Bhutanese Organic Zaw (700g)

Traditional puffed heirloom rice snack. Light, airy, and gluten-free.

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.

History of Bhutanese Organic Zaw (700g)

Zaw (also spelled Zow or Zaow) is one of Bhutan’s most beloved snacks, with roots stretching back centuries. It is made from Bhutanese red rice, an heirloom variety cultivated for over a thousand years in the kingdom’s high-altitude valleys, including Paro, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang. Grown manually without chemicals or pesticides, this medium-grain rice thrives in glacial-fed terraces and is prized for its distinctive ruddy tint from anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant also found in blueberries and purple grapes. Semi-milled before polishing, it retains more nutrients than fully milled white rice while developing the nutty, earthy flavor Bhutanese people revere.

The technique of producing Zaw involves, soaking, drying, then dry-roasting rice until it puffs. Which emerged as a practical way to preserve rice for long journeys and to create a lightweight, non-perishable snack that could be carried by travelers and traders through the Himalayas. Over time, it evolved into a cornerstone of Bhutanese hospitality. When guests arrive at a Bhutanese home, a bowl of Zaw is offered almost immediately, often accompanied by Suja (butter tea) or Ngaja (milk tea) . In rural areas, it remains a daily breakfast staple.

Today, Bhutanese red rice is recognized by the Slow Food Foundation’s Ark of Taste, an international catalog of endangered heritage foods. With fewer than 200 smallholder producers cultivating it, this ancient grain is increasingly rare, making authentic Zaw a true taste of Bhutan’s disappearing agricultural heritage. Our Zaw honors that legacy, supporting traditional farming communities and preserving a snack that has welcomed guests to Bhutan for generations.

Nutritional Value of Bhutanese Organic Zaw (700g)

Nutrient

Range

Calories

360

Protein

Fat

Carbohydrates

76g

Fiber

Sodium

Dietary Pros:

100% Plant-Based / Vegan
Naturally Gluten-Free (confirmed by the Slow Food Foundation)
No Added Sugar
No Artificial Additives, Preservatives, or Colors
Rich in Antioxidants: Bhutanese red rice contains anthocyanin, the same antioxidant compound that gives the grain its distinctive color, supporting cellular health
Mineral-Rich: Semi-milled red rice retains more iron, magnesium, and zinc than fully polished varieties
Low Fat (dry-roasted, not fried)
Non-GMO

Health & Lifestyle Benefits:

Easily Digestible: Zaw’s puffed, airy structure makes it gentle on the stomach, suitable for all ages, from young children to the elderly.
Quick, Sustained Energy: Red rice is rich in complex carbohydrates, providing a steady release of energy without the sugar crash of processed snacks. A perfect pre-hike or mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Gluten-Free & Allergy-Friendly: Safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. A wonderful alternative to wheat-based crackers and cereals.
Chewing Stimulates the Brain: According to Bhutanese food experts, chewing crunchy foods like Zaw is “good for the jaw” and helps stimulate the brain, making it a recommended snack for young students.
Mineral-Rich: Bhutanese red rice contains naturally occurring iron (for healthy blood), magnesium (for muscle and nerve function), and phosphorus (for strong bones and teeth).
Supports Heritage Agriculture: With fewer than 200 farming families still cultivating Bhutanese red rice, every purchase helps preserve an ancient, endangered grain and supports smallholder farmers working without chemicals or pesticides.

How to make Bhutanese Organic Zaw (700g)?

Zaw is a ready-to-eat snack, but here are three authentic Bhutanese-style ways to turn it into a full experience:

The Classic Bhutanese Breakfast: Pour a cup of Suja (butter tea) or Ngaja (milk tea) into a warm bowl. Add two generous scoops of Zaw directly into the tea. Sip slowly, eating the crispy Zaw from the top as you go. When you reach the bottom, the remaining Zaw will have softened into a tender, tea-infused rice porridge. This is how generations of Bhutanese have started their mornings.
Zaw & Yogurt Parfait (Bhutanese Fusion): In a glass, layer plain yogurt (or coconut yogurt), a drizzle of honey or palm sugar, a sprinkle of crushed Zaw, and fresh fruit (mango, berries, or banana). Repeat. The Zaw stays crunchy against the creamy yogurt, adding texture and a subtle nutty sweetness. A perfect breakfast or dessert.
Spicy Zaw Crunch Salad Topper: Crush ½ cup of Zaw lightly with your hands. Toss with a pinch of Bhutanese chili powder (or paprika for milder heat) and a tiny pinch of salt. Sprinkle generously over any salad of green papaya, cucumber, or even a simple leafy salad with lime dressing. The Zaw adds a gluten-free, addictive crunch that transforms everyday greens into something special.