A Wagashi workshop in Thimphu, led by chefs from Kyoto

This week, we hosted a Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) workshop in Thimphu.

Two young chefs from Wakuden, a renowned culinary house in Kyoto, Japan, came to lead the session — teaching the Selwa team, a Bhutanese organization supporting people with disabilities under the patronage of Her Majesty The Queen of Bhutan.

Led by Executive Director Peldon, Selwa is preparing to open a café where children and young people with disabilities will take part in its management and daily operations. Its staff will pass on what they learned from the visiting chefs to the young people they support, and the sweets are planned to feature on the café's menu — served to guests and sold as part of its offerings.

This is the beginning of Dabtong House bringing Japanese mastery and culture to Bhutan — a sweet start to an exchange that will continue.