The sheer spiciness of Bhutanese food may not be as welcoming to a tourist, but you will be missing out on one of the most delightful cuisines if you avoid it. The traditional foods in the country are vegetable and meat dishes. The Bhutanese have lived for centuries among the mountains and so they make a variety of spicy and hot food to keep them warm during the harsh winters.

The food is extremely wholesome and nutritious, most Bhutanese believe that you need to fuel the body with the right amount of carbs and protein. Rice is the main source of carbohydrates amongst the locals; red rice is their top favourite and also Maize is eaten in some regions. Buckwheat flour is also another staple in Bhutanese cuisine; the flour is used to make pancakes, dumplings and noodles.

The most popular or one could say national dish of Bhutan is Ema Datshi. It comprises of boiled vegetables, cottage cheese, onions, garlic, giant green, red and dried chillies. The food is always fresh and served warm. The type of meat most often used in the meals is pork and beef. For instance, Ema Datshi usually comes in pork or beef. If you want to try something slightly pricier opt for Yak meat. There are also sausages, pork bellies, trout and chicken which could be taken as additions or as entrees to a dinner or lunch.

Vegetarians will be delighted to find that the country serves up some of the most delicious vegetarian meals. Since there are a large number of locals who are vegetarian there are several dishes prepared with gourds, pumpkin, spinach, asparagus, radish and mushrooms.

Cellophane noodles or fing noodles are also a favourite in the country. If you don’t want the dish to be too spicy you can always ask for a milder version. It’s best to avoid the Ezays or spicy dips which accompany most meals. The dips are made from red chillies, cheese and onions which tend to be a bit too spicy for the foreign palate. Any Bhutan hotel will have an array of authentic cuisine included in their menus. If you want to make it a gastronomic adventure then you have the option of food tasting in any of the Bhutan tour packages. For both food and lodging check out Uma Bhutan, they have a fabulous range of Bhutanese food.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.Google+