Bhutanese Cuisines and Local Products
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The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is a world unto itself, the food from the country holds a strong resemblance towards its visitors. Bhutan serves various cuisines like Indian, Tibetan, Nepali, and Chinese for tourists seeking different tastes, the food of the country provides a distinct taste as it is delicious. Types of food to taste in the country by the visitors:
Shakam Paa
It is rich in protein, which consists of dry beef cooked with dry red chilies, onions, and radishes.
Ema-Datshi
Consisting of chilies and cheese which is commonly served and considered a national dish. The taste of this dish varies across the country. The main ingredient is the chili and the cheese.
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” ~ Virginia Woolf
Suja /( Butter Tea)
Suja is the drink to start the day. With the help of butter, the suja is made and it is also comforting mostly during the cold weather. The butter tea is made from fermented yak butter and also from cow’s butter. The taste is salty and astonishing.
Apart from being non-vegetarian, Bhutanese vegetarian cuisines can be amazing as well. The spicy and delicious ema datshi comes in with other vegetables like mushroom datshi, kewa datshi, spinach, and asparagus as well. Sometimes there is a leafy vegetable that is cooked in a soup-like form called Jaju.
Bhutanese Souvenirs
Exploring the Bhutanese market is another place where a souvenir can bring happiness. Thimphu, Paro, and Phuntsholing are the major centers for shopping. Tourists can expect to buy woven bags, traditional jewelry, handmade gho and kira, hand-woven bamboo items, carpets, masks, stamps, and thangkas. Below are the traditional handicraft items that should be brought from Bhutan as souvenirs.
Gold & Silver Jewelry
Bhutanese women wear jewelry mostly. The blacksmith makes things like pins, earrings, and necklaces in wide colors that can match with the dress. The beautifully crafted ornaments can be given as a gift during special events. Utensils are also made that can serve as souvenirs and gifts.
Hand-Woven Textiles
These textiles are woven from cotton, raw cotton, and cloth. Some traditional textiles are bura textiles produced at Radhi and Bidung villages, kushithara made in koma village, cotton fabric made at Pemagatshel. Tourists can buy traditional cloths such as Gho and Kira as souvenirs for their friends and family.
Keep some souvenirs of your past, or how will you ever prove it wasn’t all a dream?
-Ashleigh Brilliant
Handmade Wooden Bowls (Dappa)
Dappa is handmade wooden bowls, also the mostfamous souvenir to take from Bhutan. Trashiyangtse is famous for producing dappa. The two halves of the bowl fit firmly and local people use it to carry cooked food.
Thangkas
Thangkas are the traditionally important aspect of religious culture in Bhutan and are painted on cotton or silk cloth. These paintings are representations of Buddhist teachings and Buddha’s doctrines. Thangkas paintings are great souvenirs for tourists who love artworks or looking for a unique art piece for decorating their living rooms or bedrooms.
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