Most Popular Cafes and Bakeries in Thimphu
Thimphu, the charming capital of Bhutan, boasts a vibrant café and bakery scene that caters to both locals and travellers seeking comfort, flavour, and a touch of Bhutanese hospitality.
Photo credit: Finso Yeshe Choden
You might be surprised to learn that traditional Bhutanese cuisine does not include dessert or sweets of any kind. For generations, Bhutanese meals have centered around rice, spice, and cheese, with little room for sugary indulgences. But times are changing, and those with a sweet tooth will be relieved to know that cities like Thimphu are experiencing a bakery boom and café craze. Here are some of our top recommendations for cafés and bakeries in the capital:
1. Tower Café, Clock Tower
Opening Hours: 9 am - 10 pm
Contact: 17858571
A list of popular cafés in Thimphu town is not complete without the crowd-favorite ‘Tower Café’, known for its prime location in the heart of the city. Overlooking the iconic Clock Tower Square, this café is perfect for people-watching while enjoying a leisurely meal. The hearty Tower Burger is a must-try, and if you're an early riser, their Tower Breakfast will set you up for the day.
2. GaZom Desserts, Taba
Opening Hours: 11 am - 8 pm
Contact: 77913399
For those who don’t mind venturing a bit beyond the city center, GaZom Desserts is worth the trip. This charming bakery and restaurant specializes in Japanese-style comfort food and desserts, making it a favorite among young couples and families. The café's bright, elegant interiors offer a cozy space to relax and enjoy delicious shogayaki (ginger pork), crispy chicken katsu, tiramisu, and fluffy strawberry shortcake.
3. Gikuna Village, above the JICA office
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Opening Hours: 8 am - 6 pm
Contact: via Instagram
One of Thimphu’s newest additions, Gikuna Village is a minimalist café that boasts calm and chic interiors, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat with a cup of coffee. What sets this café apart is its selection of homemade bakes, crafted by the hugely popular Instagram baker @d___bakes. Her soft cinnamon rolls smothered in cream cheese, filled donuts in seasonal flavors, and comforting banana bread have already garnered a dedicated fan base. But be warned- fresh bakes sell out quickly, so it’s best to get there early!
4. Nying Baker’s Basement
Opening Hours: 8 am - 7pm
Contact: 17668147
In Bhutan, it is customary to bring a gift when visiting someone’s home, and 9 times out of 10, locals turn to Nying Baker’s Basement for a box of their signature treats. The bakes here are not overly sweet or creamy but instead offer light, balanced flavors, making them the perfect gift for those who prefer less sugary indulgences. We recommend the dark chocolate cake, cream horn or carrot cake. They also have a selection of sandwiches, salads, pasta, fresh juice and coffee to satiate any appetite.
5. Coffee Culture, Changlam Square
Opening Hours: 11 am - 8 pm
Contact: 17840268
A true Thimphu institution, ‘Coffee Culture’ has been serving up delicious food and drinks for over a decade while continuously updating its menu to keep things fresh. This café is a fantastic lunch or evening tea spot, perfect for catching up with friends over a comforting meal. Their spicy ema datsi momos (chili and cheese dumplings) add a fiery twist to a local favorite, while their sesame chicken and Vietnamese shrimp rolls are among the café’s most popular dishes. Of course, no visit is complete without indulging in one of their decadent desserts, paired with a steaming cup of coffee.
6. Bhutanese Boulangerie, Tara Phendeyling Hotel
Opening Hours: 8 am - 8 pm.
Contact:77739417
Travelers heading towards Paro or Punakha from Thimphu will likely spot a small green food truck offering fresh coffee, croissants, and cookies for takeaway. These roadside treats are the handiwork of ‘Bhutanese Boulangerie’, a Parisian-style café led by a Bhutanese chef trained in France. This lovely café adorned with pictures and plants is the perfect place to sip on a coffee while tucking into a buttery croissant or delicate macaron.
7. Kay Dee Café, Kay Dee Carwash
Opening Hours: 10 am - 7 pm
Contact: 17309720
Now you might be wondering why we would recommend a café that’s attached to a car wash but let us assure you that ‘Kay Dee Café’ offers some underrated baked goods. While waiting for your car, you can treat yourself to their underrated baked goods such as the moist red velvet cupcakes and creamy banoffee pie. Even if you don’t own a vehicle, this café is worth a visit for its delicious desserts and laid-back ambiance.
8. Au Passa’s Café, Norling Building
Opening Hours: 11 am - 8:30 pm
Contact: 77408893
Nestled between barber shops, home goods stores, and electronics vendors, Au Passa’s Cafe is a small but mighty bakery. With just enough space to squeeze in five people, it’s not a modern coworking hub but a cozy, old-world café reminiscent of bygone days. Its prices are just as nostalgic, with favorites like éclairs, lamingtons, and moist chocolate costing no more than 100 ngultrum (~$1.15) each.
From cozy coffee shops to artisanal bakeries, Thimphu city is now brimming with spots where you can enjoy a piping hot cup of coffee, a slice of freshly baked cake, or even Japanese and French-inspired desserts. Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite hangout or a traveler in need of a caffeine fix and a quick bite, we hope you give some of these places a try.
