15 Top Restaurants in Thimphu: Explore the Dining Gems of Thimphu

Thimphu being the capital city has a plethora of Bhutanese dining options ensuring it has something to satisfy every palate. So, get the best experience out of your Bhutan trip Package by indulging in fine dining experiences at some of the best restaurants in Thimphu.

Whether you are looking for authentic Bhutanese dishes or looking for foreign dishes with a Bhutanese twist, the restaurants in Thimphu will offer it all. Also if you are wondering what is so special about Bhutan’s cuisine, it is the use of locally sourced ingredients that reflects the heritage of the country and also enhances the taste of the food.

Now let’s dive deeper into the culinary treasures of this Himalayan nation.

The culinary delights of Thimphu

Bhutan’s bold and flavourful culinary traditions come from the use of its native ingredients such as local aromatic herbs and spices. Other than ingredients, traditional cooking practices and techniques also play an important role in the blend of flavors.

Every tradition has stories attached to its food likewise every authentic Bhutanese dish also has a story of its own. And once you experience this magic of flavors up close in some of its best restaurants in Thimphu you will get a better understanding of the overall ambiance of Bhutan.   

Thimphu is the haven for spice lovers as one of the most defined ingredients of Bhutanese cuisine is chili pepper. So if you are ready to tantalize your taste buds with the savory delights of Bhutan let’s explore some of the top-notch places to eat in Thimphu.

List of Top Restaurants In Thimphu 

2. Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant 

3. Babesa Village Restaurant

4. Bukhari at Uma by COMO

5. Zombala2 Restaurant

6. AMA restaurant

7. Momo Corner

8. Silver Wok Restaurant

9. Sonam Trophel Restaurant

10. BAF Restaurant

11. Hotel New Grand

12. Pure Veg Restaurant (Shakahari)

13. Ambient Cafe

14. Chh’a Bistro

15. The Zone

Top 10 Authentic Bhutanese Restaurants In Thimphu

1. Bhutan Kitchen

Here you will get to try authentic Bhutanese dishes, everything from those juicy flavourful momos to that hearty Phaksha paa, and of course let’s not forget those classic Ema Datshi. 

Location: 

Near Changlimithang Stadium, Zamtok Lam 

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese, international, fusion, etc.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Kewa Datsi, Red rice with lentil soup

Special features

Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a traditional setting and reasonable price.

2. Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant 

The Folk Heritage Museum restaurant comes under the fine dining restaurants in Thimphu as it satiates your hunger for knowledge while serving your soul with its savory fare.   

Location: 

Kawang Lam 

Cuisine type 

Authentic Bhutanese and fusion mostly

Signature dishes or must-try items

Sweet Buckwheat Pancakes

Special features

Beautiful ambiance, authentic Bhutanese menu, and great hospitality.

3. Babesa Village Restaurant

Their menu offers everything from beverages such as Ara (rice wine) and Suja (butter tea) to seasoned vegetables to non-vegetarian delicacies such as Seekam Paa.    

Location: 

Near Paro Thimphu Highway

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese, fusion, etc.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Lom and Mengay, a Bhutanese Pizza

Special features

Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a traditional setting.

4. Bukhari at Uma by COMO

What makes Bhukari a must-visit restaurant in Thimphu is the wholesome experience of elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and delectable cuisine. Their menu stands out with its fusion dishes such as Angus sirloin steak with sweet onion, honey-glazed smoked chicken salad with baby potatoes, etc.

Location: 

Paro Town, Airport Area

Cuisine type 

Classic and Fusion dishes

Signature dishes or must-try items

Bumthang Gouda, Jasha Dhang Yesey pega Hentsey

Special features

Serves both authentic and international fusion dishes in a 5-star ambiance amidst nature.

5. Zombala2 Restaurant

Location: 

Norzin Lam Thimphu

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese, fast food, etc.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Momos, Thuk noodles, and beef paa.

Special features

Cozy setting and best for authentic fast food.

6. AMA restaurant

Location: 

Opposite Lugar Theatre, Thimphu

Cuisine type 

Serves Thai, Korean, Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, continental, and many fusion flavors.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Sweet and sour chicken with Thai rice.

Special features

Serves both Thai, Korean, Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, continental, and many fusion flavors.

7. Momo Corner

Location: 

Near Lhadrong Stop, Hejo Lam 

Cuisine type

Momos/ dumplings

Signature dishes or must-try items

Authentic Bhutanese steamed momo

Special features

Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian momos and noodles.

8. Silver Wok Restaurant

Location: 

Norzin Lam 1, Thimphu 

Cuisine type 

Authentic Bhutanese and International cuisines. 

Signature dishes or must-try items

Rice with dried pork and cheesy chilis. 

Special features

Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a beautiful setting. 

9. Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Location: 

Near Changlimithang Stadium, Zamtok Lam 

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese, international, fusion, etc.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Kewa Datsi, Red rice with lentil soup

Special features

Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a traditional setting and reasonable price.

10. BAF (Bhutanese Authentic Food) Restaurant

Now the most important question is, What makes it one of the best restaurants in Thimphu? It’s the budget-friendly menu they offer. 

It is perfect for people who are looking to enjoy good Bhutanese food on a pocket-friendly budget. Located in Phendey Lam this place won’t disappoint you in terms of good food. 

Location: 

38b Phendey Lam, Thimphu

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese cuisine

Signature dishes or must-try items

Ema Datsi

Special features

Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a traditional setting and reasonable price.

Top 5 Vegetarian Restaurants in Thimphu

 1. Hotel New Grand

Location: 

Norzin Lam 1, Building number 15, Thimphu, Bhutan

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese and International.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Ema Datsi and Indian cuisine

Special features

Great hospitality and palatable food.

 2. Pure Veg Restaurant (Shakahari)

Location: 

Wangchuu Lam, Babesa-Thimphu Expressway 

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese, international, fusion, etc.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Veg Jasha Maroo

Special features

Serves purely veg menu.

3. Ambient Cafe

Other than travelling around having a taste of authentic Bhutanese dishes should be on your bucket list of things to do in Bhutan.

Location: 

Nordzin Lam, Thimphu

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese, international, fusion, etc.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Veg dumplings with soup.

Special features

Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a cozy setting. 

4. Chh’a Bistro

So whether you are a dedicated vegetarian or simply craving meatless food then this is the right place for you.

Location: 

Wangchhu Lam, Near Kashitshawa bus stop

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese, international, fusion, etc.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Tofu stir-fry with Salad

Special features

Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a traditional setting and reasonable price.

5. The Zone

Location: 

Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan

Cuisine type 

Bhutanese, international, fusion, etc.

Signature dishes or must-try items

Tofu curry and white rice with lentil soup. 

Special features

Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Bhutanese and International dishes.