Getting acquainted with the local cuisine is one way of having a great cultural experience. Restaurants play a great role here by introducing visitors to the local cuisine of the country. Bhutan is no exception where eating out is popular and restaurants from those found in hotels, to those perched up on crags, to little wayside places and bars and coffee shops in the capital Thimpu provide some of the first cultural experiences for visitors to that country.
There are several great places to eat out in Thimpu and in places like Paro, Punakha, Bumthang and others. Choices include traditional Bhutanese food comprising of red or white rice, a range of seasonal vegetables and meat with a liberal sprinkling of chilies. In fact chili appears to be the most popular ingredient. Ema Dasti the national dish is made up of chili and cheese. Buckwheat is a staple in central Bhutan and buckwheat pancakes are a specialty here. Nettles, orchids and mushrooms, yak roast are popular additions to the local cuisine. Butter tea, wheat beer and alcohol brewed from rice are the favourite local beverages served in almost any local restaurant. Additionally Tibetan noodle dishes, fast food such as cheese omelettes, sandwiches and hamburgers, vegetarian and non vegetarian pizza and pasta, continental cuisine, Chinese and Indian food, coffee, cakes, soups, ice cream and sorbets, Thai food and fusion cuisine are all available at restaurants patronized by both locals and expatriates. The best place for eating out in Bhutan is Thimpu as the most number of restaurants, a good selection of bars, coffee shops and bakeries are found here. Lunch buffets serving Indian food is popular here. Whether dining of traditional Bhutanese food or on any other cuisine, eating out is the best way to interact with locals and to try different food and drink. However most traditional restaurants do not have formal menus and visitors have to pretty much eat what is served. As only seasonal ingredients are used, a huge choice may not be available. Something else to look out for is that opening hours are not fixed and standards can vary a lot. However this does not mean that eating out is not an interesting foodie experience.
Amidst wooded hills overlooking mist covered mountains and a valley below Uma Bhutan offers a serene retreat, the ideal place to get away from it all. Experience the beautiful design and amenities of the villas and suites at this Paro hotel that sets the tone for a relaxing stay. As a prominent Bhutan hotel, guests are offered a range of luxuries and comforts that include a selection of traditional, Indian and continental cuisine, a spa with a range of wellness therapies, an indoor pool, a yoga studio and a gym designed with the well being of guests in mid.