Best Restaurants in Bhutan 2026

Ema Datshi

The national dish of Bhutan - a fiery stew of fresh green or dried red chilies swimming in a sauce of local yak cheese (datshi). The cheese melts into a rich, creamy sauce that softens the chili heat slightly. Every household and restaurant makes it slightly differently.

Where to try: Every Bhutanese restaurant - try Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant or Chig-Ja-Gye for best versions

Price: $5-18

Jasha Maroo

Spiced minced or shredded chicken cooked with ginger, garlic, tomato, and green chilies in a dry, aromatic curry. One of the most accessible dishes for visitors new to Bhutanese cuisine, as the spice level is more manageable than ema datshi.

Where to try: Kalden Restaurant (Thimphu) and Sonam Trophel (Paro)

Price: $6-16

Phaksha Paa

Strips of pork slow-cooked with dried red chilies, radish, and spinach. The pork is traditionally quite fatty, which balances the intense chili heat. One of Bhutan's most celebrated non-vegetarian dishes, especially in eastern Bhutan.

Where to try: Chig-Ja-Gye Restaurant, Thimphu; Peljorling Restaurant, Paro

Price: $8-18

Momos

Bhutanese-style steamed or fried dumplings filled with spiced minced beef, pork, cheese, or vegetables. The Bhutanese version is smaller and rounder than Tibetan momos, with a distinctive spice blend. Served with ezay (fresh chili relish) dipping sauce.

Where to try: Zombala 2 Restaurant (Thimphu); Paro Town momo stalls

Price: $2-7

Red Rice with Ema Datshi

The standard Bhutanese meal - nutty, slightly chewy red rice (grown in Paro Valley) served alongside ema datshi and seasonal side dishes. The nutritional profile is excellent - red rice has a lower glycemic index and higher mineral content than white rice.

Where to try: All local restaurants and farmhouses throughout Bhutan

Price: $5-12

Hoentoe

Traditional buckwheat dumplings from the Haa Valley filled with turnip greens, wild onions, and cheese. A regional specialty less commonly found in tourist restaurants but available at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant and in Haa Valley itself.

Where to try: Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, Thimphu

Price: $8-12

Bukhari at COMO Uma Paro

An upscale dining experience featuring farm-to-table cuisine with Bhutanese and international influences. The restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning Paro Valley views while you enjoy refined dishes prepared with local organic ingredients.

COMO Uma Paro, Paro Valley, Bhutan

Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant

A unique dining experience in a restored traditional house where you sit on cushions around low tables. Authentic Bhutanese cuisine prepared using traditional methods with seasonal organic ingredients, including suja (butter tea) and red rice.

Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan

Kalden Restaurant

A no-frills local eatery serving home-cooked style Bhutanese meals. Popular with taxi drivers, office workers, and monks, this is the place to try authentic ema datshi, goep paa, and other traditional dishes at local prices.

Chorten Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan

Chuniding Food

Specializes in tomza - traditional Bhutanese packed meals where rice, meat, and side dishes are bundled in banana leaves. Uses local and organic ingredients to create authentic street food experience.

Weekend Market Area, Thimphu, Bhutan

Karma's Coffee

Thimphu's favorite cafe serving excellent coffee roasted in-house, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light meals. Cozy atmosphere with WiFi makes it popular with locals and expats. Great spot for breakfast or afternoon break.

Norzin Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan

The Restaurant at Amankora

Amankora's signature restaurant offers an intimate fine dining experience with contemporary Asian cuisine complemented by traditional Bhutanese specialties. Seasonal menus feature organic produce from local farms and the resort's own gardens.

Amankora Paro, Balakha Village, Paro, Bhutan

Ambient Cafe

A popular Thimphu restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas, pasta, steaks, and fusion dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Known for quality ingredients, good wine selection, and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.

Norzin Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan

The Zone

A popular casual eatery in Thimphu offering diverse menu including pizzas, pasta, burgers, and local favorites like momos. Good for groups with varied tastes, with indoor and outdoor seating.

Norzin Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan

Steamed Momos

Small pleated dumplings with beef or cheese filling, steamed fresh to order in bamboo steamers. The quintessential Bhutanese street snack available from stalls throughout Thimphu and Paro for $2-3 per serve.

Find it at: Paro Town main street; Thimphu market area; Zombala 2 Restaurant

Tomza (Banana Leaf Packets)

Traditional Bhutanese portable meals of red rice, meat or vegetable curry, and sides wrapped and served in banana leaves. A uniquely Bhutanese street food tradition still practiced by Chuniding Food and market vendors.

Find it at: Weekend Market area, Thimphu; Chuniding Food vendor

Dried Yak Cheese (Chugo)

Rock-hard dried yak cheese sold in chunks at markets throughout Bhutan. Chewed like candy for hours, it has a strong, salty flavor. A beloved Bhutanese snack and excellent food souvenir - vacuum-packed versions travel well.

Find it at: Centenary Farmers Market, Thimphu; Paro town shops

Centenary Farmers Market

Bhutan's largest and most vibrant market lines the Wang Chhu riverbank in Thimphu every weekend. Farmers arrive from across the country with organic produce, dried meats, cheeses, incense, traditional medicines, and seasonal specialties. The freshest and most authentic food shopping in the country.

Hours: Friday 3 PM - Sunday 7 PM

Paro Weekend Market

A smaller but charming weekend market in Paro town selling local produce, dried goods, traditional snacks, and handmade products. Less touristic than Thimphu's market with more of a local community feel.

Hours: Saturday-Sunday 8 AM - 5 PM

Thimphu Daily Market

A permanent covered market near Chorten Lam in Thimphu operating daily for fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, and daily provisions. Popular with local households and the best place to see what Bhutanese families actually cook at home.

Hours: 7 AM - 6 PM daily