Punakha came alive with the aroma of tradition as the scent of traditional dishes and local ingredients filled the air at Zomlingthang during the country’s first-ever Festival of Flavors. The two-day festival brought farmers, cooking enthusiasts, and food lovers together to celebrate and promote Bhutan’s rich culinary heritage.
Fresh farm produce, locally brewed alcoholic beverages, and Bhutanese delicacies took centre stage during the festival in Zomlingthang.
Residents from seven gewogs and interested local participants displayed these items in 10 stalls.
The festival celebrates the journey of food from farm to table and from soil to soul.
Some locals demonstrated how local ingredients are prepared and used in different dishes.
The festival also provides an opportunity for cooking enthusiasts to be more creative while allowing farmers to showcase their produce.
A blindfolded food tasting and identification competition was also held among farmers during the event.
Participants say such events allow them to experience different culinary cultures while appreciating the essence of traditional foods.
They add that it also encourages farmers to focus more on agriculture back home.
Namgay Thinley from Dzomi Gewog said, “We can learn cooking by observing others, and we can also share our own knowledge and skills. This festival helps us gain valuable cooking knowledge that we did not have before.”
Kabisa Mangmi Phub Gyeltshen said, “We are demonstrating how Pangtse Makhu is extracted and processed, and how it is used to fry Chhangkey. There are many visitors here, not only Bhutanese but foreigners as well. We feel proud to showcase the traditional Pangtse Makhu extraction process in Kabisa Gewog. This festival benefits us greatly.”
Damcho Wangchuk from Toebisa Gewog said, “We can teach our youth about the different kinds of food that can be prepared from our cereals and the benefits of consuming them. We also tell them about the risk of our traditional foods disappearing if we ignore these cultural practices.”
Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho said, “Food is not just a food. It is our identity and it is our culture and tradition being served on a plate. Our food tells the story of our mountains, of our rivers, of our farmers and of our traditions.”
Yeshi Dorji, Economic Development and Marketing Officer of Punakha said, “As culinary traditions and culture seem to be declining, the festival also seeks to revive them. It is mainly intended to help improve the local community’s economy.”
The Department of Tourism and the Punakha District Administration introduced the festival with support from the De-suung Skilling Programme under the theme, “Where Flavors Meet Happiness.” The event was funded through the Economic Stimulus Programme.
The organisers plan to celebrate the festival annually, although the venue may change.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
