Where To Eat In Bhutan
Sample Local Delicacies Including Bhutan's Unique Take On Momos!
Emphasizing spice, simplicity, and seasonality and often centered around chilies and cheese, Bhutanese cuisine offering a bold, warming, and flavorful culinary experience shaped by the Himalayas.
Meals are typically simple and home-cooked and the national dish, Ema Datshi, a fiery stew of chilies and cheese, is often served with rice. While meat is widely available (one famous dish is Phaksha Paa, sliced pork cooked with chilies and radishes), many Bhutanese are Buddhists and follow vegetarian diets, especially during religious periods.
The food is often quite spicy, even compared to neighbouring countries like India, and guests are encouraged to taste small portions first to see if they can handle the heat. Watch out for the kids, even the older ones! Have a glass of milk or lassi at the ready. While in the Himalayas, you have to try butter tea: in Bhutan, it's called Suja, and is made by mixing strong black tea with salty yak butter and a pinch of salt.
Here are 10 places worth checking out and chowing down at…
Babesa Village Restaurant, Thimphu
Set in a 400-year-old traditional building, Babesa offers an immersive dining experience with ishes served in wooden bowls: try the Shakam Paa, a flavorful beef jerky dish cooked with radish and chili, or the Sikam Paa, a dried pork dish with vegetables. www.facebook.com/p/Babesa-village-Restaurant
Chig-ja-gye at Taj Tashi, Thimphu
Located within the luxurious Taj Tashi hotel, Chig-ja-gye specializes in putting a contemporary twist on Bhutanese dishes including Jasha Maru, spicy chicken stew cooked with fresh herbs and spices and buckwheat dumplings filled with shredded beef. One for a posh night out. www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-tashi-bhutan
Zhiwa Ling Ascent Restaurant, Paro
Situated on a hilltop within a boutique hotel, this restaurant provides breathtaking views alongside a menu that fuses Bhutanese, Indian, and international cuisines, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients often sourced from the hotel's organic garden. www.zhiwalingascent.com
The Zone, Thimphu
A lively spot popular among locals and expats, The Zone offers a diverse menu ranging from Bhutanese to international cuisine soundtracked by live music. Try a Yak burger or some pork ribs with Bhutanese chili and cheese dish Ema Datshi. www.zonebhutan.com
Bukhari at COMO Uma Paro
Push the boat out at Bukhari at COMO Uma Paro, an award-winning restaurant that offers a fine dining experience Bhutanese menu made from organic local ingredients: try the braised pork curry with Asian greens and spring onion with some steamed red rice. www.comohotels.com/bhutan/como-uma-paro/dining/bukhari
Lobesa Village Restaurant, Punakha
Offering stunning views of the Punakha Valley, Lobesa serves a mix of Bhutanese and continental dishes in a serene setting: go for a buffet meal and you can sample lots of different Bhutanese delicacies. www.facebook.com/p/Hotel-Lobesa-Punakha
The Bhutan Kitchen, Thimphu
Located near the clock tower, this restaurant is renowned for its authentic Bhutanese cuisine and traditional seating arrangements. https://preview.mybhutan.com/explorer/restaurants/bhutan-kitchen
Zombala 2 Restaurant, Thimphu
Known for its authentic Bhutanese dishes at affordable prices, Zombala 2 is a go-to for traditional meals like Ema Datshi and momos, the beloved Himalayan dumpling usually served with cheese and chili, or beef, pork or yak meat. www.heavenlybhutan.com/zombala-2-restaurant
My Kind of Place, Paro
Located in the bustling market of Paro, this charming restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options, in a cozy environment. Try the Khuley with Ema Datshi, a traditional Bhutanese pancake served with the national chili cheese stew, or a Bhutanese thali. www.facebook.com/p/My-Kind-of-Place-100066583046995
Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, Thimphu
Located within the Folk Heritage Museum, this restaurant provides an immersive experience with traditional Bhutanese cuisine served in a rustic setting. Buffet menu available if you're keen to sample a range of Bhutanese dishes. https://folkheritagemuseum.org.bt/restaurant
Sonam Trophel Restaurant, Paro
Feeling hungry? This restaurant serves generous portions of Bhutanese cuisine in a simple setting and is a favorite with budget-conscious travelers; the set lunch offers seven different dishes. https://www.sonamtrophel.com