Most Popular Restaurants in Paro
Paro, Bhutan’s charming valley town, is not only known for its breathtaking monasteries and scenic landscapes but also for its vibrant culinary scene. From traditional Bhutanese eateries serving fiery ema datshi to cosy cafés with stunning views of the Paro Dzong, this guide explores the most popular restaurants that locals and travellers love.
The serene and stunning Paro valley is also called the ‘Gateway to Bhutan’ as the country’s only international airport is located here. Although it may have fewer options than the capital, Paro valley (1.5 hours drive from Thimphu) has a blossoming restaurant and café scene that you cannot miss. Mostly located on the main shopping street, we recommend our favorite places that you can try after a jam-packed itinerary to Paro Dzong, Taktsang monastery, the national museum or any of the other sights. Here are our top picks for restaurants in Paro:
1. Sonam Trophel Restaurant, Paro Town
Cuisine: Bhutanese
Opening Hours: 10 am - 8:30 pm
Contact: 77280901
Among the stylish cafés and glitzy restaurants popping up on the main Paro street, you will find this unassuming restaurant serving up seriously authentic Bhutanese eats. Family-owned and operated since 1993, ‘Sonam Trophel Restaurant’ is a Paro institution, beloved by residents and tourists alike. Try their Chinese-inspired dishes like fried rice and chilli chicken or a piping hot plate of a perennial favorite, momos.
2. Mountain Café & Mountain Café and Roastery, Paro Town
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Continental
Opening Hours: 8 am - 10 pm
Contact: 77105579 (Café) 77103379 (Roastery)
Taking a stroll down the central street in Paro, you will notice a bustling café and bakery on the main street called ‘Mountain Café’. Just five minutes down the street, you will see a two-storey restaurant called ‘Mountain Café and Roastery.’ This is not a blatant case of plagiarism but two outlets of the popular local ‘Mountain Café’ franchise.
The ‘Mountain Café’ is purely vegetarian, try hoentey (buckwheat dumpling from Haa valley) or tuck into indulgent Oreo cheesecake. The ‘Mountain Café and Roastery’ is non-vegetarian, known for their BBQ pork ribs and fresh salads. This is also where you will find freshly brewed coffee, grown in the southern foothills of Bhutan and roasted on-site. You can also take home a few bags of coffee as souvenirs.
3. Brioche Café, Paro Town
Cuisine: Bakery
Opening Hours: 9 am- 9 pm
Contact: 77496414
Another popular café and bakery, located right on the main street, is ‘Brioche Café.’ Owned by a pastry chef at a 5-star resort, this charming patisserie uses only local and organic ingredients. Step inside for a sweet treat and you will find yourself unable to decide between a variety of fresh tarts, cakes, pies and much more. Try the croissant and apple crumble with a fragrant cup of masala tea or get a scoop of ice cream made with seasonal ingredients.
4. Taktsang Cafeteria
Cuisine: Bhutanese
Opening Hours: 6 am- 5:30 pm
Contact: 17601682
Every itinerary to Bhutan will include a hike to the iconic ‘Taktsang’ or Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The 2 hour walk to this 17th century landmark offers great views of the Paro valley and picture opportunities that you can use to show-off to friends and family. One of the best places to take a picture of the monastery is from the ‘Taktsang Cafeteria’, located at the halfway point. Follow the signs off the main walking trail and you can take a bathroom break, grab a hot cup of milk tea or suja (butter tea) with khapse (fried biscuits) and admire unobstructed views of the monastery. If you visit during meal times, you can find simple Bhutanese buffet meals at the cafeteria.
5. Phangguu Paro, opposite Paro Dzong
Cuisine: Bhutanese
Opening Hours: 11 am - 10 pm
Contact: 17283333
Fans of the Phangguu restaurant in Thimphu might be surprised to discover that there is another branch located in Paro, just across from the historic 17th century Rinpung Dzong. Although the two restaurants do not share the same aesthetic sensibilities, both serve up delicious Bhutanese cuisine. The dining space at ‘Phangguu Paro’ is cozy and traditional and their food has a lovingly home-cooked vibe to match. We recommend the khuley (buckwheat pancake), aezey (chilli paste) and sikam paa (dried pork with chili and vegetables).
6. My Kind of Place, Paro town
Cuisine: Pan-Asian, Bhutanese
Opening Hours: 10 am - 5 pm
Contact: 77411784
Take a detour from your shopping and café-hopping in Paro town to grab a quick bite at ‘My Kind of Place’. As you see the sign for the restaurant and walk up the wooden stairs, you will find yourself surrounded by a plethora of plants. Entering the space, you are greeted with colorful paintings and quirky decor. Watch Paro town from the window as you try their bhaley (Tibetan bread) with ema datsi (chili cheese) or choose from their Thai, Vietnamese or Indonesian offerings- if you are in the mood for something different.
7. Momo Corner, Paro town
Cuisine: Bhutanese Fast Food
Opening Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Contact: 17813710
Although there have been no official studies conducted, it is a running joke among Bhutanese that you can find a ‘Momo Corner’ in almost every corner of the country. With each one advertising the best momos, we can assure you that the ‘Momo Corner’ in Paro town is a top contender. If you are looking for quick eats that won’t break the bank, you can try a variety of these delicious dumplings. Don’t know which one to choose? The beef fried momo that comes with a hot soup made from the meat broth is an excellent option.
As you can see there are no dearth of good restaurant and café options in Paro. With flavors and cuisines from all over Bhutan and other parts of the world, the best part is that you can get a taste of Bhutanese favorites just as you begin or end your trip to the Land of the Thunder Dragon!
Check out the top attractions in Paro.
