Doshing Lapcha, a 52-year-old entrepreneur hailing from Pachhuthang, Phuentsholing Chukha, is making waves in the Bhutanese food industry with his innovative venture, Druk Instant Noodles Manufacturing and Production. A graduate of the esteemed Royal Institute of Health Sciences in Thimphu, Doshing’s journey from student to entrepreneur exemplifies the spirit of innovation and selfsufficiency driving Bhutan’s economy forward.
Established in 2018, Druk Instant Noodles has rapidly gained popularity as a local alternative to imported instant noodle brands. Situated in the bustling district of Olakha in Thimphu, Druk Instant Noodles has emerged as a frontrunner in Bhutan’s burgeoning food manufacturing sector.
Doshing Lapcha’s decision to enter the noodle manufacturing business was fueled by a thorough market analysis revealing the high consumption of noodles in Bhutan. Recognizing the potential to meet this demand with a locally produced product, Doshing embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with a vision of promoting self- sufficiency and contributing to the country’s economy. “I started my business since the year 2018. I have done market analysis before starting my business and consumption of Noodles in our country is high. Therefore, I took a step to manufacture local products in our country for selfsufficiency,” he explained.
Druk Instant Noodles offers a wide range of flavors to cater to diverse palates, appealing to Bhutanese consumers seeking convenient and delicious meal options. From classic favorites to innovative new blends, Druk Instant Noodles has captured the hearts and taste buds of customers across the nation.
By producing instant noodles – a popular choice of quick snack for many Bhutanese – Doshing Lapcha aims to reduce reliance on imported products and bolster the domestic economy. His commitment to quality, affordability, and sustainability has positioned Druk Instant Noodles as a frontrunner in Bhutan’s
food manufacturing landscape.
As Bhutan continues its journey towards self-reliance and economic prosperity, entrepreneurs like Doshing Lapcha serve as catalysts for change, driving innovation and fostering growth in key industries. With Druk Instant Noodles leading the way, the future of Bhutan’s food industry looks brighter than ever.
Although Doshing and his team did not receive any formal training on how to make noodles, his noodles taste exceptionally good. Druknoodle manufacturing and production made a tangible impact on some of the youths in job creation and contributing to economic stability. Eight people are working tirelessly for those yummy noodles.
“My entrepreneurial journey is not without its challenges, first there has been a flour shortage in the market due to export from India to Bhutan being band since a couple of years back, and facing difficulty to avail flour on time is the biggest challenge. Another challenge is shopkeepers buy instant noodles from Jaigaon at a cheaper rate, so these affect our local products.”
In the next few years, Doshing is hopeful about his business as he has planned to cover the maximum districts in our country including the Eastern region. Currently, he is supplying to some of the eastern region so he is on the way to succeed his target accordingly. Further, in the future, he is planning to export to our neighboring countries with the brand name Made in Bhutan. So far Druknoodles has been receiving positive feedback which inspires Doshing to work harder and go for Mega scale production.
For Doshing entrepreneur means an individual who establishes a business and puts a financial risk to gain
profit and sustain the business for a longer period. Often characterized by their innovative thinking, creativity, and willingness to embrace uncertainty. They play a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation by introducing new products and services in the market.
“To aspiring entrepreneurs, I would like to suggest that, do market analysis carefully and move forward with your business idea. Understand that failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of fearing it, view failure as a valuable learning experience that can lead to growth and improvement. Remember, every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, so trust your instincts, stay true to your vision, and keep striving for your goals,” he concluded.
He ended by noting that we would like to request relevant agencies and another concerned department to support Entrepreneurs in the country by furnishing equipment, and warehouses for production, and training abroad to gain more knowledge on specific business and financial support to young and old Entrepreneurs.
Ultimately, supporting local businesses benefits the local economy, the environment, and your neighborhood. Any local purchase can have far-reaching consequences. Buying local goods and supporting them not only boosts the local economy but also strengthens social relationships and creates resilient communities for the future. The positive impacts of buying locally start with you, the buyer.
By Rinzin Dema
