Bhutanese Organic Zaw (700g)

In Bhutan, hospitality begins with a bowl of Zaw (pronounced “zow”). This is the first thing offered to honored guests, weary travelers, and visiting friends as a gesture that says, “You are welcome here.” And once you taste it, you’ll understand why.

Zaw is not your average puffed rice. It starts with heirloom Bhutanese red rice, an ancient grain grown for thousands of years in terraced fields nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, irrigated by mineral-rich glacial waters. Each grain is carefully soaked, air-dried, then dry-roasted in a hot pan until it explodes into a light, airy, shatteringly crisp puff with a naturally sweet, nutty, earthy flavor.

Unlike mass-produced rice cereals, our Zaw contains no additives, no preservatives, no sugar – just pure, wholesome puffed rice in its most authentic Himalayan form.

How to enjoy Zaw (beyond from the bag):

• The Traditional Bhutanese Way: Scoop a generous handful into a cup of Suja (butter tea) or Ngaja (milk tea) . As you sip, the Zaw stays crispy on top, then softens into a tender, tea-infused bite at the bottom. Like a cappuccino, except the foam is puffed rice. This is how most Bhutanese start their day and is a welcome drink in most homes.
• The Bangkok Twist: Sprinkle Zaw over som tam (green papaya salad) for an unexpected crunch. Use it as a topping for coconut yogurt with fresh mango. Or crush it lightly and use as a gluten-free “breading” for fried tofu or prawns.
• Modern Snacking: Mix with roasted nuts, dried goji berries, and dark chocolate chips for a Himalayan trail mix. Stir into oatmeal or smoothie bowls for texture. Or simply serve in a bowl alongside cold beer or cocktails, as it’s dangerously moreish.
• For Little Ones: Zaw is gentle on young stomachs and naturally sweet. A perfect first snack for children.

Produced using traditional methods and heirloom grains, Zaw represents the heart of Bhutanese home cooking which is best described as humble, honest, and full of warmth. Once you start crunching, you won’t want to stop.