What are the five main fruits in a Bhutanese fruit bowl 'thokay'?

Email

There are usually five fruits that make it to the 'thokay' (fruit bowl) placed on the altars or in front of the King, Chief Abbot and Lamas.

While a small country in size nestled between two Asian giants, Bhutan has extremely diverse agro-climatic conditions due to dramatic variation in elevation. This climatic and altitudinal variability of the country allows the growth and cultivation of many crops and fruits. Since there is no documented evidence, little is known about what fruits are original to Bhutanese soil. 

However, fruits always occupied a prominent place on the altar as an offering in all religious ceremonies and as a fruit bowl (‘thokay’) on special occasions as part of the Bhutanese tradition and customs. One can see the presence of all types of deciduous fruits like apricot, peach, pear and persimmon near most monasteries and district administration buildings in Bhutan. These lend support to the assumption that fruit cultivation meant solely for offering and family consumption must have been part of Bhutanese history since time immemorial. 

With the beginning of the First Five-Year-Development Plan during the reign of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (known as the Father of Modern Bhutan), modern fruit cultivation has been identified as a potential source of income for the farmers. That was when commercial cultivation began and fruits grown in different parts of Bhutan became accessible in the market for local consumption and few for export. 

Given the limited to no use of chemicals especially in fruits as most of them are not grown at a large commercial scale, the limited supply of fruits from within the country are not only safe but tastes naturally delicious and remain a hot commodity in the local farmers' section at the Centenary Farmer’s market. 

So, what are some of these fruits that are popular and available that you can try on your next trip to Bhutan? As outlined above, there are many fruits grown locally and more imported from neighbouring countries that you could try. 

To make your fruit-tasting more culturally inclined and intriguing, here are five popular fruits in the Bhutanese fruit bowl 'thokay' you could consider trying:

1. Pineapples


On every special occasion, Bhutanese make a fruit bowl ‘thokay’ and place it in front of the guest of honour. Pineapple is usually the main fruit placed in the center with different fruits placed decoratively around it in a copper vase/bowl. Given the cultural significance the fruit has, you could start with pineapples.

2. Apples


Apple is considered to be the most important deciduous fruit crop introduced from India and grown on a commercial scale since commercial cultivation of fruits began in Bhutan. The majority of the apple orchards are confined to the Paro district. The most common varieties grown and sold in the market are Red Delicious, Royal Delicious and Golden Delicious. Locally grown apples are available in winter and can be seen sold by the roadsides, especially in Hongtsho on the Thimphu-Wangdue highway. One can easily pick up apples as a healthy snack en route while travelling across the country!

3. Oranges


Places in the southern part of Bhutan like Gelephu, Samtse and Tsirang supply the sweetest and most juicy oranges during the season. Phuentsholing-Thimphu highway sees a throng of people selling oranges by the roadside to commuters. If your entry point to Bhutan is from Phuenstholing, you are in luck. The same oranges of course are also available in market places of other districts. 
 

4. Bananas

If pineapple takes the center stage in the Bhutanese fruit bowl, then banana is like the artist closing the show – circling all the fruits in the bowl as four pillars of strength. Wild bananas grow in almost all of Bhutan’s sub-tropical and temperate regions at up to 1,800 metres. However, the most scrumptious ones are said to be from the Sarpang district which cultivates around 12 varieties of local bananas. Be sure to try the bananas when you are in Sarpang.

5. Pears 


It wouldn’t be wrong to assume that pear must have made it to the ‘thokey’ and often take up up major space because of its abundance. Naturally occurring local types of pears are found everywhere – from a family’s backyard to the wild forests. Its easy accessibility also makes them the most cost-effective but that doesn’t make them any less tasty — the opposite is true, thanks to it being near 100% organic! You can also find dried pears that make a delightful snack if your travel itinerary includes hiking. 

In addition to the above five main — not set in stone — fruits commonly used, ‘thokey’ can contain dried dates locally known as ‘guendum’, dried persimmon called ‘aanday kam’ and other imported fruits. 

Sophie, who was working as a music teacher in Bhutan once said to me, ‘We have carrots in London. But the ones in Bhutan taste so differently delicious.’ Hopefully, the fruits in Bhutan lives up to the same expectations for you. 

Find out what are the other popular agricultural products available in Bhutan.



Related Posts

What are the popular agricultural produce in Bhutan?

Subsistence farming is an integral part of the Bhutanese economy. Cultivating staple crops like rice, maize, barley,...

Aug 06, 2021 15:47

Bhutan is home to one of the most expensive mushrooms in the...

There is even a festival for it, known as the Matsutake Mushroom Festival. There, you’ll get to sample various dishes...

Sep 24, 2021 16:10

Crafting dreams in Laya: The carpenter settlers of the highlands

Laya, nestled in the Bhutanese highlands, is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage.

Sep 12, 2023 11:28

Chillies, a spicy affair in Bhutan

The Bhutanese love it hot.

Jun 07, 2022 23:55

Bhutan is traditionally a matriarchal society

Women are the decision-makers at home, but something is keeping them from public life.

May 27, 2022 22:14

What are those singing bowls that you see in Bhutan

The vibrations from the bowl affect your body and mind.

May 22, 2022 12:06

Latest

News

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's Unofficial Trip to Singapore

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visits Singapore in September 2023.

Sep 18, 2023 10:11

King Jigme and Queen Jetsun welcomed their first royal princess

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema had welcomed their first daughter on the 9th September 2023.

Sep 12, 2023 20:48

Features

Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition Now Open to Public

'Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition was unveiled by Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck

Sep 19, 2023 18:56

Bhutanese Students Get Ready to Compete In First Global Robotic Competition

Five students from Bhutan will compete in the First Global Robotic Competition in Singapore, which is themed Hydrogen Horizons, next month.

Sep 14, 2023 13:51

Business

Thimphu's Centenary Farmers Market Back in Business After Year-Long Revamp

The newly renovated market was inaugurated on 18 September 2023.

Sep 22, 2023 08:03

Payment gateway is a hurdle for digital freelancers in Bhutan

As the concept of digital freelancing gains traction in Bhutan, those engaged in this field are encountering challenges related to payment...

Sep 13, 2023 15:52

Sports

Historic hybrid chess tournament pits Bhutanese against American players

In the inaugural Bhutan and US Friendship Bridge Tournament on September 2, ten local chess players engaged in competition against...

Sep 12, 2023 11:05

Paro FC wins the 2022 BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC wins third Premier League title in nail biting fashion in final match of the season.

Jan 09, 2023 15:45

Travel

Bhutan's aviation pioneer: The story of Jamair and the early days of air travel

In 1952, Bhutan initially proposed the establishment of a fully equipped aerodrome in Punakha and the acquisition of a Dakota airplane.

Sep 13, 2023 11:15

A tale of two airports in Bhutan

As the slow pace towards a pre-pandemic world begins, two of the country’s domestic airports are going through their own challenges and...

Nov 03, 2022 16:30

Lifestyle

Crafting dreams in Laya: The carpenter settlers of the highlands

Laya, nestled in the Bhutanese highlands, is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage.

Sep 12, 2023 11:28

Chillies, a spicy affair in Bhutan

The Bhutanese love it hot.

Jun 07, 2022 23:55

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!