The 12 best foods to try in Thimphu

Recommended by our guide. And it’s just across our hotel. Came by for our coffee fix and some breakfast. Standard cafe stuff. Nice ambient and chill place. We came back the next day for the coffee. They do sell their own blend of coffee bean as well.

What a cafe! Suggested by our guide and fell in love with this place. Heaven for coffee lovers, good food, great music, warm staff and beautiful location just near the tower clock. Much recommended. Do try Bhutanese set meal, ramen, burger and variety of shakes offered.

One of the few cafe that is opened early in the morning. The coffee is good and the atmosphere in the cafe makes it even better. The foods are reasonably priced. 4 stars for the food as the pan cake that I ordered wasn't freshly made but other than that, everything was great. Would definitely come back for the coffee.

Visited as a big group and the staff immediately got tables ready for us. Realised that the cafe is run by a woman, Black apron in the kitchen and pink for customer service. Met Kali the famous cat and let her be by herself as requested on the menu card. The food was delicious and the atmosphere perfect for a small chit chat with a meal. What really caught my attention was the woman's washroom, separate bin for used sanitary pads and fresh sanitary pads kept in case anyone would need it, very thoughtful 🙏 We had a good time and I enjoyed my vanilla ice cream too 😋. Loved the decor and the beautiful paintings on the wall.

A crowded, fun place that is very popular and has a massive menu and a cute cat. You get the hours of Internet that is reasonably fast as well. However, it took ages for all of our order to arrive and it wasn't that great

Lovely cafe in Thimphu near the clock tower and Yarkay, Meridien hotels. They have a large variety of coffee, and a large variety of food. We had the pumpkin soup, Margherita pizza, red sauce pasta, falafel puta and hummus, ice cream etc. Id say all the food was good. Its a quiet cafe and many come to sit and work. They also have a cute cat that walks around.

I had gingeremon tea here Really liked the ambience , although tea was bit harsh on lemon and bit low om honey, compared to what I was used to in Nepal. Perhaps it's the Bhutan style. I loved the fact they have local newspapers I can read I also liked the cat who seams to be the actual prince here :) It was quite impressive to see they have coffee roasting process going on level above. Large machine and few people working on the roasting. First time I saw coffee shop with such a set up. I think they must be selling coffee beans to other shols as well as no way so much beans can be used in one shop.

Fantastic service. Little crampy. The food comes in a jiffy. Momos too good. Thukpa wholesome. Sauces are to die for

This very popular restaurant has grest bhutanese dishes including soups and momos with many drinks.

Another great Zombala location just up the road from the original. Open when the other is closed, and vice versa, so you can always get your Zombala fix! The food is very similar in quality, but this location offers a bar and therefore more varied drink options- including the excellent Red Panda weiss beer from Bumthang. Like the other location, it's a bit of a hole-in-the-wall, except this time up a flight of stairs. Highly, highly recommend!

Well Don't order potato momos, rest everything is fine. It's nice little old rustic and charming place. And it's not that expensive. Frequented by locals this is a good place to have a vibe of thimpu, if you are here no wonder they are rated highly and is recommended by so many tour books. All in all great experience.

Really disappointing experience, have been many times before when in Thimphu and it’s been great. We ordered beef momo, French fries and beef bathup with few special drinks. Momo was tasteless, Fries were too oily and soggy, bathup and drinks were just average. I am not coming back. Seems like new owner.

Great location with a good window view of the city. Momos are good, but slightly raw sometimes. Their tea and coffee options are good, especially the lemon tea! Staff and management are really amicable :)

Awesome food, serves local cuisine and local alcohol. The staff is great and service is fast. You would be surprised with the bill which wouldn’t hurt your wallets. The potato momos are very good here

Its a Cafe and Bar, This place is cozy and serves good food. Service is always swift and friendly staff. They always accommodate special request of cooking as per my taste like eating spicy things. Good place to hang out with friends and family. I like the ambience and seating arrangement. Feels comfortable and cozy. The food never disappoints on every visit. Must visit if you are in Thimphu.

The Zone opens at 10:45am - so don't come too early. They are a little slow at getting meals ready, and the ambience inside is a little on the dark side for my liking. Food wise, the club Sandwich rolls are actually quite tasty, however the side of chip fries was a little undercooked. Overall a decent meal for the price. Another thing I'd recommend is not sitting at the lounge chairs, they don't clean under the pillows and as I moved them I found old food and people's cut fingernails!!

