Momos on the mind: an ode to the delicious dumplings of Bhutan

Bhutan Himalaya Editors

With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day.

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Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced!

Lola W., California

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The pillowy pockets of joy begin with hand-rolled dough, lovingly proofed and crafted from simple ingredients—flour, water, and a touch of oil. But it's the filling that truly elevates the Bhutanese momo to its celestial heights. A harmonious blend of minced vegetables or meat, fragrant with garlic, ginger, and spring onions, creates the symphony of flavors that dance on the tongue.

The Art of Preparation

Watching skilled momo makers at work is akin to witnessing a sacred rite. With deft fingers, they roll out perfect circles of dough, carefully spooning in the precious fillings. Then comes the true magic—the pleating. Each fold is a work of art, sealing in the savory treasures and creating the momo's distinctive shape, the ends of which must, in the words of one Bhutanese mother, “resemble the perfectly pointed horns of the most beautiful yak.”

A Steamy Affair

As the momos nestle in their steamer baskets, anticipation builds. The gentle wisps of steam carry tantalizing aromas, hinting at the delights to come. After a brief but agonizing wait, the momos emerge, their translucent skins glistening like pearls.

The First Bite

Biting into a freshly steamed Bhutanese momo is a transcendent experience. The delicate wrapper yields easily, releasing a burst of fragrant steam. The filling, perfectly seasoned and juicy, floods the senses with its dense umami flavors, followed by feelings of warmth, satisfaction and comfort. Swipe each dumpling—also available in cheese-filled vegetarian flavors—over a flaming hot, red smear of the national chili sauce ezay, and you’re well on your way to culinary bliss.

More Than Just a Meal

In Bhutan, momos are more than mere sustenance - they are a cultural touchstone, a way of bringing people together. Families and friends gather together to prepare and share these beloved dumplings, strengthening their bonds of kinship and creating cherished memories with each other, each bite a tiny flavor bomb lubricating the interweaving circles of family, friendship, and hospitality, like the Endless Knot, one of the eight sacred symbols of Himalayan Buddhism.

Momos on a distant shore

While deeply rooted in Himalayan tradition, the allure of momos has reached far beyond their mountainous origins. Drawn by their reputation for maximum oomph and deliciousness, foodies visiting the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, New York City, can now take part in annual “momo crawls.”

No matter where one is in the world, a bite of each precious morsel of momo can transport the lucky eater immediately to the serene beauty of Bhutan, where time moves more slowly and life's simple pleasures take center stage. To a Bhutanese enthusiast, momo is more than just food—it's a portal to another world, a world ringed by the pristine and snowy peaks of home, a world of well-remembered tastes and flavors that bring alive everyone and everything one has ever loved, all wrapped up in a heartwarming, full-belly feeling that lingers long after the last dumpling has disappeared from the plate.

AMONG THE MISTY peaks of the Bhutan Himalaya, in the greasy spoons that grace the crowded produce markets and serendipitous street corners where local enthusiasts sniff them out like pigs digging up truffles, a culinary treasure awaits those who seek its sublime joys.