Where to Eat in Thimphu: A Foodie’s Guide to the Capital’s Culinary Scene
Thimphu’s food scene has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What was once a sleepy town with limited dining options has blossomed into a vibrant culinary destination where traditional Bhutanese flavors meet international cuisine. Whether you’re craving spicy ema datshi, comforting momos, or authentic Indian curries, Thimphu has something to satisfy every palate.
Let me guide you through the capital’s best eateries—from local favorites to hidden gems.
Understanding Bhutanese Cuisine
Before diving into specific restaurants, it helps to understand what makes Bhutanese food unique:
The Holy Trinity of Bhutanese Cooking:
- Ema (chili) - Not a spice, but a vegetable
- Datshi (cheese) - Made from yak or cow milk
- Red Rice - Nutty, nutritious, and delicious
Key Flavor Profile: Spicy, creamy, and comforting
Traditional Bhutanese Cuisine
Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
Best For: First-time visitors wanting an authentic cultural experience
Located within the Folk Heritage Museum complex, this restaurant offers more than just food—it’s a journey into Bhutan’s culinary heritage. The traditional seating on the floor adds authenticity (chairs are available if you prefer).
Must-Try Dishes:
- Ema Datshi Set - Comes with red rice, shakam (dried beef), and seasonal vegetables
- Kewa Datshi - Potato and cheese, milder than ema datshi
- Suja - Traditional butter tea (an acquired taste but essential)
Price: 300-500 Ngultrum per person Atmosphere: Traditional, quiet, museum-like
Bukhari Restaurant
Best For: Consistent quality and cozy ambiance
A Thimphu institution since 1998, Bukhari Restaurant has been serving locals and visitors alike for over two decades. The name comes from the traditional wood-burning stove (bukhari) that warms Bhutanese homes in winter.
Signature Dishes:
- Pork Belly with Dried Chili - Tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced
- Jasha Maru - Spicy chicken curry that locals love
- Hoentoe - Buckwheat dumplings stuffed with cheese (specialty dish)
Pro Tip: Their lunch thali (set menu) offers the best value at 250 Ngultrum.
Chhundu Executive
Best For: Upscale traditional dining with a modern twist
If you want traditional flavors in a refined setting, Chhundu Executive delivers. The restaurant combines time-honored recipes with contemporary presentation.
Highlights:
- Multiple varieties of datshi dishes
- Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients
- Beautiful plating that’s Instagram-worthy
- Extensive vegetarian options
International Cuisine in Thimphu
Spice Garden
Best For: Authentic Indian and Thai cuisine
Located in the heart of Thimphu, Spice Garden has built a reputation for serving some of the most authentic Indian food in the capital. The chefs are from India, and the flavors are remarkably close to what you’d find in Mumbai or Delhi.
Recommended Dishes:
- Butter Chicken - Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced
- Lamb Rogan Josh - Slow-cooked in aromatic spices
- Palak Paneer - Fresh spinach in a mild curry
- Garlic Naan - Fresh from the tandoor
Price: 400-700 Ngultrum per person
Ambrosia Restaurant
Best For: Continental and fusion cuisine
When you need a break from spicy food, Ambrosia offers excellent continental dishes with a Bhutanese touch. The pizzas and pastas are surprisingly good, given how far Italy is!
Must-Try:
- Wood-fired pizzas - Made in a traditional clay oven
- Grilled trout - Fresh from Bhutan’s pristine rivers
- Tiramisu - Surprisingly authentic
Where to Find Authentic Indian Cuisine
SILVERPINE BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Pre-Ordered Indian Cuisine
Important: This is a specialty option available only by pre-order for hotel guests and special requests.
Silverpine Boutique Hotel offers authentic Indian cuisine prepared by chefs who truly understand the complexity of Indian spices and cooking techniques. Unlike restaurants that “Indian-ize” their dishes for local palates, Silverpine maintains the authentic flavors that Indians and Indian food lovers crave.
How to Order Indian Cuisine at Silverpine:
As a Hotel Guest: When booking your room, request Indian cuisine for dinner. The kitchen will prepare fresh meals based on your preferences (North Indian, South Indian, Gujarati, etc.)
For Special Occasions: Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can pre-order for special events, dinners, or large groups. Contact them at least 24-48 hours in advance.
