Location: Thimphu
Top Restaurants in Thimphu
Top Things to do in Thimphu
Thimphu Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Thimphu
Thimphu (/tɪmˈpuː/; Dzongkha: ཐིམ་ཕུ [tʰimpʰu]; formerly spelled as Thimbu or Thimpu) is the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is situated in the western central part of Bhutan and the surrounding valley is one of Bhutan's dzongkhags, the Thimphu District. The ancient capital city of Punakha was replaced by Thimphu when it was established as capital in 1955, and in 1961 Thimphu was declared as the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan by His Majesty the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Things to do in Thimphu
1. Seasons Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By RWalker415 - San Francisco, California
It was great to have a break from the local cuisine (although you could order classic Bhutanese chili cheese on your pizza, if you'd like) by stopping for lunch at the Seasons Restaurant. The pizzas are quite good, with wonderfully crispy crusts. We had six people at lunch, so we were able to try several flavors, and they were all excellent.
2. Art Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By sheilds - on the road
One of the newer establishments aspiring to Western standards of clenliness and food quality - and doing a pretty good job of it.
A little hard to find, beside the Suzuli dealership - a bigger sign would pay off. Wood stove to keep you warm in winter, and a passable toilet.
A few outdoor seats, but not much of a view (new and used cars).
Recommended for a decent lunch or early dinner, as they close around 6:30pm.
3. Ambient Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
Reviewed By kais41 - London, United Kingdom
this cafe was closed once we reached but their food wasnt bad at the end. we liked their Sandwich very much.
4. The Zone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By Swapan43 - Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
We booked our stay from 8th november to 12th November at Hotel Norbuling without any kind of meal. We thought that we should have breakfast at 'The Zone' a 5 minutes walk from the hotel in Chang Lam. We went there on 8th morning at 10 am. to find the Restaurant is closed. We waited and waited, First couple of Ladies turned up and few minutes later a gentleman came and opened the lock of the entrance. It was 11am and we were told they would require another 45 minutes to serve anything. Breakfast at 12 noon!!.We read so much about this restaurant that we back again at 3:30 and ordered Pizza. It was really good. It was a cheese pizza with chicken half side the other half side was with Bacon. I asked whether pepperoni is available, the Lady asked me wait few minutes and promptly brought a plate full of fried pepperoni. I asked why this famous restaurant opens so late in the morning. The lady replied that they have to work till midnight everyday. The ambience inside is very good. Outside Terrace is very dirty with dirty tables etc.
5. Karma's Coffee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By ggillian912 - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India
Chanced upon this cafe and decided to have a coffee this evening, after we arrived Thimpu.
Walked up to the second floor and were pleasantly surprised when we entered Karma Coffee. It was neat and nice place....... we sat at a table by a window, ordered a cappuccino with a brownie.
The staff were friendly and we received our coffee almost immediately .... good coffee & a peaceful ambiance.....
Worth a visit......
6. Zombala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Manisha V - New Delhi, India
Tucked in a corner (with slightly shady entrance) in the city, this is a fantastic place to go for a local Bhutanese meal. We ordered:
1. Beef momos which were absolutely mouth watering)
2. A chicken appetizer which resembled chicken poppers, also very well made
3. A soupy home made noodle dish with chunks of pork in it - exactly what you need on a cold night. The flavor may not work for everyone but definitely try it out.
They have a full fledged bar and seems to be a popular place to hang out for youngsters,
7. Bhutan Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By gudnuse - Mumbai, India
When our tour guide informed us he is taking us to a speciality vegetarian restaurant we were somewhat skeptical because our experience with food upto that point was a long list of compromises and disappointment. Bhutan kitchen inspired from the moment you enter the place. The color scheme of red carpet , black upholstered low Seating and sand colored curtains .
This is certainly not a wayside place ; it is definitely among the top five in Thimphu.
Suddenly we were feeling hungry and soon enough came a procession of pre-ordered dishes – The emma datsi, Asparagus stir fried in cream , a great bowl of green salad and fresh lettuce , flat beans red rice , stir fried mixed veggies, cottage cheese cubes and salad and much more. The dishes were delicious to say the least and we had a good , authentic Bhutanese lunch that day. It was easy to see why Bhutan Kitchen has the reputation it does and we were happy our tour guide chose well.
8. Hotel New Grand
Overall Ratings
4 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By sherabtenzin360 - Thimphu, Bhutan
I go to this hotel whenever my taste buds crave for Indian Cusine. This hotel serves good Indian foods and I would like to recommend it for Indian tourists. My friends who booked rooms at one 3 star hotel in Thimphu canceled and came over in this hotel when I took them there.
9. Bhutan Orchid Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
10. Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By debasis2k - New Delhi, India
we dined there on 9th evening... it was really good... they said the Bhutanese food is very spicy and hot.. i did not find it that difficult... i found it tasty and loved it
