Culture of Bhutan chili peppers (similar to chili con queso), might be called the national dish for its ubiquity and the pride that Bhutanese have for it. Other foods include: "jasha maru" (a chicken dish), "phaksha paa", "thukpa", "bathup", and fried rice. Dairy foods, particularly butter and cheese from yaks and cows, are also popular, and indeed almost all milk is turned into butter and cheese. Popular beverages include: butter tea, black tea, locally brewed "ara" (rice wine), and beer. Popular spices include: curry, cardamom, ginger, "thingay" (Sichuan pepper), garlic, turmeric, and caraway. When offered food, one says "meshu meshu", covering one's mouth
Dongchimi peppers, garlic, and ginger is pickled in brine. Kelp stock is added for deep flavor before fermentation. Bamboo leaves are used as a main ingredient, giving the dongchimi a crisp and clean taste while adding texture. The fermentation process takes longer than other varieties of dongchimi due to its lower sodium content but it can also be stored much longer. It is a local specialty of South Jeolla province. Made from small radish, yuja, pomegranate, and Korean pears are added for a fragrant version. There are many other variations depending on region and personal taste. Dongchimi Dongchimi is a variety