Must-Try Foods In Jambey Lhakhang (Jakar) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Jambey Lhakhang, Jakar, Bhutan

Jambey Lhakhang is a historic temple located in the Jakar valley of Bumthang District in Bhutan. The temple is one of the oldest in the country, founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The history of food in this region, much like the temple itself, is steeped in tradition and deeply interwoven with Tibetan and Bhutanese culture. Bhutanese cuisine generally features a predominantly vegetable-based diet due to the agricultural lifestyle of the area and religious influences, such as Buddhism, which promotes a respect for all living beings. The Bhutanese have historically relied on locally sourced ingredients, like red rice, buckwheat, and barley, and have preferred cheese, chilies, and various mushrooms due to the cooler climate.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Jambey Lhakhang, Jakar, Bhutan

For tourists visiting Jambey Lhakhang and looking to indulge in local cuisine, here are the must-try dishes that represent the best of what Bhutanese food has to offer:

1. Ema Datshi (Vegetarian): This is the national dish of Bhutan consisting of spicy chilies mixed with a Bhutanese cheese sauce.
2. Kewa Datshi (Vegetarian): A spiced potato dish cooked with cheese sauce, similar to Ema Datshi but milder.
3. Momos (Vegetarian/Non-Veg): Tibetan-style dumplings filled with either vegetables or meats other than cow—such as chicken or yak.
4. Jasha Maroo (Non-Veg): A spicy chicken stew seasoned with ginger, garlic, and onions.
5. Red Rice (Vegetarian): The staple Bhutanese red rice that is locally grown and has a nutty flavor.
6. Phaksha Paa (Non-Veg): A pork dish cooked with spicy red chilies and sometimes with radishes or spinach.
7. Jaju Soup (Vegetarian): A light Bhutanese soup typically made from spinach, turnips, or other leafy vegetables.
8. Lom (Vegetarian): A Bhutanese dish made from dried turnip greens, often served with rice or as part of other dishes.
9. Khur-le (Vegetarian): Buckwheat pancakes served as a common breakfast item or snack.
10. Goep (Non-Veg): A tripe dish that is cooked with chilies, onions, and other Bhutanese spices.

Top Famous Restaurants in Jambey Lhakhang, Jakar, Bhutan

Though Jambey Lhakhang itself is a religious monument and not a place where you will find restaurants, the town of Jakar offers several dining options that serve authentic Bhutanese cuisine:

• Mountain Cafe
  Main Street, Jakar, Bumthang

  Famous Food: Ema Datshi (Vegetarian)

• Swiss Guest House Restaurant
  Kharsumphe, Jakar, Bumthang

  Famous Food: Rosti (Vegetarian), a dish of Swiss origin adapted to Bhutanese tastes.

• Bhutanese Delight Restaurant
  Bumthang, Jakar Town

  Famous Food: Buckwheat Noodles (Vegetarian), a local specialty.

• Aroma Restaurant
  Chamkhar, Jakar, Bumthang

  Famous Food: Various types of Momos (Vegetarian/Non-Veg)