Main Course · Dinner · Asian ·

Creamy Bhutanese Ema Datshi with Yak Cheese

Name: Creamy Bhutanese Ema Datshi with Yak Cheese
Prep time: 23 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 93 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 200g Yak cheese, (or 100g feta + 100g Monterey Jack, crumbled); 6 large chili peppers, (green and red, sliced into rings); 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, sliced; Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro leaves; Chopped green onions; Steamed jasmine rice

Experience the warmth and richness of one of Bhutan's most beloved dishes, Ema Datshi. This recipe combines the unique flavor of yak cheese with the spice of chillies to create a delectably creamy and

4.7(86 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 8, 2026

Creamy Bhutanese Ema Datshi with Yak Cheese — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

23 min

Cook

1 h 10 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Ema Datshi

For the Garnish

For Serving

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 406 kcal
Protein: 14.1 g
Carbs: 42.8 g
Fat: 20.4 g
Fiber: 1.9 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1622 kcal
Protein: 56.3 g
Carbs: 171.3 g
Fat: 81.5 g
Fiber: 7.6 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
200g Yak cheese (or 100g feta + 100g Monterey Jack, crumbled)	660	40	4	56	0
6 large chili peppers (green and red, sliced into rings)	50	2	12	0.5	3
1 cup water	0	0	0	0	0
2 tablespoons butter	204	0	0	23	0
4 cloves garlic minced	18	1	4	0	0
1 medium onion sliced	44	1	10	0	2
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh cilantro leaves	1	0	0.3	0	0.2
Chopped green onions	5	0.3	1	0	0.4
Steamed jasmine rice	640	12	140	2	2

These are estimated values and should not be considered as dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Chilies

1
Slice the chili peppers
Slice the chili peppers into rings, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.
Tip: Be careful while handling chili peppers; wash hands thoroughly afterward. Mixing different types of peppers adds a beautiful color balance and flavor complexity.
2
Season
Add them to a bowl with a pinch of salt and set aside.

Prepping the Cheese and Vegetables

1
Crumble the cheese
Crumble the yak cheese into a mixing bowl, and set aside.
2
Slice onion & mince garlic
Slice the onions and mince the garlic.

How to Make Creamy Bhutanese Ema Datshi with Yak Cheese

Total time: 1 h 33 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Simmer the Base
Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent.
2
Build the Flavor
Introduce the sliced chilies and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3
Incorporate the Cheese
Gradually add the crumbled cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and forms a creamy consistency.