First-of-its-kind Bhutanese eatery opens in Toronto

A new Bhutanese eatery now open in Toronto is likely the first of its kind in the city.

Named after the Himalayan country’s national dish, Ema-Datsi opened this fall in the World Food Market at 335 Yonge St., just north of Yonge and Dundas streets.

The food kiosk is owned and operated by a Bhutanese family. While there are Nepalese and Tibetan restaurants in Toronto with Bhutanese dishes on the menu, this little spot appears to be the only restaurant focusing on Bhutan.

The family said they left behind the comfort and familiarity of Bhutan to embrace a new chapter in Canada. They noticed a gap in Toronto’s food scene and came up with the idea to open a new business.

“With a deep-rooted passion for entrepreneurship, cooking, connecting with people, and a love for travel—and noticing the near-absence of Bhutanese cuisine in the Canadian food scene—the idea quickly turned into a mission,” the family says on the Ema-Datsi website.

You have to admire the family’s spirit.

“Life is short, and sometimes, you just have to take the leap,” they said.

Ema-Datsi

Those with a love for spicy dishes will want to try the ema-datsi dish, which is basically fiery green chilli peppers stewed with cheese.

Truk lep

There are milder choices on the menu, though. The truk lep is a tasty fried vegetable dish, much like Indian pakoras.

Juma

There are a variety of meat dishes such as the juma or fried sausages, and paa, marinated beef.

Jangbuli

The jangbuli is a noodle dish with mixed vegetables and spices, and the kewa chana is a spiced potato and chickpea curry.

1. Ema-Datsi