Claustrophobic atmosphere, food not worth the money, service horrible as if servers are doing a favour. Atmosphere is very dark and unfriendly Pork ribs have hardly any meat and most times I ate, its just bones.. with too much useless gravy Their burgers are horrible.. pl use good meat share in the burgers, don't fool customers by only using bread crusts . One positive thing.. their noodle is very good

The place marries bhutan with American cuisine very well. The burgers is as great as their momos. Do not miss the lovely fish and chips too. Crunchy and delish. Great for a quiet evening with friends

I stumbled upon this place and was happily surprised. The boss, Nam, was most convivial and chatty. I did not eat there so am reviewing it only on ambiance, comfort and staff friendliness. (Actually, I'm writing this review as I sit outside having made the Zone my first stop on my second night out.)

They are little cafe and bar around the corner. The Zone is built like a traditional American diner and pub. With wooden paneling, soccer posters and stickers all over, you'll forget that you're in Bhutan. They are a little slow at getting meals ready, and the ambience inside is a little on the dark side for my liking. Very good food evenly priced for the ambiance and the quality. Good varieties to choose from. The best thing I like is about the taste and quality. Worth it.

Very good food evenly priced for the ambiance and the quality. Good varieties to choose from. The best thing I like is about the taste and quality. Worth it.

Good Restaurant. Indian Food is available but don't expect the taste of India, but ok to visit if some one wants to have Indian Food. Ambience is Good.

Average type indian Bhutanis resturent. Nothing impressive.

Good vegetarian food they provide , we ordered vegetarian thali and chicken.They have less staff so they will take time if you order something. They are very particular for timing so you have to be on time as they close by 9 Bhutan time .Also you have to pay in cash as no other mode of payment. Good staff behaviour. We went in month of Jan for dinner they have heater facilities so we get some relief . It’s very peaceful place ,neat and clean .Also it’s in Center you can easily find it as it’s opposite to craft market.

You may not find most tandoori items in most days. Good for family and kids. You are better off with a vegetarian menu. The best part is that their food is even partially precooked. They make it fresh. It's cheap.

They serve good quality Indian food. It's tasty. The staff is courteous. They also serve beer. The place is hygienic and clean. The price is reasonable.

Be ready to order and wait. Don't expect great tasty indian food but yes its not bad either. Pretty palatable . Nice cosy restaurant. Go in without expecting too much and you wudnt b disappointed

This is an experience of tasting good Indian foods in Thimphu. The lists found on Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor is quite helpful. It is worth noting that Tuesdays are dry days, meaning that bars are closed and some restaurants, especially those not in hotels, are closed. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the review of Chula Restaurant Thimphu. This is an experience of tasting good Indian foods in Thimphu. The lists found on Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor is quite helpful. It is worth noting that Tuesdays are dry days, meaning that bars are closed and some restaurants, especially those not in hotels, are closed. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the review of Chula Restaurant in Thimpu. This is one of the renowned Indian restaurants in Thimphu. The interior is really spectacular. When you enter the restaurant there is nobody to welcome you. When you get your table someone will come to take the order as if they are forced to do that, no smile, no warm welcome nothing. The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor in the middle of the Thimpu town. It has good ambiance and we were glad that they were serving lunch even at 4:30 pm. Chula is neat, simple so you can eat here worry-free.

A well maintained place. Neat and clean table, chairs and floor. Well decorated walls with beautiful portraits. They have books and magazines for the bookworms 😃. I ate pizza and it was delicious. They serve it with kind and humble gesture.

Everyone had what they would like for lunch! My mind feels happy when taste is right! I had beef penn and milk tea, they are super. My friend tried local lunch set! Which is absolutely delicious.

A Disheartening Experience in Thimphu During our visit to Bhutan from India, we decided to dine at this restaurant in Thimphu, expecting a pleasant and welcoming experience. Unfortunately, what we encountered was quite the opposite. From the moment we arrived, the attitude of the owner was shockingly rude and unprofessional. There was no warmth, no basic courtesy, and absolutely no sense of hospitality. Instead of feeling like valued guests, we were made to feel unwelcome and dismissed. This was, without a doubt, the most unpleasant experience we had in Bhutan — a country otherwise known for its kindness and generous spirit. This establishment, sadly, was a glaring exception. We strongly do not recommend this place to anyone visiting Thimphu, especially Indian tourists. There are far better dining options in the city where you’ll be treated with respect and care. If you value peace of mind and a quality food experience, give this one a pass.

