The Most Popular Drink in Bhutan, Ranked

Choose the drink you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:36
In the serene landscapes of Bhutan, beverages play an essential role in daily life and cultural practices. Identifying which drink holds the highest regard among locals can shed light on regional preferences and deepen understanding of its cultural significance. By ranking these beloved drinks, insights into local customs and traditions are revealed, enhancing appreciation for Bhutan's rich heritage. This live voting system allows participants to cast their vote for their preferred drink, enabling a dynamic and interactive engagement with Bhutanese culture. As votes are gathered, the rankings update in real time, reflecting current trends and popular opinions. This interactive process not only engages users but also promotes a fun and educational way to connect with Bhutan's culinary landscape.

What Is the Most Popular Drink in Bhutan?

  1. 1
    84
    votes
    A traditional drink made from tea leaves, yak butter, water, and salt. It is a staple drink in Bhutan and is consumed throughout the day. It is also a symbol of hospitality and is served to guests as a sign of respect.
    Suja, also known as Butter tea, is a traditional and popular drink in Bhutan. It is a unique beverage made by steeping tea leaves in hot water, then adding butter and salt to enhance the flavor. This rich and creamy tea has been enjoyed by the Bhutanese people for centuries, and it holds great cultural significance in their daily lives.
    • Ingredients: Tea leaves, water, butter, and salt
    • Preparation method: Tea leaves are boiled in water for a long time, then poured into a special tea churn called a 'dama'. Butter and salt are added and the mixture is churned vigorously until it becomes frothy.
    • Flavor: Creamy, salty, and slightly savory
    • Color: Light brown
    • Texture: Smooth and thick, due to the butter content
  2. 2
    32
    votes

    Ara

    A locally brewed rice wine, often served during festivals and special occasions. It is made by fermenting rice, millet, or maize with yeast and water.
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    A popular alcoholic beverage made from fermented millet, maize, or rice. It is a traditional drink often consumed during festivals and celebrations.
  4. 4
    27
    votes

    Tea

    Tea is also popular in Bhutan and is often served with milk and sugar. It is consumed throughout the day and is a common beverage in homes, restaurants, and teahouses.
    Tea is a popular crop grown in the region of Darjeeling in India. It is a type of aromatic beverage made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The tea produced in Darjeeling is highly regarded for its unique flavor, aroma, and high quality.
    • Flavor: Delicate and floral
    • Aroma: Muscatel notes and hints of fruitiness
    • Color: Light golden or amber
    • Caffeine Content: Moderate
    • Leaf Type: Small and tightly rolled
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    Coffee is also consumed in Bhutan, especially in urban areas. It is often served with sugar and milk and is a popular beverage in cafes and restaurants.
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    Beer is becoming increasingly popular in Bhutan, with several breweries opening up in recent years. Local brands such as Red Panda and Druk 11000 are popular among locals and tourists.
    Beer is a picturesque coastal village located in the stunning county of Devon. It is renowned for its natural beauty, charming English architecture, and a peaceful ambiance that attracts visitors from all around. The village is nestled along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering breathtaking views of the dramatic cliffs and the shimmering sea. Beer is also home to a small fishing fleet, and you can find colorful fishing boats lining the pebble beach, adding to the village's charm. The village is surrounded by lush green hills and offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as coastal walks and exploring the nearby nature reserves. Beer is truly a tranquil and captivating destination that captures the essence of Devon's beauty.
    • Location: Devon, England
    • Coastline: Jurassic Coast
    • Architecture: Charming English style
    • Beach: Pebble beach
    • Fishing: Home to a small fishing fleet
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Fresh fruit juices are popular in Bhutan, especially during the summer months. Popular fruit juices include orange, mango, and pineapple.
    Fruit Juices in Bhutan are refreshing and flavorful beverages made from a variety of fruits. They are widely enjoyed for their natural sweetness and nutritional benefits.
    • Variety of Fruits: Fruit juices are made from a range of fruits including mango, orange, apple, pineapple, guava, and more.
    • Natural Sweetness: Fruit juices are naturally sweetened by the fruits and do not contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
    • Nutritional Benefits: Fruit juices are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing a healthy dose of nutrients.
    • Refreshing: Fruit juices are cooling and refreshing, making them perfect for quenching thirst on hot days.
    • Locally Sourced Fruits: The fruits used in Bhutan's fruit juices are sourced locally, supporting local farmers and ensuring freshness.
  8. 8
    7
    votes

