Many people complain about the food in Bhutan saying it’s monotonous and boring. But I’ve always maintained that I never feel better than when I return from Bhutan. My face is glowing and I feel great. It likely has something to do with the altitude, but I know it’s also due to the fact that I’ve been eating fresh vegetables for every meal.
A typical tourist meal consists of rice (like the Bhutanese red rice above), one meat dish (not for me), cooked greens and at least two other vegetables such as sauteed mushrooms, potatoes and cheese or fried cauliflower.
Most meals are eaten at your hotel as there are few restaurants outside of Paro and Thimphu. And these are almost always buffet-style.
The gals on our spring tour were all surprised at how good the food was, noting that there was a lot of on-line talk about how bad Bhutanese food is. I actually think these gals were adventurous, adding the national dish, chilli and cheese (emma datse), to every meal – spicing up everything from their eggs to french fries.
My very favorite dish in Bhutan is momos (a Tibetan specialty that many Bhutanese know how to make). In other countries, these dumplings are often filled with meat, but in Bhutan, they are usually filled with vegetables and/or cheese. I canNOT get my fill of these.
If we’re out for a full day, perhaps hiking, we can arrange for a picnic meal to be served. I love these. There’s nothing like eating next to a stream in the fresh air with all these amazing veggies.
In Bumthang, located in the central part of the country, buckwheat is prevalent and buckwheat noodles are often served at the hotel where we stay. Next to momos, this is my favorite dish. Mmmm. Mmmm. Good!
If you’re looking for a little comfort from home, breakfast is usually pretty standard Western fare. Cereal and fruit are often served, as are eggs and porridge (oatmeal).
While Bhutanese food may not be the most interesting, you can pick up some supplemental items in Bangkok (nuts, dried fruit or peanut butter) on your way to Bhutan. Yes, I admit to traveling with a jar of peanut butter and some protein bars myself in order to get enough protein. And I’ve been known to tuck away a few Starbucks VIA packets, too 🙂
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Women-only Tours to Bhutan
Diana says
I’m headed to Bhutan soon so found this post interesting! I guess I should bring some snacks from home, too, if I think I’ll be craving some home-goodies.