Available Cuisines:
- North Indian: Butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, dal makhani, naan
- South Indian: Dosa, idli, sambar (when pre-ordered)
- Gujarati: Vegetarian thalis, dhokla
- Bengali: Fish curry, aloo posto
Why Silverpine’s Indian Food is Special:
- Authentic spices imported from India
- Chefs trained in Indian cooking techniques
- Customized to your spice preference (mild, medium, or hot)
- Fresh ingredients prepared daily
Contact: Pre-order through the hotel’s booking desk or call ahead
The Zone by Zhing
Best For: Modern Indian cuisine in a stylish setting
The Zone offers contemporary Indian dishes in a upscale atmosphere. The butter chicken here is excellent, and they have a good selection of vegetarian options.
Cafes and Light Bites
Karma’s Coffee House
Best For: Coffee, light meals, and free Wi-Fi
Thimphu’s trendiest café serves excellent coffee and a fusion of Bhutanese and Western food. It’s the perfect spot for a working lunch or a casual meet-up.
Try:
- Cheese momos - A local twist on the classic
- Cappuccino - Best coffee in town
- Cakes and pastries - Made fresh daily
Weekend Farmers Market (Centenary Market)
Best For: Authentic local snacks and fresh ingredients
While not a restaurant, this is where locals come to eat. Visit on Saturday morning for the full experience.
Street Food to Try:
- Sha Phaley - Fried bread stuffed with beef or cabbage
- Khur-le - Buckwheat pancakes
- Puta - Buckwheat noodles
- Fresh fruit juice stalls - Orange, apple, and seasonal fruits
Fine Dining Experiences
Taj Tashi
Best For: Special occasions and international luxury
Thimphu’s premier hotel offers fine dining with stunning views of the mountains and the Tashichho Dzong. The menu features both Bhutanese and international cuisine prepared with world-class techniques.
Le Méridien
Best For: Contemporary dining with Bhutanese ingredients
Le Méridien’s restaurant offers a modern take on Bhutanese cuisine, using local ingredients in innovative ways. The tasting menu is a culinary journey through Bhutan’s flavors.
Budget-Friendly Options
Local Canteens
Best For: Authentic, inexpensive meals
Look for small eateries with signs saying “Local Food.” These are where Thimphu residents eat daily.
What to Expect:
- Set meals for 100-150 Ngultrum
- Authentic ema datshi and red rice
- No-frills atmosphere
- Cash only
Clock Tower Area
Best For: Variety and convenience
The area around the iconic Clock Tower has several small restaurants and fast-food joints offering everything from momos to noodles to burgers.
Practical Dining Tips
Eating Hours
- Breakfast: 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
- Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Dinner: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Note: Most kitchens close by 10 PM
Reservations
- Required for dinner at upscale restaurants
- Recommended for weekend dining at popular spots
- Call ahead for large groups (6+ people)
Payment
- Cash: Accepted everywhere, preferred at local spots
- Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants
- Mobile Payment: Some places accept Bhutan’s mobile payment apps
Dietary Restrictions
- Vegetarian: Widely available (Bhutan has strong Buddhist influences)
- Vegan: Limited but growing (inform the chef, they’ll accommodate)
- Gluten-free: Challenging for traditional dishes, but possible with planning
- Halal: Limited options, mostly at international restaurants
A Foodie’s Itinerary: Perfect Day of Eating in Thimphu
8:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel with suja (butter tea) and khur-le (buckwheat pancakes)
10:30 AM: Coffee break at Karma’s Coffee House
1:00 PM: Lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant - try the ema datshi set
4:00 PM: Snacks at the Weekend Market - sha phaley and fresh fruit juice
7:30 PM: Dinner at Silverpine Boutique (pre-ordered Indian cuisine) OR Bukhari Restaurant for local flavors
Final Thoughts
Thimphu’s culinary scene may not be as famous as other Asian capitals, but it offers something far more valuable: authenticity. Whether you’re dining in a centuries-old monastery restaurant or enjoying a modern café, the food here reflects Bhutan’s unique culture—hospitable, flavorful, and deeply connected to the land.
Remember: In Bhutan, meals are about more than just food—they’re about community, connection, and slowing down to appreciate the moment. So take your time, savor the flavors, and enjoy the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality.
Hungry for more? Let us plan your culinary journey through Bhutan, from Thimphu’s best restaurants to village home-cooked meals in the remote valleys.