Bhutanese cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan offers a unique blend of flavors that are hearty, spicy, and deeply comforting.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons, you’re in for a treat.
From cheesy delights to fiery stews, Bhutanese recipes are all about bold flavors and simple ingredients.
Ready to dive into a world of culinary adventure? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a flavorful journey through the 10+ best Bhutanese recipes you absolutely need to try at least once. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
1. Ema Datshi: The National Dish of Bhutan
Let’s kick things off with Bhutan’s most iconic dish—Ema Datshi. Think of it as the mac and cheese of Bhutan, but with a spicy twist.
This cheesy, chili-laden stew is a staple in every Bhutanese household and for good reason.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 green chilies (sliced)
- 1 cup Bhutanese cheese (or substitute with feta or farmer’s cheese)
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium tomato (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the chilies and tomatoes, cooking until soft.
Pour in water and bring to a gentle simmer. Crumble the cheese into the pot and stir until melted.
Season with salt and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Serve hot with red rice.
Why We Chose It:
Ema Datshi is the heart and soul of Bhutanese cuisine. Its creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting flavors make it a must-try for anyone exploring Bhutanese food.
2. Kewa Datshi: Potato Cheese Delight
If you’re a fan of potatoes and cheese, Kewa Datshi will feel like a warm hug.
This dish is similar to Ema Datshi but swaps chilies for potatoes, making it a milder yet equally delicious option.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Bhutanese cheese (or feta)
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and garlic in oil until golden. Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour in water and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Crumble the cheese into the pot and stir until melted. Season with salt and serve hot.
Why We Selected It:
Kewa Datshi is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, satisfying dish.
3. Shamu Datshi: Mushroom Cheese Magic
Mushroom lovers, rejoice! Shamu Datshi is a creamy, cheesy mushroom dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup Bhutanese cheese (or feta)
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and garlic in oil until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender.
Pour in water and bring to a simmer. Crumble the cheese into the pot and stir until melted. Season with salt and serve hot.
Why This Made Our List:
Shamu Datshi is a vegetarian dream. Its earthy flavors and creamy texture make it a standout dish in Bhutanese cuisine.
4. Jasha Maru: Spicy Chicken Stew
Jasha Maru is a spicy chicken stew that’s packed with flavor and warmth. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken (diced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 green chilies (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch ginger (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
Stir in tomatoes and chilies, cooking until soft. Add a cup of water and simmer until the chicken is tender. Season with salt and serve hot.
Why We Chose It:
Jasha Maru is a flavor bomb. Its spicy, tangy, and savory notes make it a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors.
5. Shakam Datshi: Dried Beef with Cheese
If you love rich, savory flavors with a hint of spice, Shakam Datshi is a must-try.
This traditional Bhutanese dish combines shakam (dried beef) with datshi (cheese), creating a creamy, protein-packed meal that’s both hearty and deeply satisfying.
The slow-cooked beef absorbs the bold flavors of garlic, chilies, and cheese, making every bite a perfect balance of umami and spice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried beef (shakam), cut into small pieces
- 2 cups water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup Bhutanese cheese (or feta/cream cheese as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
To make Shakam Datshi, soak 1 cup of dried beef in warm water for 20-30 minutes, then drain and cut into pieces.
Sauté 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon of butter or oil, then add the beef, 1 chopped tomato, ½ teaspoon chili powder, and 2-3 sliced green chilies.
Pour in 2 cups of water and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the beef is tender. Stir in ½ cup of Bhutanese cheese (or feta/cream cheese), let it melt into a creamy sauce, and serve hot with rice.
Why This Made Our List:
Shakam Datshi earns its spot because it showcases the essence of Bhutanese cuisine—simple, local ingredients transformed into something incredibly flavorful.
The combination of dried beef and cheese is a true comfort food, making it a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Bhutanese flavors.
Plus, its rich, creamy texture paired with spicy chilies makes it a meal you won’t forget!
6. Red Rice: The Staple of Bhutan
No Bhutanese meal is complete without a side of red rice. This nutty, slightly chewy rice is a staple in Bhutan and pairs perfectly with any dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Bhutanese red rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Rinse the rice under cold water. In a pot, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until cooked. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Why We Selected It:
Red rice is the backbone of Bhutanese cuisine. Its unique texture and flavor make it a must-try.
7. Lom: Turnip Leaves Stir-Fry
Lom is a simple yet flavorful stir-fry made with dried turnip leaves. It’s a traditional dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried turnip leaves
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Soak the dried turnip leaves in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside. Sauté onions and garlic in oil until golden.
Add the turnip leaves and cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt and serve hot.
Why This Made Our List:
Lom is a unique dish that highlights the simplicity and flavor of Bhutanese cooking.
8. Hoentay: Bhutanese Dumplings
Hoentay are Bhutanese dumplings filled with cheese and greens. They’re a delightful treat that’s perfect for snacking or as a meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup buckwheat flour
- 1 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup Bhutanese cheese (or feta)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Mix buckwheat flour with water to form a dough. In a bowl, combine spinach, cheese, and onions.
Roll out the dough and fill with the mixture. Steam the dumplings for 15 minutes and serve hot.
Why We Chose It:
Hoentay are a delicious and unique Bhutanese dish that’s sure to impress.
9. Jaju: Bhutanese Soup
Jaju is a light, comforting soup made with milk, greens, and a touch of spice. It’s perfect for a soothing meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and garlic in oil until golden. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and serve hot.
Why This Made Our List:
Jaju is a simple yet flavorful soup that’s perfect for a light, comforting meal.
10. Goen Hogey: Cucumber Salad
Goen Hogey is a refreshing cucumber salad that’s perfect for balancing out spicy Bhutanese dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers (sliced)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 green chilies (sliced)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Combine cucumbers, onions, and chilies in a bowl. Drizzle with oil and season with salt. Toss well and serve chilled.
Why We Selected It:
Goen Hogey is a refreshing and simple dish that’s perfect for cooling down your palate.
11. Suja: Bhutanese Butter Tea
Suja is a traditional Bhutanese butter tea that’s rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp tea leaves
How to Make It:
Boil water with tea leaves for 5 minutes. Strain and add butter and salt. Whisk until frothy and serve hot.
Why This Made Our List:
Suja is a unique and comforting drink that’s a staple in Bhutanese culture.
Conclusion
Bhutanese cuisine is a treasure trove of bold flavors, hearty dishes, and unique ingredients.
From the iconic Ema Datshi to the comforting Suja, these 10+ recipes are a must-try for any food lover.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and start cooking your way through Bhutan’s culinary wonders. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!