Located in the Himalayas, this mountain kingdom is one of the most revered tourist places in the world. Be it the royal palaces or the monasteries, the country of Bhutan has a lot to offer to anyone looking for peace and or waiting to revel in the local culture. The people here are simple and happy, which adds to the reasons of visiting Bhutan once in a lifetime. There are a number of restaurants in Bhutan which serve traditional food, Indian as well as other cuisines to cater to the needs of the tourists.
Read on to know more about the restaurants in Bhutan that you should definitely cover on your trip to the country.
10 Best Restaurants In Bhutan
While there are numerous places to eat in Bhutan, here’s a list of 10 best restaurants where you would want to dine time and again!
1. Bukhari at Uma by COMO
One of the most acclaimed places to have a Bhutanese meal, Bukhari is frequented a lot by those who visit the city of Paro. One of the best restaurants in Bhutan, it is located inside the Hotel Uma itself, which makes it easily accessible for the in-house guests. The ambience is international and the food served appeals to a diverse clientele. Try something like the chilli cheese (Ema Datshi) here which basically is a mix of one full green chilli and delicious local (melted) cheese. The meal has subtle western influences. Hi, it is strongly rooted in the Bhutanese tastes and ways of life. The staff is courteous and dinner here is a must on your trip to Bhutan.
Location: Paro, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 4000
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5
Reviews
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2. Sonam Trophel Restaurant
This moderately priced place is one of the best restaurants in Paro Bhutan. You will be able to enjoy delicious Thukpa, Datshi and Momos here. The options here are vegetarian as well as vegan, which is a great news for people looking for vegetarian Bhutan food. You can also enjoy different Asian delicacies at nominal prices at the Sonam Trophel Restaurant in Bhutan.
Location: Paro Tshongdue, Paro, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 1800
TripAdvisor Rating: 4
Reviews
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3. Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
Undoubtedly the best restaurant in Thimphu Bhutan, this place is a go-to for traditional Bhutanese meals. Try their buckwheat pancakes or other delicacies made of eggplants and beans – and you will become a fan of the place for sure. The beauty of this place is also in the seating and the ambience which is that of a traditional Bhutanese home. You can enjoy authentic butter tea as well as different kinds of Datshi (local curry) here. Once you have visited the Folk Heritage Museum itself, having a meal at the restaurant is compulsory.
Location: Folk Heritage Museum, Thimphu, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 1500
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5
Reviews
4. Babesa Village Restaurant
Think authentic Bhutan non veg food, and chances are this is where you will land up. Try their set meals starting with hot beverages like butter tea (which is in many ways like a cream soup), going on to serving of rice, dried pork/beef curry, different vegetables like turnip, eggplants and/or fern with cheese. All in all, a definite yes for all those who want to try and taste the exotic native cuisine while on their trip to Bhutan. The seating is cosy with low ceilings and the place is located inside a heritage house, which adds to the whole experience.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 1500
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5
Reviews
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5. San Maru Restaurant
Run by a Bhutanese-Korean couple who are all smiles, this is the only place in the country you can gorge at absolutely delicious Korean food. The Bibimbap along with barbecued chicken is one of the best you will find in the country. Like most other places, this Bhutanese restaurant is done in traditional interiors and is one of the best dining experiences in the country.
Location: Norzin Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 1800
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5
Reviews
6. Champaca Cafe
Think amazing coffee and scrumptious food and you will have Champaca. The place is done quite tastefully with high wooden stools taking in the place of usual tables and chairs. The food is delicious, ranging from pizzas, burgers, several kinds of sandwiches to a diverse range of baked goods like cakes, pastries, cookies and other fresh items. Their aromatic coffee is a sleeper hit amongst the locals and hikers alike!
Location: Main Street, Paro, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 1000
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5
Reviews
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7. Zombala
Located in the middle of the market, Zombala is the perfect place to charge your batteries after having strolled the markets in Thimphu. The place serves delicious momos along with different takes on the Ema Datshi with ingredients like mushrooms and chicken. The food is moderately priced and there is a bar here as well where you can sit with a group of friends after a tiring day, making it one of the best restaurants in Bhutan.
Location: Hong Kong Market, Thimphu, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 800
TripAdvisor Rating: 4
Reviews
8. Taktsang Cafeteria
Located midst the hills, this beautiful place is almost on the halfway to the Tiger’s Nest. You can enjoy the scene from here with scrumptious meals which will take care of your needs. The place serves red rice with the traditional curries, the service is a bit slow but courteous. You can also get some food packed here for the rest of your journey.
Location: Paro, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 1200
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5
Reviews
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9. Bhutan Kitchen
Another place to enjoy traditional dining, Bhutan Kitchen has the traditional low seating option. The ingredients used are fresh and local, which enhances the aroma and taste of the dishes. One of the best restaurants in Thimphu Bhutan, this place serves only vegetarian options, which will help you explore the native cuisine more. You should definitely try lentil soup and stir fried veggies with red rice. You can also opt for the buffet plans here, which will help you choose your next meal better. Hands down, one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Bhutan!
Location: Gatoen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 1800
TripAdvisor Rating: 4
Reviews
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10. Ambient Cafe
The ambience of this place is a fusion of typical Bhutanese elements and European cafes. You will find books on the shelves here along with several curios. The interiors are quite tasteful, imparting a quirky, fun vibe to the whole place. Enjoy delicious pizzas, sandwiches along with iced tea and different kinds of shakes here, which will give you a experience in the middle of the Himalayan kingdom.
Location: Norzin Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Cost for two: INR 1200
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5
Reviews
Further Read: 17 Spellbinding Places To Visit In Thimphu On Your Next Trip To Bhutan
There are several other restaurants in Bhutan which will serve excellent Asian and Bhutanese food to keep you well fed. If you are planning a trip to Bhutan with TravelTriangle, do customize your itinerary so that you have enough time to explore these eateries.
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