Bhutanese Organic Zimtsi Ezay (200g)

Award-winning chili paste with perilla seeds for a nutty, crunchy texture.

Zimtsi Ezay – Zobel’s Signature Chili Paste

Meet the chili paste that put a tiny, award-winning women-led enterprise on the map. This is Zimtsi Ezay, the flagship product of Tshejor’s Ayzey, and it has been tantalising taste buds across the Kingdom for over two decades.

The secret to its unique character is Zimtsi nab (perilla seeds) . These tiny seeds, known locally as Zhimtsi, come from the Perilla frutescens plant, a member of the mint family. We slow-roast them to unlock their delicate, nutty flavour and subtle minty undertones, then combine them with fire-roasted organic chilies, garlic, Sichuan pepper, and a symphony of aromatic spices. The result is a complex, fiery paste with an unforgettable crunch and a finish that lingers.

Zimtsi Ezay is a true celebration of Bhutan’s micro-regional culinary identity. It is 100% natural, with no preservatives, and produced with less oil to let the pure flavours shine.

This is the signature creation of Mrs. Tshewang Dem, a female entrepreneur who won the Loden Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2015. Her company, Tshejor’s Ayzey, was also a proud recipient of the National Trademark Award 2018. Your purchase directly supports this mission and empowers Bhutanese women entrepreneurs.

How to enjoy this award-winning paste in Bangkok:

The Traditional Bhutanese Way: Serve a small spoonful alongside a plate of Bhutanese Red Rice, Ema Datshi, or any vegetable or meat dish. It’s the perfect fiery accompaniment.
The Bangkok Twist: Use it as a secret weapon for som tam (green papaya salad) . Its nutty, minty heat adds an incredible new dimension. Stir it into tom yum soup, larb, or curries for a burst of authentic flavour.
The Modern Way: Spread it on sandwiches or wraps, mix it into mayonnaise for a spicy dip, or use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or tofu. It’s also a phenomenal topping for pizza or scrambled eggs.

Made with organic ingredients by a passionate team of women, each jar is a taste of Bhutan’s heart and entrepreneurial spirit.

History of Bhutanese Organic Zimtsi Ezay (200g)

Zimtsi (Perilla Frutescens) has been a cornerstone of Bhutanese cooking for centuries. Known locally as Zhimtsi, this member of the mint family is a traditional ingredient, valued for its aromatic seeds which have a nutty taste with subtle undertones of mint. For generations, these seeds have been a key component in local dishes, from complex ezay recipes to simple salads.

While perilla seeds are an age-old ingredient, their elevation into a signature modern product is a story of entrepreneurial spirit. This paste is the flagship creation of Tshejor’s Ayzey, a women-led enterprise founded in the year 2000 and officially launched in 2011. The company was born from the vision of Mrs. Tshewang Dem, a female entrepreneur who had the idea of producing homemade Bhutanese pickles that combined a unique blend of local ingredients.

Her “Tshejor Ayzey” quickly became very popular. As a female entrepreneur, Mrs. Tshewang Dem is eager to inspire other women who strive to gain financial independence. Her dedication and the quality of her products have been widely recognised: she won the Loden Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2015 and her company, Tshejor’s Ayzey, was also a proud recipient of the National Trademark Award 2018.

The company is also supported by the Loden Foundation, a pioneering educational charity founded in 1999 by Karma Phuntsho. Loden is Bhutan’s first registered charity, committed to promoting education, nurturing social entrepreneurship, and documenting Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Since 2008, the foundation has funded 295 entrepreneurs (including 97 women), creating 860 jobs, and training 5,750 aspiring entrepreneurs. Tshejor’s Ayzey remains deeply committed to its community, employing 8 women who are all housewives with limited educational backgrounds, and supporting students’ school fees through the Loden Foundation.

This Zimtsi Ezay is a celebration of Bhutan’s micro-regional culinary identities. It combines fire-roasted organic chilies with valley-specific aromatics, creating a distinctive taste that represents the geographic diversity of Bhutanese chili culture.

Nutritional Value of Bhutanese Organic Zimtsi Ezay (200g)

Nutrient

Range

Calories

195

Protein

Fat

18g

Carbohydrates

73g

Fiber

Sodium

450

Dietary Pros:

100% Plant-Based / Vegan
Naturally Gluten-Free
Low Calorie (Only 64 kJ per 8g serving)
No Artificial Preservatives
Less Oil than traditional ezays
Rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and metabolism-boosting capsaicin.

Nutritional Excellence:
This Zimtsi Ezay is a nutritional powerhouse in a tiny jar. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids from the perilla seeds. The seeds of Perilla frutescens are small, containing approximately 35–45% oil and are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Health & Lifestyle Benefits:

❤️ Cardiovascular Health: The high concentration of α-linolenic acid (ALA) , an omega-3 fatty acid from the perilla seeds, contributes to heart health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
🔥 Metabolism Boost: The capsaicin from the fire-roasted organic chilies can help boost metabolism and promote circulation.
✨ Rich in Antioxidants: The combination of chilies (vitamins A and C) and perilla seeds provides powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support a healthy immune system.
🧠 Cognitive & Anti-Inflammatory Support: The omega-3 fatty acids from perilla are essential for brain health and have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in scientific studies.
🌿 Digestive Health: The dietary fiber content supports healthy digestion and gut function.
⚡ Low Calorie, High Flavor: With only 64 kJ per 8g serving, this paste is a guilt-free way to add massive flavour, heat, and crunch to any dish.
🤝 Empowers Women & Supports Community: Every purchase directly supports Mrs. Tshewang Dem and her team of 8 women employees at Tshejor’s Ayzey, helping them gain financial independence. It also contributes to the Loden Foundation’s mission of nurturing social entrepreneurship in Bhutan.

How to make Bhutanese Organic Zimtsi Ezay (200g)?

Zimtsi Ezay is a versatile condiment. Here are three delicious ways to bring its unique flavour into your kitchen:

The Ultimate Bhutanese Rice Bowl (Red Rice & Ema Datshi): Cook a bowl of Bhutanese Red Rice. Prepare a simple Ema Datshi (chili and cheese stew) using fresh green chilies and local cheese. Serve the Ema Datshi over the red rice and add a generous spoonful of Zimtsi Ezay on the side. As you eat, mix a little of the spicy, nutty paste into each bite for an incredible depth of flavour. This is the most traditional and satisfying way to enjoy it.
Zimtsi & Coconut Noodle Soup (Fusion Comfort): Prepare a light coconut milk broth with vegetable or chicken stock, a splash of fish sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice. Cook your favorite noodles (rice noodles or ramen) directly in the broth. Off the heat, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of Zimtsi Ezay per bowl. The perilla seeds add a nutty, minty complexity and a delightful crunch to the creamy, spicy soup. Garnish with fresh coriander and spring onions.
Spicy Zimtsi Grilled Corn (Ezay-Style Elote): Grill or boil fresh corn on the cob until tender. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of Zimtsi Ezay with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) and a squeeze of lime juice. Brush the mixture generously over the hot corn. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese (or a salty hard cheese) and fresh coriander. The creamy, spicy, nutty, and crunchy paste transforms simple corn into an unforgettable side dish or snack.