Yak attack in Bhutan

The Amankora lodges across Bhutan are renowned for using local ingredients wherever possible and Yak has now become a signature dish on their menus.
 
Yak dishes range from yak carpaccio and Asian-spiced yak broth to yak burgers and they have just introduced a new creation at Amankora Thimphu, which involves quickly seared, thinly sliced yak, topped with the chef's version of Bhutan's national dish 'ema datsi' - chilli and cheese.

Yak is known to be around 95% fat free, rich in Omega 3 oils and has 40% more protein than beef.  The yaks graze in the meadow pastures and lower altitude fields of dwarf bamboo.   The meat has a very mild flavour, with no gamey taste, and can be likened to a delicate lean beef. 

The yak dishes are generally served with a traditional Bhutanese ‘hogay’ salad of cucumber, tomatoes, local peppers and farm cheese.  Amankora Bumthang, Aman’s fifth lodge in Bhutan, is set in a valley particularly known for its cheese production.  The cottage produce highly sought after butter, Gouda and Emmenthal cheese, honey and a variety of fruit spirits and brandies.

A night in a suite at one of the Amankora lodges costs from £792 (US$1,300) including all meals, beverages, laundry, airport transfers and visa processing. 

New Traditional Lao Cuisine at Amantaka 

Amantaka in Laos has introduced a new Lao menu, featuring some of the country's most traditional cuisine.  Little known outside of Laos, the cuisine involves an abundance of herbs, galangal and lemongrass and uses a lot of Pa daek - a highly pungent fish sauce and sticky white rice.  It also relies heavily on raw ingredients including fish, meat and vegetables, frequently served like ceviche. 

The menu includes Keng Som Pa, a fragrant soup with lemongrass and Nem Dip and fresh spring rolls stuffed with pork, coriander and mint dipped in a sweet chilli sauce.  A night at Amantaka in Luang Prabang costs from £422 (US$700) on a room only basis.
 
Temple Food in Hangzhou

Amanfayun in Hangzhou has a restaurant offering authentic temple food run by the nearby Lingyin Temple.  Temple food is orthodox Buddhist food, so does not include meat, seafood, alcohol or vegetables with a strong smell.  The food is designed to enrich the body and mind and great care is taken to respect and represent Buddhist concepts with every dish.

Dishes include chrysanthemum and tofu soup, gravy noodles with fungus and day lily, wax gourd steamed with lotus seeds and truffle and bamboo fungus in mustard.  Some of the vegetables used are grown organically behind Vegetarian House and in the property of Buddhist Academy.

Amanfayun lies hidden in a valley to the west of West Lake.  The resort is comprised of 47 stone courtyard dwellings designed in the spirit of a traditional Chinese village and surrounded by tea.  A night at Amanfayun costs from £395 (US$650) on a room only basis.

For more information visit: amanresorts.com