Bhutanese Red Rice – A Surprise At the Supermarket

I know the United States continues to import more and more food from abroad, however I was surprised to come across 15-ounce bags of Bhutanese Red Rice at my local Harris Teeter supermarket the other day.  Given the unlikelihood I'll ever visit that very costly little Buddhist country, I picked up a bag of the rice thinking at least I can try their grains.

When I put a cup of it in some boiling water, the red coloring immediately dyed the water blood red.  I'm not normally a fan of  heartier rices, however Bhutan did not disappoint!  I added a little butter and salt to the cooked rice, and it was enough for a tasty dinner and lunch the next day.

Lotus Foods did a nice job describing the rice on the bag too….

Bhutanese Red Rice grows at 8,000 feet in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.  Irrigated with 1,000-year-old glacier water in rich minerals, this premium heirloom rice is distinguished by its complex nutty flavor, and beautiful russet color.

So much of the experience of traveling to other countries is tied to their food.  I'm ready to go buck wild once I hit Southeast Asia.  Until then, I'll just have to keep cooking up my own Chicken Pad Thai!

What was the last food you were surprised to find at a local grocery store or market?

Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.