Worst Experience in Thimphu We were a group of 30 people visiting Bhutan from India and decided to dine at this restaurant in Thimphu. What should have been a pleasant experience turned into a huge disappointment. The owner’s behavior was shockingly rude, arrogant, and completely inhospitable. As tourists, this was our first bad experience in Bhutan, a country otherwise known for its kindness and hospitality. This establishment stands out for all the wrong reasons. We were treated with utter disrespect — no basic courtesy, no warmth, and absolutely no regard for customer service. It felt like we were an inconvenience rather than guests. Strongly not recommended for anyone visiting Bhutan — especially large groups or Indian tourists. There are far better places in Thimphu where you're treated with dignity and respect. Avoid this place if you value your peace of mind and good food experience

Not the Experience We Hoped For We were genuinely excited to try local cuisine in Thimphu, but our visit to this restaurant was quite disheartening. The staff, particularly the owner, showed no interest in making guests feel welcome. Instead, we encountered a cold and dismissive attitude that left us uncomfortable. This was our only negative experience in Bhutan, a country we otherwise found incredibly warm and friendly. We suggest choosing one of the many other establishments in Thimphu that value hospitality and respectful service.

One of the best pizza places in Thimphu. First time I visited here in 2014. After that i have visited here countless time, still have the same experience in 2023. They have a cozy indoor seating arrangement, and kinda outdoor seating as well. I’m not sure if they use mozzarella cheese , but taste-wise they can beat any other pizza in Thimphu.

Appalling Experience – A Complete Disgrace to Bhutanese Hospitality We were a group of 30 travelers from India, genuinely excited to explore Bhutan and experience its renowned hospitality. Sadly, this restaurant turned out to be the single most disappointing — even offensive — part of our entire trip. From the moment we entered, the treatment we received was nothing short of demeaning. The owner, in particular, displayed a shocking level of rudeness and hostility. There was no welcome, no basic courtesy, and certainly no respect. We weren’t treated like customers — more like a nuisance they were forced to put up with. It felt as though our presence was an inconvenience. No eye contact, no service etiquette, and absolutely zero effort to accommodate or communicate respectfully with a large group of paying guests. For a business in the hospitality sector, this kind of behavior is unacceptable anywhere — let alone in a country that prides itself on warmth and kindness. What we encountered here was arrogance disguised as authority, and ignorance passed off as policy. The staff followed the owner's lead — disengaged, cold, and visibly irritated by our presence. We left feeling disrespected, disappointed, and honestly, embarrassed for having chosen this place. To fellow Indian tourists — or any travelers who value basic decency and customer service — I strongly recommend avoiding this establishment. Bhutan has countless other restaurants and local eateries that are welcoming, professional, and true to the spirit of hospitality this country is known for. This restaurant, unfortunately, is a glaring exception — and a stain on Bhutan’s otherwise beautiful reputation.

Had a nice blend of Korean and Bhutanese food. Service is great and the food even better. They served a variety of Korean side dishes. The kimchi, pancakes and picked veggies were so good. The tuna sushi was amazing. Definitely try it. It is located in the heart of Thimphu city.

I did not expect to have Korean Food in Bhutan. Surprisingly the place gave me exceptional experience. Even through there was no beef from the menu, it offered the good taste of Yak bbq instead. The side dishes were also generous, especially a whole Korean pancake. It's definitely a go to place when visiting Timpu.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at San Maru Restaurant in Thimphu, Bhutan, and I must say, it was a delightful experience! 🌟 This quaint Korean restaurant, though offering a limited menu, ensures every dish is crafted to perfection. Each bite of their authentic Korean cuisine transported me straight to Seoul. The flavors were rich, well-balanced, and genuinely satisfying. The ambience at San Maru is another highlight. The decor is simple yet elegant, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. 🌿 The seating arrangement is comfortable, and the soft lighting adds to the overall charm. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet meal or a cozy dinner with friends and family. Despite the limited number of items on the menu, each dish is carefully curated and thoughtfully prepared. 🍲 The quality of the ingredients and the expertise of the chefs truly shine through. I particularly enjoyed the bibimbap and kimchi, both of which were bursting with flavor. The portion sizes are just right, ensuring you leave satisfied but not overly full. Overall, I highly recommend San Maru Restaurant to anyone visiting Thimphu. It’s a must-visit for Korean food lovers and those looking to enjoy a delicious meal in a pleasant setting. 🥢 San Maru has definitely earned a spot on my list of favorite dining spots in Bhutan!

