Bhutanese Snacks: Momos, Chips & More

Bhutan’s snacks are as deeply rooted in tradition as its meals. Whether shared during tea time, sold on the streets, or served at festivals, these local nibbles offer a glimpse into the kingdom’s culinary identity—rustic, bold, and soul-warming.

1. Momos: The Undisputed King of Bhutanese Snacks

These Tibetan-style dumplings are perhaps the most popular street and household snack across Bhutan.

Varieties You’ll Find:

• Veg Momos: Stuffed with cabbage, onion, and cheese
• Pork or Beef Momos: Juicy, meaty bites with chili chutney
• Datshi Momos: Filled with cheese and chili, a local twist
• Fried Momos: Crispy outside, savory inside

Served With: Ezay (spicy chili sauce) or soup broth

Where to Try:

• Zombala in Thimphu
• Street stalls in Paro or Punakha
• Local markets and tshechu festivals

2. Suja Chips: Butter Tea-Flavored Crackers

Made from fried rice or wheat flour and often paired with suja (salted butter tea), these crispy chips are lightly salted and sometimes carry the smoky aroma of yak butter.

Best With: A hot cup of suja or black tea
Occasion: Tea time, family gatherings, or road trips

3. Zow Shungo: A Snack with a No-Waste Twist

This dish uses leftover rice and vegetables, stir-fried with chilies and datshi. Though simple, it’s flavorful, comforting, and often served in between meals.

Why It’s Special: It reflects the Bhutanese zero-waste mindset and creativity with leftovers.

4. Khapse: Festive Fried Delights

These deep-fried, sweet or savory cookies are especially popular during Losar (Bhutanese New Year) and other festivals.

Common Shapes:

• Flat spirals
• Braided knots
• Coin-sized rounds

Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet or salty, great with tea

5. Yak Cheese Cubes: The Ultimate Mountain Munch

Hard, dense, and extremely chewy, yak cheese cubes are a traditional Himalayan snack and can take up to an hour to finish a single piece.

Where to Find:

• Cheese stalls in Bumthang
• Centenary Farmers Market in Thimphu
• Roadside shops in high-altitude towns

Travel Tip: Great to carry as an energy snack during hikes

6. Buckwheat & Millet Crackers

These naturally gluten-free, nutrient-rich crackers are made from local grains like buckwheat and finger millet, often toasted or baked.

Add-ons: Sprinkled with local herbs, sesame seeds, or chili flakes
Perfect For: Health-conscious travelers or those looking for local superfoods

7. Ezay: The Side That Becomes the Main

While technically a condiment, ezay (a chili paste made with dried or fresh chilies, cheese, and spices) is often eaten as a snack itself—with rice crackers, flatbreads, or even raw.

Flavors Vary: Tangy, cheesy, nutty, or face-melting hot
Get the Best: Homemade at farm stays or sold in local markets

8. Dried Fruits & Local Nuts

In regions like Bumthang, you’ll find Bhutanese dried apples, apricots, walnuts, and wild berries—harvested and preserved naturally.

Uses: On their own or mixed into trail mixes
Great For: Long drives, treks, and high-altitude adventures

9. Local Popcorn & Puffed Grains

Bhutanese popcorn is often made from indigenous corn and enjoyed with a sprinkle of chili salt. Puffed rice or barley snacks are also commonly eaten with butter tea or on their own.

Local Touch: Roasted in traditional earthen pots over wood fire
Cultural Use: Common in rural homes and rituals

From comforting momos to chewy yak cheese, Bhutan’s snack scene is a delightful combination of heat, heartiness, and heritage. Every bite tells a story—of families, festivals, forests, and food culture shaped by the Himalayas. Planning a food-focused journey through Bhutan? Let Hi DMC help you build the perfect itinerary—whether it's street snack trails, cooking sessions, or tasting tours through local markets.

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