheese and turnip greens and are baked using buckwheat dough. They can be served fried or steam-cooked as well.

Juma

Made with minced pork, rice and spices and packed into an intestinal casing, Juma is a traditional Bhutanese sausage. It has a chewy texture, a unique flavour, and is frequently deep-fried.

Goep

A more fulfilling meal, goep is created with stir-fried beef, onions, and green chillies. Its distinct flavour is a satisfying experience for those wishing to try something new, even though the texture can be a little chewy.

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