It’s a great spot to enjoy Korean cuisine, with unique flavors that stand out from other Korean restaurants. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but the quality makes it worth it.

This was my first time trying Korean BBQ, and it was such a wonderful experience! The staff were very welcoming, and the atmosphere felt warm and comfortable from the moment we arrived. We ordered the pork belly, which was perfectly seasoned, and enjoyed the variety of small side dishes — it was such a fun way to try different flavors. The set also came with rice and a delicious soup that complemented the meal beautifully. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. To finish, my husband and I had the lemon and orange tea — a unique combination that was both refreshing and full of flavor. I’m so happy I chose this place for my first Korean BBQ experience, and I’m already looking forward to coming back!

The only restaurant in Thimphu that serves authentic korean foods. Prices are also reasonable considering the amount of portion they serve. Items served are limited. However, with popular korean cuisines like Kimchi, bibimbap, gimbab, buchimage, etc, you are good to experience Korean just being in Thimphu.

I would have given 10 stars if it was possible. Authentic Korean food in the middle of Thimpu town. The restaurant is run by a couple, husband is a bhutanese and wife is Korean. The wife personally prepares all the food, they have a limited food prepared for lunch and dinner session and they close the entry for new customers after that. The prices are on higher side but it worth the money you pay, avoid buying breverages as it is very very expensive.

One of the best Indian restaurants in Thimphu. Prices are little bit high compared to other restaurants in the area. But food and service is good and worth for the money.

Good Indian food in friendly atmosphere. The restaurant offers all the usual Indian dishes. The dishes we had were pretty tasty. The chicken pieces were more bone than meat but tasty nevertheless. The tandori paneer was very good. Service is excellent, cordial and efficient. Reasonably priced is worth a try.

Our first dinner at Bhutan and Thimphu here at this place. Arrived late at the restaurant, the people from the hotel told us that better to finish the dinner early as we might not get later on. So just got out and found this. Didn't think twice as we were already hungry. Selected the Chapati and Yellow Dhal fried from the menu. I must say the food was filling and wonderful. Even better is the ambience of the place as well as the decorations. Loved it.

Average food..But better than other restaurants

Pathetic experience. The food quality is very bad. A man shared card of this Restraunt at Buddha point. Now we understood why the Restraunt needs publicity like this. Even the response when we shared the experience was very casual. I would never advise anyone to visit this restaurant.

Having recently become a vegetarian I discovered that this restaurant offers great Thali basically a set meal for a fixed price. Besides the usual vegetarian and non vegetarian on offer in other such restaurants, I found the Rajasthani exclusive thali very tempting and unique classic thali most affordable . Food was great but better still prices most reasonable . Now I am hooked on the thalis.

The place is awesome at the heart of Thimphu city. The behavior as well as the food is superv. Though the price may seems overpriced it is completely worth it. A lunch or dinner at this restaurant is highly recommend.

You're on the 15th floor of the La Meridian Dhaka Hotel, where you can enjoy a remarkable view of the city and the Turag. The mosque design, spacious seating arrangement, and clean environment provide a comfortable experience. The service level is also very high, with the staff being friendly, helpful, and friendly. As one person noted, "The service, the familiarity with the table, the refilling of drinks, and the clearing of the table were all excellent." [1] --- 💰 Price and Special Offers Although the food is relatively expensive, the quality of the food and the level of service are worth it. The pool access is free with the separate buffet, for which the Director is an attractive offer. [1] --- ✅ Overall Review *Latest Recipe* is one of the most modern and sophisticated. It is an ideal place for those looking for quality food, ambiance, and high-quality service.

A very quiet and clean restaurant with excellent service. The food was delicious, especially the prawn chilli, which stood out. Prices are reasonable considering the quality of the dishes. Highly recommended!

The food was pretty tasty and came out very quickly, although the appetisers are strangely in larger portions than the mains. Where they really let themselves down is customer service; they don’t acknowledge or greet you when you arrive, they don’t direct you to a table, without saying a word they dump the menus and leave the ordering pad for you to write out your entire order, then you need to get up to walk over and hand it back to the waitress. I could understand the attitude if they were busy, but they were not. Would have been 5 stars if they followed basic customer service rules.

They only serve the fat in the name of meat. Beef thukpa only fat. Beef pasta all soaked. Vibe is great but the food is worst.

