Ema Datshi: Bhutan’s Iconic Spicy Cheese Dish

Ema Datshi, the national dish of Bhutan, is a rich and flavorful stew made with spicy chili peppers and creamy cheese. The name "Ema Datshi" comes from Dzongkha, where “Ema” means chili and “Datshi” means cheese. This beloved dish is a staple in Bhutanese cuisine, often served with red rice and enjoyed for its comforting heat and creamy texture. Ema Datshi is simple to prepare, yet packed with bold flavors, making it a must-try for spice lovers.
Ema Datshi

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time10 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time35 mins

Ingredients for Ema Datshi

 6-8 Medium Jalapeño Peppers, Quartered
 2-3 Green Chillies, Slit
 1 Small Onion, Sliced
 3-4 Garlic Cloves, Roughly Chopped
 1 Small Tomato, Diced
 ¾ cup Grated Cheese
 1 tbsp Butter
 ½ tbsp Vegetable Oil
 Salt, To Taste
 1 cup Water

Directions for Ema Datshi

Prepare the Ingredients
1

Remove stalks from the jalapeños and quarter them lengthwise. Slit the green chilies, slice the onions, chop the garlic and dice the tomatoes.

Cook the Vegetables
2

In a pan, add all the prepared vegetables along with salt, vegetable oil, and water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat, letting it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chilies soften.

Add Cheese and Butter
3

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheese and butter, allowing them to melt and blend into a rich, creamy sauce.

Serve Hot
4

Enjoy your freshly made Ema Datshi with a bowl of warm, cooked rice for an authentic Bhutanese meal.

Ingredients

 6-8 Medium Jalapeño Peppers, Quartered
 2-3 Green Chillies, Slit
 1 Small Onion, Sliced
 3-4 Garlic Cloves, Roughly Chopped
 1 Small Tomato, Diced
 ¾ cup Grated Cheese
 1 tbsp Butter
 ½ tbsp Vegetable Oil
 Salt, To Taste
 1 cup Water

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients
1

Remove stalks from the jalapeños and quarter them lengthwise. Slit the green chilies, slice the onions, chop the garlic and dice the tomatoes.

Cook the Vegetables
2

In a pan, add all the prepared vegetables along with salt, vegetable oil, and water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat, letting it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chilies soften.

Add Cheese and Butter
3

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheese and butter, allowing them to melt and blend into a rich, creamy sauce.

Serve Hot
4

Enjoy your freshly made Ema Datshi with a bowl of warm, cooked rice for an authentic Bhutanese meal.

Notes

Ema Datshi
  • Adjust Spice Level: Use milder chilies or deseed them for less heat.
  • Use Authentic Cheese: Traditional recipes use Yak cheese but Amul cheese or feta can be good substitutes.
  • Pair it Right: Best served with Bhutanese red rice or plain steamed rice.

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