Bhutanese Cuisine – (The Chili – Cheese Combo)

If you are amused of the scenic beauty and the attractive landscapes of Bhutan, be ready for another splendid experience that comes out of Bhutanese cuisine. There are various food varieties that Bhutan people use to cook everyday. Each region has its unique cuisine. They give more importance to the traditional cooking methods.

The main meal consists of red rice, meat with chili and cheese. Rice is the staple food of Bhutan. The spice of chili dominates Bhutan food. If you do not tolerate the hot and spicy of chili taste, let the cook know it before hand so that you can get moderate spicy yet delicious food. Another ingredient that is also dominating the Bhutanese cuisine is cheese. Contrary to chili this cheese makes the dish so yummy. Bhutan cuisine is so unique in blending this chili and cheese in their dishes. This ‘chili – cheese’ combo is popularly called ‘Ema – Dasti’. Another famous vegetarian cuisine is ‘Kewa – Dasti’ which is made up of potato chili and cheese. Some people go for ‘Shamu – Dasti’ where mushrooms replace potato. BumThang Region people are famous in making “Cheese Momos” which are small buns steamed with cheese, potato and chopped onions.

Another famous vegetarian curry which is available in “Ready to Cook” packs is “Matar – Paneer”. This is one of the famous North-Indian dishes which use Green peas and Tofu cooked in onion – tomato paste. Many tourists pick this “Matar-Paneer’ for its unique flavor. The spices cinnamon, cardamom, Cloves, Nutmeg, Kasoori-Methi, Ginger and Garlic grinded into fine paste add the tempting flavor to this dish.

Yak meat, Pork, Beef, Fish, Goat, are some of the dishes on which meat lovers relish on. Red rice and corn are cooked in daily meal. Tea is the beverage commonly used. ‘Butter Tea’ is the traditional beverage and ‘Suja’ which is prepared out of sweet milk is also other beverages in Bhutan. White Noodles and Kharang fall under traditional Bhutanese cuisine. Rice wine is offered during festival time and during archery tournaments.