Food and travel go hand in hand. At least, they do for foodies. On top of that, if you have had an aching wanderlust in you for long, it becomes even more special to have the best of both.
In any case, exploring the cuisine of a place is one of the best ways to explore the culture, lifestyle and even standards of a city, country and its people. People are what they eat, no?
My recent trip to Bhutan was the perfect sojourn to explore a new country, a new lifestyle peculiar to people of the mountains and the kinda food they eat which, when put in your mouth, can give you serious foodgasms. And mind you, they contain no oil or any preservatives whatsoever. Now, that's a tough combo to find.
The first Bhutanese cuisine that I put in the large hole in my face was the most famous one - Datshi. Datshi means 'Cheese'. Bhutanese people make fresh cheese out of yalk milk and that, unlike packaged cheese, is good for your health. Ema Datshi, meaning chilies and cheese is the staple food of Bhutanese people. Those of you who love spicy food will find Bhutanese cuisine perfect for your taste buds. Even though for people like us who belong to a tropical country, Bhutanese cuisine can set our stomachs on fire. However, I'd strongly advise you to put Ema Datshi in your stomach because its made of natural cheese and chilli and won't have any long-term damage. A little 'teekha' should be fine.
Though most Hindus would probably stay away from non-vegetarian food in Bhutan since they use pork and beef a lot, let me tell you, Bhutanese people make amazing non-vegetarian dishes. From their absolutely oil-free omelettes to their Thukpa (soupy noodles) to a simple chowmein, all of it is deliciously prepared. I was advised to taste momos in Bhutan since I love those. The taste is different from what we find in India and it is real amazing.
While in Bhutan, we did have Indian food. However, barring one restaurant in Punakha who served us piping hot yet finger-licking rice, dal, chicken, mixed veg and mushroom, there isn't much to eat. Its a waste of money to eat Indian food anywhere outside the country. Whenever you visit a new place, do stick to their cuisine, no matter the rumours you hear. I was asked to refrain from non-vegetarian food in Bhutan on account of their love for beef. But, hey, nobody is gonna serve you something you don't want to eat! Just make it clear to them while you order.
After spending Rs 600 on an average Indian food at Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, all of us decided to search for good local food. And we found one tiny restaurant in the city which served us amazing Bhutanese food - Chicken Paa, Veg and Non-veg noodles with chicken and egg, Ema Datshi, Kewa Datshi (Kewa means potato) and more. It cost us Rs 300 per head and was to die for! My money-ridden spoiled mood came back to life once I savoured the dishes. Oh! I still remember the amazing foodgasm!!!
I spent a week in Bhutan and I guess I've never had so much alcohol in such a short time. When in Bhutan, please try their Special Courier Whiskey and Beer. The varying temperatures and the cold makes Bhutanese people keep alcohol at their disposal all the time. Except Special Courier Whiskey, all of it, including Bhutanese wine, is comparatively cheaper.
We had rum at Rs 70 with our delicious lunch and, you won't believe, they even served us soft drinks in mocktail glasses with ice! I couldn't help but marvel at the effort they put. Of course, we were super happy and satisfied.
If you have any doubts about the ingredients used in the food, the people there are more than happy to explain things to you. Bhutan has the smartest women running businesses all over the country. This is something we Indians need to learn from them.
The cold weather at Thimpu, Punakha and Paro made us jump to taste soup and tea. And both of these were real nice! The soup, in particular, was well-made with boiled chicken and spinach and more than made up for the coldness in my throat.
Bhutan and its culture is simple yet exuberating. These people make use of natural ingredients and that is what keeps them fit and fine. Throughout our trip, we couldn't find a single obese person. Bhutanese people eat, drink, make merry but also work equally hard and are disciplined. So, forget to get food after 9pm. Make your dinner arrangements from early evening itself.
There's so much about Bhutan that I loved. But more than anything else, I was very happy with their food. Bhutanese cuisine holds the secret to the kind of life people in the land of happiness lead.
Happiness comes from food too, right?