Bhutan Food & Drinks

Bhutanese cuisine is bold, simple, and deeply comforting. It’s built around red rice, fiery chilies, and cheese - with a strong emphasis on locally grown ingredients and warming flavors that suit the mountain climate.

Whether you’re adventurous with food or prefer familiar options, Bhutan offers a tasty mix of authentic local dishes, Indian-inspired meals, and traditional drinks worth a try.

Here's your guide to the top foods and beverages to try in Bhutan during your journey.

Must-Try Bhutanese Dishes

1. Ema Datshi - Chili & Cheese Stew

Bhutan’s national dish. It's a hot stew made with green or red chilies and melted yak or cow cheese. Almost every meal includes a version of it.

• Vegetarian by default
• Spicy, rich, and served with red rice

2. Kewa Datshi - Potato & Cheese

A milder cousin of ema datshi, made with sliced potatoes and cheese. Often includes onion or green chilies.

• Great comfort food
• Ideal for those new to Bhutanese spice levels

3. Shamu Datshi - Mushrooms & Cheese

This creamy, earthy dish is perfect when mushrooms are in season (especially in Bumthang).

• Vegetarian-friendly
• Usually served with rice and seasonal greens

4. Phaksha Paa - Pork with Chilies & Radish

A favorite among locals, this dish includes dried pork slices cooked with radish, dried chilies, and ginger.

• Often served with rice and spicy sides
• Rich and deeply flavorful

5. Jasha Maru - Spicy Chicken Stew

Minced or chopped chicken simmered with garlic, ginger, onions, and chilies. Light yet spicy, commonly served in homes.

6. Momos - Bhutanese Dumplings

Found across the country in veg and non-veg varieties. Served steamed or fried with chili sauce.

• Fillings: Pork, beef, chicken, cheese, or cabbage
• Best eaten hot with spicy ezay (chili dip)

Bhutanese Staples You'll See Everywhere

• Red Rice - Nutty, slightly chewy, and served with most meals

• Ezay - Bhutanese chili paste; every home and restaurant has its own version

• Buckwheat Pancakes & Noodles - Especially in Haa and Bumthang regions

Drinks to Try in Bhutan

1. Suja (Butter Tea)

Made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt. It’s an acquired taste, but deeply warming and served in monasteries and homes.

2. Ara (Local Rice Wine)

A traditional homemade spirit made from rice, maize, or wheat. Served warm, often during festivals or farm stays.

• Can be clear or milky
• Usually stronger than it tastes

3. Bhutanese Beer & Whisky

Local alcohol brands are widely available and affordable.

• Druk 11000, Red Panda Beer (from Bumthang), K5 Whisky are popular choices
• Sold in most restaurants and licensed shops

Vegetarian & Indian Food in Bhutan

• Most restaurants serve Indian vegetarian food, especially in Paro, Thimphu, and Phuentsholing
• Bhutanese datshi dishes are naturally veg
• Jain meals and no-onion/garlic options available on request at many places
• Dal, chapati, and rice are widely available

Travel Tips for Food in Bhutan

• Spice Level: Bhutanese food is hot - let your guide or server know if you want it mild
• Meals Included? Many tour packages include breakfast and dinner; lunch is often flexible
• Local Experiences: Try eating in a farmhouse for a traditional meal
• Drinking Water: Stick to bottled or filtered water; it’s usually provided by your hotel or guide

Eat Slow. Eat Local.

Food in Bhutan isn’t rushed - it's shared. It reflects the seasons, the altitude, and the culture. Whether you're sipping butter tea in a monastery or sharing a momo plate by the river, every bite connects you deeper to the place.