Food In Wangduechhoeling Palace

Food History of Wangduechhoeling Palace, Jakar, Bhutan

The Wangduechhoeling Palace, located in Jakar, Bumthang district, is not just a historical landmark but a testament to Bhutan's rich cultural heritage which extends to its culinary traditions. Built in 1857 as the principal residence of the first King of Bhutan, the palace has witnessed various royal banquets and traditional Bhutanese festivities. Bumthang is known for its buckwheat and dairy production, which feature heavily in its local cuisine. Over the years, the palace itself may not have actively participated in food preparation, but it has served as a backdrop for many gastronomic events reflecting the Bhutanese way of life, which values communal meals and seasonal ingredients.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Wangduechhoeling Palace, Jakar, Bhutan

Although you might not be dining within the walls of the historic Wangduechhoeling Palace, Jakar and its surrounding areas offer visitors a chance to taste traditional Bhutanese dishes that one can imagine might have been served to the royal family. Below are the top 10 dishes every tourist should try:

1. Ema Datshi (Vegetarian) - A spicy mix of chillies and local cheese, it's the national dish of Bhutan.
2. Kewa Datshi (Vegetarian) - A Bhutanese dish made of potatoes, cheese, and spices.
3. Momos (Both Veg and Non-Veg) - Dumplings filled with either vegetables, cheese, or other non-cow meat.
4. Phaksha Paa (Non-Veg) - Pork cooked with spicy red chillies.
5. Jasha Maru (Non-Veg) - Spicy minced chicken, Bhutanese style.
6. Red Rice (Vegetarian) - A Bhutanese staple, often served with other dishes.
7. Khur-le (Vegetarian) - Buckwheat pancakes, indicative of Bumthang's buckwheat culture.
8. Bumthang Puta (Vegetarian) - A traditional noodle dish made from buckwheat, unique to the region.
9. Goep (Non-Veg) - A dish made with tripe and various mountain spices.
10. Lom (Vegetarian) - A stew made of Bhutanese turnips, dried and typically combined with other ingredients.

Top Famous Restaurants in Wangduechhoeling Palace, Jakar, Bhutan

While there might not be restaurants inside the historical Wangduechhoeling Palace, the town of Jakar has several eateries where you can enjoy traditional Bhutanese cuisine:

• Mountain Lodge Restaurant
  Address: Below Wangduechhoeling Palace, Jakar, Bhutan
  Famous for: Ema Datshi (Vegetarian) and Phaksha Paa (Non-Veg)
• Swiss Guest House Restaurant
  Address: Kharsumphe, Jakar, Bhutan
  Famous for: Khur-le (Vegetarian) and homemade Swiss dishes
• Bhutanese Kitchen
  Address: Main Street, Jakar, Bhutan
  Famous for: Momos (Both Veg and Non-Veg)
• Yugharling Resort & Spa
  Address: Chummey, Jakar, Bhutan
  Famous for: Bumthang Puta (Vegetarian)
• Amigo Restaurant
  Address: In and Around Jakar Town, Bhutan
  Famous for: Traditional Bhutanese Cuisine with a choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Please bear in mind that Bhutanese cuisine is rich with flavors, and use of chillies and cheese is quite common. Also, due to the religious and cultural sentiments, beef is not consumed, thus it's not mentioned in the list of dishes.