Most Popular Restaurants in Thimphu

Most visitors to Bhutan are aware of our serene hiking trails, religious sites and colorful festivals.

Many may not be aware that we have a burgeoning restaurant scene in Thimphu that goes far beyond just chilies and cheese. With influences from various regions of the country, along with neighbors such as Tibet, Nepal and India- you will find that restaurants in the capital city have a lot more to offer than you might expect. 

Here is a list of local-approved restaurants with a blend of higher-end establishments, traditional cuisine, Bhutanese fast food and more!

1. Folk Heritage Restaurant, Kawajangsa

Cuisine: Bhutanese

Opening Hours: 9 am- 9 pm

Contact: 17611982

Visitors to the Folk Heritage Museum cannot miss having a meal at the attached restaurant. With a seasonally rotating menu, we recommend trying the traditional course meals that come with suja (butter tea), red rice, khulee (buckwheat pancakes), ezay (chilli paste), vegetarian and meat dishes.

2. Babesa Village Restaurant, Expressway 

Cuisine: Bhutanese

Opening Hours: 10 am- 10 pm

Contact:17163660

Step into a bygone era as you enter the Babesa Village Restaurant, a 600-year old heritage home that has been transformed into a restaurant showcasing authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Be sure to try the jaju (milk and turnip leaft soup) and mengay, called the ‘Bhutanese Pizza’ with a base of red rice topped with a buttery paste of egg, perilla seeds and garlic. 

3. Phangu, Taba 

Cuisine: Bhutanese

Opening Hours: 9 am- 10 pm

Contact: 77222499

Eating at Phangu is not just a simple meal but a dining experience. Instead of a shared dining room, you will be ushered into one of the private themed rooms which have tastefully combined traditional Bhutanese motifs with modern design sensibilities. Take pictures in a room adorned with wooden masks, prayer flags or vibrant murals and be sure to try their nakay datsi (wild ferns with cheese) and signature phangu (pork head).

4. Seasons Pizzeria, Hongkong Market 

Cuisine: Western, Fusion

Opening Hours: 10 am- 3 pm, 4- 9 pm

Contact: 17643186

If you crave a change of pace from rice and traditional food, the Seasons Pizzeria is beloved by locals and guests alike. Located in the bustling Hongkong Market area, opt for outside seating and people-watch as you sample conventional pizzeria food like their spicy chicken pizza and Cesar salad and the unconventional such as their authentic Nepalese thali.

5. T.C. Restaurant, Below Clock Tower 

Cuisine: Bhutanese Fast Food

Opening Hours: 8 am- 8 pm

Contact: 17610511

Although not many can remember what the ‘T.C.’ stands for, it will be hard to find a Thimphu-ite that has never been to this iconic fast food joint. Popular with teenagers looking for cheap and tasty eats, you can’t go wrong with their selection of snacks. For something heartier, try their ting momo and beef shapta (Tibetan steamed bread with stir fry beef) or bathtub (hand pulled noodle soup).

6. Ambient Cafe, Norzin Lam 

Cuisine: Western, Vegetarian

Opening Hours: 8 am- 9 pm

Contact: 17799607

If you’re vegetarian or just in the mood for something healthy, pop into Ambient Cafe- located right above the city square. Besides a good cup of joe, you can find fresh salads, sandwiches and much more. Try their hummus and pita bread or their selection of vegan cake and icecream.

7. Druk Hotel, Clock Tower 

Cuisine: Bhutanese, Continental, Indian

Opening Hours: 7 am- 10 am, 12 pm- 3 pm, 7 pm- 10 pm

Contact: 771988189

One of the oldest hotels in the capital, Druk Hotel has been a city landmark since 1985. Although they offer continental, Chinese and Bhutanese cuisine, they are best known for their selection of Indian food. Visit on Friday evenings for a buffet featuring their best-known breads, curries and desserts.

8. Zombala 2, Norzin Lam 

Photo credit: Finso Yeshe Choden

Cuisine: Bhutanese Fast Food

Opening Hours: 9 am- 9 pm

Contact: 17842834

If Ema Datsi is the national dish of Bhutan then momos (Tibetan/ Nepali steamed dumplings) should be crowned the national snack. A favorite among children and adults alike, every family has their own version of the recipe. Delicious whether steamed, fried, filled with vegetables or meat, you can find some of the best momos at Zombala 2. 

Photo credit: Finso Yeshe Choden

9. Burger Point, Hongkong Market and Norzin Lam 

Cuisine: Bhutanese and Western Fast Food

Opening Hours: 9 am- 9 pm

Contact: 17544044

You might be wondering why we would recommend burgers in Bhutan but although this unassuming restaurant offers good burgers and fries, they are also known for their potato momo, fried rice and thukpa (noodle soup). With affordable prices and generous portions, it is a favorite of school children and families. 

10. Kalden Restaurant, Thagzo Lam 

Cuisine: Bhutanese 

Opening Hours: 10 am- 8:30 pm

Contact: 17667576

A verified classic, Kalden restaurant is a no-frills eatery serving up traditional home-cooked styles meals. Rub shoulders with taxi drivers, office workers and monks as you try Bhutanese staples like ema datsi (chilli cheese) and goep paa (stir-fry tripe with beef).

11. Chuniding Food, Changlam Plaza 

Cuisine: Bhutanese 

Opening Hours: 9 am- 9 pm 

Contact: 17320895

If you are interested in local and organic food products, you must visit Chuniding Food for their unparalleled selection. After shopping for spices, teas, grains and more, head to the back of the store and order their tomza. This is a traditional way to pack food where rice, meat and other side dishes are bundled up in a banana leaf.

Thimphu’s dining scene is a delightful fusion of tradition, innovation, and regional influences, offering far more than its famed chilies and cheese. Each of these restaurants brings a unique flavour to the capital’s vibrant food culture, ensuring that visitors leave not just with memories of breathtaking landscapes and spiritual sites, but also with a deeper appreciation for Bhutan’s evolving culinary landscape. So, on your next visit, take the time to explore these local-approved eateries—you may just discover your new favourite dish in the Land of the Thunder Dragon!