Bhutan is not only the destination for the culture freaks and the wanderlust, it caters to the call of the food adventurers offering a wide array of Bhutan food menus. The tongue tingling cuisine of Bhutan adds to the country’s scenic appeal, it’s age-old charm, vibrant cultures, and traditions since the country has opened itself to the outside world. The quaint country known for its authenticity is also known for its bizarre methods it adopts not only in spirituality but also in their food habits. Bhutan is the only country in the world where the rice is red, and tea is richly buttered, and chilies are not just the ingredient but the main dish. The national dish of Bhutan– Ema-Datshi is prepared with the chilies cooked in cheese. The country offers a wide array of traditional dishes to choose from, at the best restaurants in Bhutan, where you can not only tease taste buds but also quell them. So, here is the list of top restaurants that serve authentic Bhutanese dishes.
1. Bukhari at COMO Uma Paro:
Location- Paro
Category- Upscale
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Specialization: Bhutanese and Continental cuisine
Bukhari at COMO Uma Paro is an award-winning and the best restaurant in Paro Bhutan, which is titled after the traditional Bhutanese fireplace with cylindrical structure and style. A short and captivating drive from Paro, Bukhari stands on a hill facing the town, with an engrossing view of the enclosing valleys. The tongue tingling menus are based on seasonal and organic local supplies from the nearby farms. Bukhari at COMO Uma is a unique fine-dining treat in the Paro Valley where Luncheon is mostly comprised of International dishes, whereas dinner comprises of most exotic gastronomical delights.
2. Babesa Village Restaurant:
Location: Thimphu
Category: Mid- Range
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Specialization: Bhutanese cuisine
This is an excellent treat for the history enthusiasts and food lovers, as it is located inside 400+ year old traditional building. This restaurant not only serves excellent cuisines but also provides you a vivid knowledge of the ancient era and history of Bhutan. You will surely get fascinated by the architectural craftsmanship, brilliance, and craftsmanship that is implied by the ancient Buddhist architects. Even though the restaurants are located at a considerable distance from the town, but it makes worth the drive with less effort due to its close proximity to the highway. The unique trait of this restaurant in Thimphu is, everything will be served in wooden bowls with spoons which are authentically traditional. You can either sit on the chairs, if not; you can sit on the floor and relish the tongue tingling cuisines feeling completely relaxed.
3. The Bhutan Kitchen:
Location: Thimphu, near the clock tower
Category: Mid- Range
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Specialization: the Authentic and local cuisine of Thimphu, Bhutan
If you want to quell your taste buds with authentic and delicious local and Bhutanese cuisines then step in at “The Bhutan Kitchen” Ideally located at the heart of the capital city, near to the clock tower of Thimphu, It is an ideal haven for enthusiastic tourists, the food lovers, and food adventurers. Known for its authenticity this restaurant is the host to the Crown Prince of Bhutan and the local celebrities. The national food of Bhutan– Ema Datshi is one of the exotic and authentic cuisines on their menu, which is too delicious and well known to be resisted. The excellent interior decors define the traditional aspects of the Dragon Kingdom. The online reviews vividly define the excellent quality of the food prepared from the organic produce and healthy foods made of buckwheat, etc.
4. Lobesa Village Restaurant:
Location- Lobesa Village, Punakha
Category- Upscale
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Specialization: Authentic Bhutanese cuisine and continental cuisine
Lobesa Village Restaurant is an in-house restaurant of the Lobesa Hotel which is the most reputed and the only 3-star property in the Lobesa Village Bhutan (Punakha Valley). Offering a wide range of authentic Bhutanese cuisines and the continental cuisines, this restaurant is the ideal stop for the food lovers and a perfect place to quell your hunger for the traditional Bhutanese dishes. They have provision for daily buffet comprising of momos, red rice, seasonal organic vegetables, and Ema Datshi, the national cuisine of Bhutan- with ice-cream. Besides, the deliciousness, the Lobesa Restaurant offers a captivating view of the Himalayan ranges and the extensive paddy fields. The staffs are amazing and very friendly, who always take delight in explaining the each dish that you try here. There is also a special room for celebrations like anniversary, birthday, etc.
5. The Urban Kitchen:
Location- Phuentsholing
Category- Mid- Range
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Specialization- European cuisine, global cuisine, Chinese cuisine
Comfortably accommodating about 25 people, “The Urban Kitchen” is one of the best dining alternatives in Phuentsholing, Bhutan. They specialize in delicious local cuisines including European, global, and Chinese cuisines. The overall ambiance is excellent where you can quell your platter at the mid-budget price. The best thing about “The Urban Kitchen” is it charges on 15% of the tax opposed to 20% standard tax at the other restaurants in Bhutan. They’re quick, highly organized, and efficient. They serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and a wide range of smoothies and beverages as per your choice.
So, Live, Eat, Travel, repeat. Have a happy trip to the intriguing kingdom.
