Must-Try Food in Bhutan: The Essential List
The journal
Food · 6 min read · Jul 2026

Must-Try Food in Bhutan: The Essential List

Food is one of the best reasons to visit Bhutan. Here's a guide to the must-try food of Bhutan — what to order and why it's special.

The dishes to try

  • Shaphaley — A deep-fried bread pocket stuffed with spiced minced meat and cabbage, popular in Bhutan and the hills
  • Ema Datshi — Bhutan's fiery national dish
  • Kewa Datshi — A milder Bhutanese comfort dish of sliced potatoes in the signature datshi cheese sauce
  • Shamu Datshi — Bhutanese mushrooms cooked in creamy datshi cheese
  • Jasha Maru — A spicy Bhutanese minced-chicken stew with ginger, garlic, tomato and chilli
  • Phaksha Paa — Bhutanese pork belly slow-cooked with radish and dried red chillies

Round it off with local drinks and market snacks. On any Bhutan itinerary we're happy to build in authentic food experiences.

Tips for food travellers

  • Eat where the locals eat — homestays and small kitchens are gold
  • Try fermented specialities with an open mind
  • Carry cash for markets and street stalls

TripTrix Voyages handles the complete Bhutan ground experience at net rates on request.

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