Must Try Traditional Dishes in Bhutan A Food Lover’s Guide

Bhutan is known for its monasteries, mountain landscapes and peaceful culture. But food is equally important in understanding the country. Local cuisine reflects climate, agriculture and Buddhist traditions. If you are planning Bhutan tourism from India, especially through a trusted travel agency in Kolkata, knowing what to eat will make your journey more meaningful.

This guide covers must try Bhutan dishes, traditional Bhutan dishes, local drinks and where to enjoy them. It is designed for travelers booking a Bhutan tour package from Kolkata or planning an independent trip.

Understanding Bhutanese Cuisine

Bhutanese food is simple, hearty and often spicy. Chillies are not used as garnish. They are treated as vegetables. Cheese, red rice, buckwheat and pork are common ingredients. Most dishes are seasonal because farming is largely organic and local.

Meals usually include rice, one or two side dishes and a chilli based preparation. If you prefer less spice, you should inform the restaurant in advance.

Essential Bhutanese Dishes to Try

These are the must try Bhutan dishes that define local food culture.

1. Ema Datshi

Ema Datshi is the national dish of Bhutan. Ema means chilli and datshi means cheese. It is made with green or red chillies cooked in a thick cheese sauce. Sometimes onions and tomatoes are added. This dish is served with red rice. The taste is creamy, spicy and slightly smoky. Almost every restaurant in Thimphu and Paro serves it.

If you try only one traditional Bhutan dish, make it Ema Datshi.

2. Kewa Datshi

Kewa means potato. Kewa Datshi is a milder version of Ema Datshi. Potatoes are cooked with cheese and a smaller amount of chilli. It is a good option for travelers who cannot tolerate too much heat.

3. Shamu Datshi

Shamu means mushroom. This dish is prepared with mushrooms and cheese. It has an earthy flavour and is popular during the rainy season when mushrooms are fresh.

4. Phaksha Paa

Phaksha Paa is a pork dish cooked with dried red chillies and sometimes radish or spinach. The pork is usually fatty, which adds richness. It is one of the most loved must try Bhutan dishes for meat eaters.

5. Jasha Maru

Jasha Maru is a spicy chicken stew. It includes ginger, garlic, tomatoes and chillies. The gravy is lighter compared to Indian curries. It is commonly served in local restaurants and is easier for Indian travelers to adapt to.

6. Red Rice

Red rice is grown in the Paro valley. It is slightly sticky and has a nutty taste. It is healthier than polished white rice because it retains more nutrients. Most meals in Bhutan tourism circuits include red rice as a staple.

7. Momos

Momos are popular across the Himalayas. In Bhutan, they are filled with pork, beef or vegetables. They are usually steamed and served with a spicy dipping sauce.

You can find momos in small cafes, hotels and even street side stalls.

8. Hoentay

Hoentay is a buckwheat dumpling filled with spinach, cheese and turnip leaves. It is a traditional dish from the Haa valley and is often prepared during festivals.

9. Suja

Suja is butter tea made with tea leaves, butter and salt. It may taste unusual at first. It is traditionally served to guests and monks in monasteries.

Traditional Bhutan Dishes Linked to Culture

Bhutanese food is closely connected to festivals and rural life.

1. Puta

Puta is a buckwheat noodle dish popular in Bumthang. It is often served with vegetables or dried meat. Buckwheat is grown in higher altitudes.

2. Zow Shungo

Zow Shungo is made from leftover red rice mixed with vegetables. It reflects Bhutan’s simple and practical food habits. Nothing is wasted.

3. Goen Hogay

Goen Hogay is a cucumber salad mixed with chillies, onions and cheese. It is fresh and spicy. It works well as a side dish during summer.

4. Sikam Paa

Sikam Paa uses dried pork belly. The meat is sun dried and then cooked with chillies and radish. It has a smoky taste and is common in colder regions.

These traditional Bhutan dishes show how climate and geography influence local recipes.

Drinks and Beverages in Bhutan

Food is incomplete without local drinks. During Bhutan tourism, you will come across both traditional and modern beverages.

1. Ara

Ara is a local alcoholic drink made from rice or maize. It can be served warm or cold. In villages, it is often homemade. Visitors should consume it responsibly.

2. Butter Tea

Butter tea or Suja is salty and rich. It provides warmth in cold mountain weather. It is commonly served in monasteries and traditional homes.

3. Ngaja

Ngaja is sweet milk tea. It is closer to Indian tea and more comfortable for first time visitors.

