Must-Try Foods In Bumthang Valley (Jakar) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Bumthang Valley, Jakar, Bhutan

Bumthang Valley, often called the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, has a rich culinary tradition that is deeply influenced by its geography, climate, and culture. Bumthang is particularly known for its unique varieties of buckwheat, as the valley's cooler temperatures allow for this hardy grain to thrive, where other cereals might not. This has led to buckwheat becoming a staple ingredient in traditional dishes such as pancakes ('kuli') and noodles ('puta'). Other traditional ingredients include local dairy products like cheese and butter, which have been produced in the valley for centuries.

The Bhutanese culinary palette has historically favored the use of locally sourced ingredients, resulting in a simple yet hearty cuisine that complements the rugged, mountainous terrain. Bumthang is also renowned for its cultivation of apples and production of apple cider, contributing to the unique culinary profile of the region. Additionally, the traditional practice of fermenting and drying food for the long winter months is evident in the Valley’s food culture. Red rice, root vegetables, and mushrooms are also commonly used ingredients in the local dishes which are mostly spicy owing to the generous use of chili.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Bumthang Valley

1. Ema Datshi - This spicy dish, made with chilies and cheese, is Bhutan's national dish and is mostly vegetarian. It is ubiquitous across the region.
2. Kuli - Pancakes made from buckwheat, which are a staple in Bumthang and are vegetarian.
3. Puta - A traditional noodle dish prepared from buckwheat, enjoyed with spicy side dishes, also vegetarian.
4. Momo - Bhutanese dumplings that are often stuffed with vegetables or cheese, making them vegetarian.
5. Jasha Maroo - A popular Bhutanese chicken stew that is delicately flavored with local spices and herbs. This dish is non-vegetarian.
6. Red Rice - A nutty-flavored rice that is endemic to Bhutan and is often served as a staple with other dishes, which is vegetarian.
7. Goep - A traditional dish made with tripe and flavored with chili and other spices, typically non-vegetarian.
8. Khur-le - Fried pancakes made from buckwheat or wheat, which are vegetarian.
9. Yaksha Shamu - A delicacy comprising stir-fried wild mushrooms, which can be made vegetarian without the addition of meat.
10. Lom - A preserved turnip dish that has been fermented and is often cooked with chunks of dried beef, but can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone vegetarian dish.

Top Famous Restaurants in Bumthang Valley, Jakar, Bhutan

Mountain Lodge Restaurant

Address: Jakar, Bumthang Valley, Bhutan

Famous for: Ema Datshi (Vegetarian)

Bumthang Kitchen

Address: Chamkhar Town, Bumthang Valley, Bhutan

Famous for: Kuli and Puta (Vegetarian)

Swiss Guesthouse

Address: Kharsumphe, Bumthang, Bhutan

Famous for: Homemade Apple Cider and Buckwheat pancakes (Vegetarian)

Yoezerling Hotel Restaurant

Address: Jakar, Bumthang, Bhutan

Famous for: Red Rice dishes (Vegetarian)

Pelrithang Restaurant

Address: Bumthang Town, Bhutan

Famous for: Vegetable momo (Vegetarian)

Chumey Nature Resort Restaurant

Address: Chumey, Bumthang, Bhutan

Famous for: Traditional Bhutanese cuisine

When visiting Bumthang Valley and its charming town of Jakar, guests can enjoy an array of delectable and authentic Bhutanese dishes, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options accommodating a diverse range of palates.