Top 5 famous bhutanese foods

Karmayangs
4 min readSep 4, 2023

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Food is one of the basic necessities of life. Food contains nutrients substances for the growth, repair, and maintenance of the body . Nutrients provide the energy our bodies need to function.The major sources of food are animals and plants.food is important because it provides energy and keeps humans and animals healthy.providing us with energy to build and repair our body tissues to reduce diseases like heart disease and diabete. Here are some few examples of the delicious and distinctive dishes you can find in Bhutan.

1. Ema datshi

  • Ema datshi is a Bhutanese dish made from hot chili peppers and cheese. It is among the most famous dishes in Bhutanese cuisine, recognized as a national dish of Bhutan. “Ema” means “chili” and “datshi” means “cheese” in the Dzongkha language of Bhutan.The cheese used in ema Datshi is called Dathsi .It is homemade from the curd of cow or yak’s milk. In the process, the fat is removed from the curd to make butter, and the remaining curd without fat is used to make the cheese. After the cheese is made, the whey is left over, which is used as a soup that can be taken with rice. No part of the milk is wasted.

2. Shakam Paa

  • Shakam Paa is the most famous dish in Bhutan .Shakam Paa is a magical Bhutanese dish made using ground beef, dried chilies, and radish. The beef in this dish is a bit chewy because beef is first dried and preserved before being used in this dish. Shakam Paa is an excellent source of protein and is one of the staple diets of the Bhutanese people.

3. Phaksha Paa

.Phaksha Paa is a popular pork dish in Bhutan. It features strips of pork cooked with spicy red or green chilies and radishes. It’s a hearty and spicy dish often enjoyed with red rice, another staple of Bhutanese cuisine.Phaksha Paa is typically served with rice, often Bhutanese red rice, but you can enjoy it with any type of rice or bread of your choice. It’s a spicy and flavorful dish that’s beloved in Bhutan and offers a taste of the country’s unique cuisine.

4. Momos

  • These are dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, or cheese. They are often served with a dipping sauce made from chili and tomato .This famous street food in Bhutan originates from Tibetan cuisine. They are very similar to the Chinese Dumplings but they are unique in their own way. The dumpling is cooked by the process of steaming and it is steamed in the vapor . The momos are prepared and served in different ways such as steaming, frying and sauteing, etc. The stuffing inside the momos varies according to the type of momos. They include minced pork or beef, cabbage, fresh cheese, garlic, coriander leaves, etc.

5. Kewa datshi

Kawa Datshi is a traditional Bhutanese dish that features cheese and chili peppers as its main ingredients. It is a popular and iconic dish in Bhutan and is known for its spicy flavors.Kewa Datshi meaning potatoes and cheese .It is a delicious thick gravy-like Bhutanese dish that is made up of potatoes, chiles, and cheese.

Bhutanese cuisine is influenced by Tibetan, Indian, and Nepali flavors, but it has its own distinct style. The use of chilies is a prominent feature, and the Bhutanese often say, “If it’s not spicy, it’s not Bhutanese!” The food is hearty and flavorful, and it reflects the country’s unique culture and traditions. Ema Datshi, a fiery chili and cheese stew, is the national favorite. Phaksha Paa tantalizes taste buds with its spicy pork and radish combination. These top 5 Bhutanese dishes offer a country’s traditions and love for spicy.

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