Restaurants and bars in Bhutan

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Beautifully Bhutan

Until recently, Bhutanese citizens were legally obliged to don national dress when appearing outdoors. Over the last few years, the law has been relaxed so that national costume is only required at official functions or when performing certain jobs. Despite laxer laws, many people still choose to wear their kira (for women) and gho (for men) every day. The kira is a large piece of woven cloth wrapped around the body and over a blouse, usually fashioned with a brooch at the shoulders. A gho is a long, kimono-like robe that reaches below the knee.

Don't go home without

Watching a practice session at the Chamlinithang Archery Ground in Thinmphu, held most mornings. Archery is Bhutan’s characteristically mediaeval national sport, and you can see the country’s best bowmen nailing targets around 145 metres away, while the women ‘cheerlead’ from the side.

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Eating, drinking and dancing

The Bhutanese Government’s cautious approach to tourism means that all restaurant reservations, bar visits et al will be arranged by your assigned guide. Here are a few of our favourite stop-offs.

Restaurants

Bhutan Kitchen


Despite the modest decor, this renowned restaurant is the best place in Thimphu to sample authentic Bhutanese cuisine – the royal family have been spotted dining here. Order the emadatse (chillis and yak cheese), the country’s national dish.

Wogzin Lam, Thimphu
(+975 2 322966/322977)

The Druk Hotel

If the ubiquitous yak cheese dishes are getting to you, head to this excellent hotel restaurant, which serves Western classics, local Bhutanese fare, Indian and Chinese. The chef hails from Calcutta so the Indian dishes have a deservedly tasty reputation.

Wogzin Lam, Thimphu
(+975 2 322966/322977)


Benez

A small but lively spot in the centre of town, this cosy eatery serves a variety of international cuisine, plus enticing bar snacks such as samosas and momos. The barbecue ribs are excellent and the fries are perhaps the best in town.

Gatoen Lam, Thimphu
(+975 2 325180)


Amankora Thimphu

Soft lighting mingles with wood-clad walls to create a very sexy dining experience at this wallet-stretchingly classy establishment – this is as close to the Ivy as Bhutan gets. There’s a choice of two set menus a day, usually Thai or Bhutanese.

Thimphu
(+975 2 331333)


Bukhari

A warm round space encased in glass, Uma Paro hotel’s unparalleled eatery presents fusion dishes that incorporate several local ingredients and flavours, as well as a few Western and Asian classics. The two expat chefs (an Aussie and a kiwi), with help from an in-house Indian chef, whip up a wide-ranging, drool-inducing menu daily. Nightly, there are set Bhutanese and Indian menus on offer.

Paro
(+975 8 271597)


Cafés

Swiss Bakery


A famed Thimphu landmark and a source of good coffee, this ever-popular hangout for locals and expats is great for stocking up on snacks.

Chorten Lam, Thimphu
(+975 2 322259)

Art Cafe

Another favourite, and one of the few spots in the city that doesn’t serve instant coffee, this cute little café is perfect for a quick sandwich and cake (cheese- or chocolate are the top choices). When the sun has his hat on, sit in the pretty courtyard and enjoy a leisurely cuppa.

Chorten Lam, Thimphu
(+975 2 327 933)


Bars and clubs

Benez


Thimphu’s expats flock to this little bar with a big personality for the after-work Friday-evening drink ritual.

Gatoen Lam, Thimphu
(+975 2 325180)

Om Bar

Wednesday nights are the busiest at this diminutive drinking den in Jojo’s Shopping Complex. A mixed crowd of locals and expats crowd in after 9pm, in order to work their way through the respectable wine list.

Jojo’s Building, Thimphu
(+975 2 325180)


Space 34

Ever since Cameron Diaz shook her booty at this rambunctious club beside Om Bar, Space 34 has become a landmark. Indian DJs blast techno, rap and hip hop at a crowd of young rug-cutters. Even the country’s youthful king has been known to throw shapes here.

Jojo’s Building, Thimphu
(+975 2 325180)