Silver Wok used to be my go-to place, but things have really changed for the worse. I recently ordered the bibimbap, and it was extremely dry. When I gave polite feedback, the staff and even the owner responded with arrogance instead of concern. Their reasoning was that Silver Wok isn’t a Korean restaurant, so I shouldn’t have expected much from the dish. That kind of dismissive attitude is exactly why I’ve lost all respect for the place. After talking with friends and colleagues, I learned that many of them had similar experiences—dry food, poor service, and an overall lack of professionalism. I won’t be going back, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

One of the restaurant with cool interior in the main town. We get Bhutanese dishes, indian and continental too. I would love to recommend the place to the vistor for the good food and if you just want to enjoy your leisure time with cup of coffee or drinks. The service is also good and will highly recommend.

My go to place when i need good food in a hurry. Not much veg options though. Good food and i love the service . The takaway options , comes in plastic containers, thats my only reservation or else its a great place for friends and family, centrally located in town .

Nice architecture and design. Food is not that tasty and service is not that good, takes very long to get the food and quantity is very less

Really cool pub at Thimphu! Didn’t expect the atmosphere to be that friendly and welcoming. The band O’Strangers was playing when we went and they played a few songs for us. The locals highly recommended this pub. I tried a local Bhutanese ale and it was really flavourful.

It's a must visit place if you are looking at exploring the night life of Thimphu. There are various live bands which perform here on daily basis. The atmosphere was electrifying and we loved our time spent here!!

One of the most happening place in Thimphu after dark. They have live music, affordable drinks and great crowd. They are open till midnight. Normally Wednesdays and weekends are busy. Tuesdays are dry day. A must visit if you are in Thimphu.

A good night club with music. Firstly you are charged 250 per person for entry they claim it goes to the musicians. Once inside you just need to grab a seat order and pay instantly , you are served drinks and snacks, don't expect dinner or sort. Just a place to chill out like. The place is bit priced but well for the ambiance and the service it's worth it do recommend if in Thimphu.

This is a great place to chill in the evenings. You have a live band playing. There's a bar. Outside you have a bond fire. While we were traveling in Bhutan we met some of the best people here. The band even dedicated a song to us so we get comfortable. We received so much of love. I would say no other city in the world could make you feel so special as we felt while we were here.

Great place to spend your nightlife in the capital city thimphu. However, the place is lively only on weekends and Wednesday. We couldn't witness Monday Bluejam which was scheduled. The place is available with all choice of booze along with local ones. Few options of snacks are also there but depends on availability. Open till 11AM. Located on the main area, on the street beside of clock tower.

So this place is for those who want to enjoy live music along with drinks. There are no food options. Its purely a bar with a love band performing excellent music. One of the coolest places to visit in Thimpu.

**⭐️ 5/5 - Perfect Cafe Gem!** Amazing food, cozy ambience, and the best location! The menu offers delicious, fresh dishes with great coffee. The vibe is relaxed yet stylish, perfect for chats or solo work. Plus, the scenic views (or central spot) make it even better. A must-visit! ☕️🍽️🌿 *#FoodieHeaven #ChillVibes #PrimeLocation*

I really like their friendly services and we can play games or read novels there whenever we if like bored which is the first reason I like to go there again and again

Conveniently located just next to the traffic center on Norzin Lam, extensive menu with Bhutanese and international food options. Good ambience, good for tea, meals, chats, at any time of day. Owner and wife are very friendly :) There are board games here too!

A must visit cafe in Thimpu. Amazing food and especially their momos are to die for. Very cozy ambiance and the owners are very friendly and welcoming.

Great and friendly service especially the food really good made fresh. A definite visit in Thimphu

.. Good hospitality......."Thank you for making our special day even more memorable with a fantastic dinner. Your generosity warms our hearts." "We feel blessed ... Best wishes 🙏🙏

This is the perfect place for all kinds of meals whether you’re starting your day with a cup of coffee, grabbing a quick snack, enjoying a hearty lunch, or settling in for a satisfying dinner. To all locals and visitors seeking exceptional food and warm hospitality — look no further. This café(Elsewhere )is your go-to destination. With over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry, both in Bhutan and abroad, the owner brings world-class culinary knowledge and heartfelt service to every dish. Whether you’re stopping by for a cozy cup of coffee or indulging in a full-course meal, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience rooted in quality, flavor, and genuine care.

Best ice Americano