4. Local Beer

Bhutan produces its own beer brands. You can find them in hotels and restaurants in Thimphu and Paro

Where to Try Traditional Bhutan Dishes?

If you are booking a Bhutan tour package from Kolkata through a travel agency in Kolkata, your itinerary will likely include Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. These places offer good food options.

Thimphu

Thimphu has the widest range of restaurants. You can try authentic Bhutanese meals in local eateries as well as hotel restaurants. Many places offer buffet lunches that include Ema Datshi, Phaksha Paa and red rice.

Paro

Paro has cozy restaurants near the main market. After visiting monasteries, you can enjoy traditional Bhutan dishes with mountain views.

Punakha

In Punakha, smaller family run restaurants serve simple home style food. The taste is more traditional and less commercial.

Village Homestays

For a deeper food experience, choose a homestay. Many Bhutan tour package from Kolkata options now include homestay experiences. You can watch how Ema Datshi is prepared and even help in cooking.

Food Tips for Indian Travelers

• Inform the cook if you prefer less spice
• Carry basic medicines if you have a sensitive stomach
• Try small portions first
• Respect local customs especially in monasteries
• Avoid wasting food

A reliable travel agency in Kolkata can guide you about food preferences while planning Bhutan tourism.

Why Food Matters in Bhutan Tourism?

Cuisine is part of cultural identity. When you book a Bhutan tour package from Kolkata, you are not only visiting monasteries and valleys. You are also experiencing farming traditions, seasonal ingredients and family recipes.

Must try Bhutan dishes help you understand daily life in villages and towns. Food also connects travelers with locals in a simple and natural way.

Planning Your Trip from Kolkata

Bhutan is easily accessible from India. Many travelers prefer booking through a travel agency in Kolkata for documentation, permits and transport arrangements.

A well planned Bhutan tour package from Kolkata usually includes:

• Accommodation
• Local transport
• Sightseeing
• Meals in selected hotels
• Guide services

Before confirming your package, ask if traditional Bhutan dishes are included in meal plans. Some hotels provide Indian cuisine by default unless requested otherwise.

Planning to Explore the Best of Bhutan

If this itinerary excites you, you should also read our detailed guide on six must visit places in Bhutan. It covers the most important attractions, cultural landmarks, monasteries and scenic valleys that complete your Bhutan tourism experience.

This guide will help you understand what to prioritise when booking your Bhutan tour package from Kolkata and how to plan your sightseeing days effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the must try Bhutan dishes for first time visitors?

Ema Datshi, Phaksha Paa, Jasha Maru, red rice and momos are the most recommended options.

2. Is Bhutanese food very spicy?

Yes. Chillies are used as main ingredients. You can request less spice in most tourist restaurants.

3. Are vegetarian options available in Bhutan tourism areas?

Yes. Dishes like Kewa Datshi, Shamu Datshi and Hoentay are vegetarian friendly.

4. Can I get Indian food in Bhutan?

Yes. Major towns like Thimphu and Paro have restaurants serving Indian cuisine. However, trying traditional Bhutan dishes is recommended for a complete experience.

5. Is alcohol easily available in Bhutan?

Yes. Ara and local beer are available in licensed restaurants and hotels.

6. How can I book a Bhutan tour package from Kolkata?

You can contact a trusted travel agency in Kolkata that specializes in Bhutan tourism. They will arrange permits, transport and accommodation.

7. Is food included in most Bhutan tour packages?

Many packages include breakfast and dinner. Confirm details with your travel agency in Kolkata before booking.

Regal Travels Bhutan Package Starting From 25,800 Per Person

If you are looking for a reliable travel agency in Kolkata for Bhutan tourism, Regal Travels offers a complete Bhutan tour package from Kolkata starting at 25,800 per person.

Package Includes:

• Pickup from Bagdogra NJP Hasimara or Falakata
• Drop at Bagdogra NJP Hasimara or Falakata
• All sightseeing as per day wise itinerary
• Sustainable Development Fee SDF
• Daily breakfast & Dinner
• On ground coordination and permit assistance

This package covers the most important destinations including Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. It includes visits to major landmarks such as Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong and Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Transparent pricing and proper documentation support make travel smooth and stress free. If you are comparing Bhutan tour package from Kolkata options, make sure the cost includes SDF and sightseeing so there are no hidden charges later.

For detailed costing, hotel category options and travel dates, you can contact Regal Travels directly.