    Soft Drinks

    Various beverage companies
    Soft drinks are also consumed in Bhutan, with Coca-Cola being the most popular brand.
    Soft drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that are commonly enjoyed at ballparks. They are carbonated beverages that come in various flavors, offering a refreshing and thirst-quenching experience to spectators.
    • Carbonation level: Effervescent
    • Flavors: Multiple options available, such as cola, lemon-lime, root beer, etc.
    • Sweetness: Varies depending on the brand and flavor
    • Serving temperature: Typically served chilled with ice
    • Package size: Available in cans, bottles, or fountain dispensers
    Soft Drinks in other rankings
  9. 9
    5
    votes

    Mineral Water

    Bhutan Mineral Water Company
    Bottled mineral water is widely available in Bhutan and is consumed by locals and tourists alike.
    Mineral Water is a popular beverage in Bhutan known for its refreshing taste and health benefits. It is a type of water that is naturally rich in minerals, sourced from underground springs or wells. The mineral content in the water includes elements like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonate, which contribute to its unique flavor and potential health benefits.
    • Source: Underground springs or wells
    • Mineral Content: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate
    • Taste: Refreshing
    • Health Benefits: Potential mineral supplementation
    • Packaging: Bottled
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    Lassi is a popular yogurt-based drink in Bhutan, often served with sugar and spices. It is a refreshing beverage and is commonly consumed during the summer months.
    Lassi is a traditional Indian drink made from yogurt or buttermilk blended with various flavorings and sweeteners. It is typically served chilled and is known for its refreshing and creamy texture.
    • Varieties: There are different varieties of lassi, including sweet lassi, salty lassi, mango lassi, rose lassi, and saffron lassi.
    • Primary Ingredients: The primary ingredients in lassi are yogurt or buttermilk, water, and flavorings like sugar, salt, mango pulp, rose water, or saffron.
    • Texture: Lassi has a creamy and smooth texture, similar to a milkshake.
    • Serving Temperature: Lassi is typically served chilled or with ice cubes.
    • Sweet Lassi: Sweet lassi is flavored with sugar, rose water, or mango pulp, giving it a sweet taste.

Missing your favorite drink?

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Ranking factors for popular drink

  1. Cultural significance
    Consider the role of the drink in Bhutanese culture, traditions, or rituals. The drink might be popular because it plays a major part in festivals, religious ceremonies, or other local events.
  2. Availability
    Assess how widely available the drink is throughout Bhutan, whether in urban areas or rural villages. A popular drink is likely to be easily accessible and available in various regions.
  3. Local ingredients
    Look out for drinks made from ingredients native to Bhutan or produced locally. Drinks made from locally-sourced components are more likely to be popular as they represent the country's natural resources and agricultural heritage.
  4. Taste preferences
    Bhutanese people’s taste plays a significant role in determining popular drinks. Identify if locals prefer specific flavors, such as sweet, sour, spicy, or savory, which can influence the drink's popularity.
  5. Affordability
    The cost of the drink is important, as more affordable options tend to be more popular among the general population. Assess whether the drink is available at different price points catering to a wider audience.
  6. Health and wellness
    Bhutanese people may prefer drinks that are perceived or known to be healthy, nourishing, and beneficial for well-being. Consider if the drink has any health advantages that contribute to its popularity.
  7. Marketing and promotion
    Depending on the drink's commercialization, marketing strategies and promotional campaigns can impact its popularity. Observe any promotional tactics and branding that might be raising the drink's visibility and demand among the population.
  8. Seasonal variations
    Many beverages are popular during specific seasons or climates in Bhutan. Cold drinks might be preferred during warmer weather, while hot drinks could be popular during colder months or higher altitudes.
  9. Historical significance
    The drink's popularity may be rooted in its historical significance in Bhutan. Evaluate if the beverage has been consumed in the country for generations, or if it has evolved from traditional preparations.
  10. Adaptability and fusion
    Bhutanese people might enjoy drinks that are adaptable and can be combined with various local flavors or ingredients. Consider if the drink has been incorporated into local culinary traditions or has taken on a unique Bhutanese twist.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular drink in Bhutan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beverage is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1631 views
  • 209 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beverage once every 24 hours. The rank of each beverage is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular drink in bhutan

Bhutan, a small country nestled in the Himalayas, is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique traditions. When it comes to beverages, the most popular drink in Bhutan is butter tea, or suja. This traditional drink is made by boiling tea leaves with water and adding butter and salt. The result is a rich, creamy beverage that is often enjoyed with traditional Bhutanese snacks. While butter tea is the most popular drink in Bhutan, the country also has a thriving beer culture, with locally brewed beers becoming increasingly popular in recent years. Whether you're sipping on a warm cup of butter tea or enjoying a cold beer, Bhutan has plenty of delicious drinks to offer.

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