Food Review: Paday’s Bistro
The menu is quite varied, ranging from continental dishes including pasta and steak to more ‘Asian style’ food such as a variation of the Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice in Malay), as well as some Thai dishes.
A giant momo served at Paday’s Bistro.
(Source: Courtesy of KIB.)
Ambience
With outdoor seating, beautiful stained-glass windows and a fantastic view of the Memorial Chorten, Paday’s Bistro is a wonderful place to hang out on a sunny day.
The restaurant itself is not huge but it can accommodate large groups. The fact that there is alfresco dining is a nice change from most places which only have indoor seats.
Depending on the time of day, the weather can be quite warm even if it is a cold day due to the strong UV rays, making it pleasant in winter.
What’s in the menu?
The menu is quite varied, ranging from continental dishes including pasta and steak to more ‘Asian style’ food such as a variation of the Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice in Malay), as well as some Thai dishes.
Local Bhutanese dishes are also available, including a delicious garlic beef appetizer and a child-friendly order of chicken fingers.
They also have seasonal specials such as the delicate grilled trout with greens, and Taipo - a giant momo (dumpling) stuffed with a boiled egg, vegetables and chicken.
What We Tried
Chicken Wiener Schnitzel (Nu. 360)
The chicken was moist and had a crisp, crumbly batter. The accompanying vegetables were very good. Sautéed with a little salt, pepper, garlic and oil, the carrots were still firm, sweet and not overcooked, as was the broccoli. We finished everything but the fries, which were dripping with grease and not to our taste.
Beef Steak (Nu. 660)
The dish was overall pretty good, but slightly on the pricey side. The meat was sliced into four small pieces and was a bit chewy. It was served with little apple chunks under the beef which were meant to be eaten together.
The dressing was delicious, and by far one of the highlight of the meal. It was light and tangy which really lifted the dish. The steak was served with a salad which came with a refreshing, sweet-citrusy vinaigrette. All in all this dish would make a great summer meal, but the price is way too high for the amount of meat you actually get.
Thai Set Meal (Nu.258)
This set meal comprises of a soup starter, rice and dessert. The soup was a peppery clear vegetable soup but it was also a tad too salty. The main dish can be customised with different stir fry ingredients, such as beef, pork, chicken and a vegetarian option. The stir fry was quite tasty, and slightly spicy.
The portion of rice given was very generous. The dessert was a homemade ice cream which could use some refining, because it tasted like marshmallow fluff and was rather solid.
However, for the price this set meal is good value for money. Overall, the food is reasonably tasty and the menu has seasonal items as well. Depending on what you order, the meals are actually pretty wholesome.
Service
The service is fairly attentive, and depending on what you order, the food may take a bit longer to be served. However, whenever I patronize the restaurant, the food has always been consistent, making it a reliable establishment for dates or business meals.
Location
Located on the road right above the Memorial Chorten, the place is easy to find with lots of parking options. Paday’s Bistro is open from 10 am to 10 pm.
By KIB for the Daily Bhutan.
