Navigating Coffee Culture An Expats Guide to Bhutan

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Welcome expatriates to the vibrant coffee scene in Bhutan, where we offer insights and tips for navigating the local coffee culture. Whether you're a seasoned coffee aficionado or a newcomer to the region, our guide is designed to help you immersive yourself in Bhutan's coffee traditions and customs.

Understanding Coffee Origins and Production

Bhutan may not be a traditional coffee-growing country, but the country is home to several coffee plantations producing high-quality beans. These locally grown beans are distinct from imported varieties and often have a unique flavor profile. Traditional coffee is typically grown in the hills around Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, with altitudes ranging from 1,300-2,400 meters.

One of the most famous coffee plantations in Bhutan is the Lotus Blossom Coffee plantation in Paro, which is owned and operated by Sangay Khandu, a Bhutanese entrepreneur. Khandu's coffee beans are recognized as some of the finest in the region, and the plantation is open to visitors, who can enjoy a tour of the farm and sample the company's range of coffee blends.

Beyond the plantation, there are many opportunities for expats to discover and explore the world of coffee in Bhutan. Why not take a weekend trip to Punakha or Paro, where you can sample locally grown coffee and learn about its production and cultural significance? At the same time, you may also want to consider visiting a coffee shop in major cities like Thimphu and Phuentsholing, where you can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and soak up a quintessential Bhutanese atmosphere.

Embracing Favorite Coffee Style Drinks

Coffee culture in Bhutan is diverse, and there is a wide array of coffee style drinks to choose from. Traditional brews, specialty blends, and popular coffee beverages unique to the region are readily available, and it's essential to know what's what to understand which one suits your taste buds. Let's explore some favorite coffee style drinks of Bhutan

  • Butter Tea/Reference Tea (Suja): Although it's technically not coffee, this local beverage is worth mentioning here as well. It’s made by extracting tea leaves in water and then adding butter & salt, creating a creamy, frothy texture. The tea is considered a medicinal drink by the locals and out of necessity, a staple as well.
  • Traditional Bhutanese Coffee: This unique beverage is made by boiling the coffee berries along with flavorful spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The result is a rich, fragrant coffee that's often served with a side of biscuits or sponge cake.
  • Cappuccino/Latte: Cappuccino and latte are espresso-based drinks commonly found in cafes around Bhutan. The former is characterized by an equal balance of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, while the latter is largely espresso with steamed milk.
  • Mocha/Hot Chocolate: If you're a chocoholic, mocha and hot chocolate (often referred to as Swiss hot chocolate) are perfect drinks for you. Mocha is a blend of espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk, while hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and fortified with ingredients such as Vanilla.

At any of the coffee shops in Bhutan, you're bound to find an array of coffee style drinks, from traditional Bhutanese coffee to international favorites. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and sample some new brews. You might be pleasantly surprised by the flavors and aromas of Bhutan's unique coffee culture.

Embracing Coffee Drinking Customs and Traditions

Coffee plays a significant role in Bhutanese social life and culture. It's a modern-day social lubricant, consumed as part of everyday life, for a pick-me-up after meals, during work or study breaks, or in social situations such as weddings, parties, and gatherings. Coffee drinking in Bhutan involves etiquette and rituals steeped in cultural significance.

One such cultural experience worth mentioning is an afternoon tea session. Afternoon teas in Bhutan are usually a quieter affair and are commonly consumed as a sit-down meal as opposed to the fast-paced, hurry-jarry, takeaway approach in many western societies. Bhutan’s version of afternoon tea involves savoring butter tea and traditional pastries such as sponge cakes in the mu sha (parlor/drawing room) of well-appointed houses while indulging in conversations.

Another coffee drinking tradition in Bhutan is associated with the ritual of drinking coffee in a social setting. Coffee sharing is a symbolically important gesture in Bhutanese culture, and serving the beverage to guests is deeply ingrained. When coffee is served to guests, it's never to be taken alone - it's customary to serve coffee with biscuits, cakes, or pastries as accompaniments. Generous servings often do not apply to coffee, but to other companion foods. Attendees are encouraged to verbally express their delight and appreciation of the coffee and host.

For expats, coffee drinking customs and traditions present an opportunity to immerse themselves in Bhutanese culture and interact authentically with locals. When indulging in coffee culture, it's vital to respect local customs, traditions, and etiquette.

Tip: Ordering a cup of coffee in Bhutan can quickly become overwhelming for expats, given the multiple coffee cultures available in the country. Take the time to learn about the diverse array of coffee drinks, popular blends, and coffee centric social events in Bhutan to help you navigate the coffee scene and make the most of the experiences available.

Coffee Shops and Cultural Experiences

Bhutan may not be as globally recognized as other coffee-producing countries, but there are several cafes and coffee shops that cater to international and local tastes alike. Here’s a list of a few options:

  • Café Norbuling (Thimphu): This cozy café is located in the heart of Thimphu and provides an authentic Bhutanese experience. The space is filled with traditional wooden furniture and architectural features, including an open courtyard, and serves a variety of locally grown coffee blends.
  • Café Carbide & Oxygen (Paro): Situated in the bustling Paro town, this is another notable café that offers a range of coffee and pastries. The cafe has a fun, laid-back vibe and often hosts live music evenings.
  • The Chatterbox Café (Thimphu): This café, located in the Changjamtok area of Thimphu, is a popular hangout spot offering a relaxed, homely experience. It's an ideal location to connect with local expats and on most weekday afternoons, the cafe hosts free language exchange events.
  • Café Zoom (Paro): Located in the Paro town, this café has a lively atmosphere and features an art gallery, showcasing some of Bhutan’s emerging artists. The café is known for its creative and vibrant camps, including poetry jams and open-mic nights.

In addition to coffee shops, there are a variety of cultural experiences worth mentioning for coffee lovers. One such experience is the Bhutanese Coffee Festival, a week-long event hosted annually in December. The festival features coffee tastings, cup judging sessions, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing awareness of local coffee and its cultural importance, in addition to coffee farming and production techniques.

In conclusion, coffee culture in Bhutan is an opportunity for empowering expats to immerse themselves in Bhutan's unique customs, traditions, and experiences while respecting local customs and cultures. Our comprehensive guide has aimed to provide expats with a well-rounded understanding of coffee origins and production, coffee style drinks, coffee drinking customs and traditions, recommended coffee shops/cafes, and cultural experiences tailored to their tastes and preferences. We hope that you found this guide useful and look forward to sharing more interesting insights about Bhutan's coffee scene in the future.