Eat Well in Every Valley
Worried about finding vegetarian food in Bhutan? Don't be.
Whether you’re traveling from India or simply prefer a plant-based diet, Bhutan is surprisingly veg-friendly. Many locals eat veg meals regularly, especially during auspicious days, and Indian cuisine is widely available.
Here's a list of top vegetarian restaurants in Bhutan, handpicked by region, where you can enjoy everything from Bhutanese ema datshi to North Indian thalis.
Phuentsholing is a busy border town where you’ll find plenty of Indian-style veg eateries, ideal for your first or last meal in Bhutan.
Hotel Druk Restaurant - Clean, consistent veg meals, including paneer and dal
Kizom Café - Serves Bhutanese and Indian veg dishes with a peaceful setting
Zen Restaurant - Indian-style food with Jain meal options on request
Biryani House - Basic setup but great taste; aloo gobi, veg biryani, and roti
Tip: Stick to hotel restaurants if you're arriving late they stay open longer.
Thimphu, the capital, has a diverse food scene with plenty of vegetarian options - both local and international.
The Zone - Modern café with Bhutanese veg platters, momos, and pasta
Chula Restaurant - Pure veg Indian food; great for thali, parathas, and lassi
Swiss Bakery - Famous for its veg baked goods and light meals
Zombala 2 - Must-try for local veg ema datshi, kewa datshi (potato), and red rice
Try This: Ask for "no meat, no egg" when ordering Bhutanese food, just to be sure.
While Punakha is more laid-back and rural, you’ll still find good veg meals - especially in hotels and riverside cafés.
Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria - Serves wholesome veg lunch after temple visit
Hotel Lobesa Restaurant - Excellent Bhutanese & Indian vegetarian spread with a view
Kingaling Restaurant - Local-style veg thalis and fried rice
Mo Chu Riverside Café - Peaceful setting with tea, coffee, and light veg snacks
Tip: Many cafés here are inside hotels - your guide can call ahead for Jain or no-onion/garlic requests.
Paro has a cozy food scene where veg travelers will feel at home. Great views, hot food, and smiling hosts - what more do you need?
Sonam Trophel Restaurant - Local favorite for veg Bhutanese dishes like mushroom datshi
My Kind of Place Café - Homemade Indian-style vegetarian food, very traveler-friendly
Brioche Café - Bakery + light café fare with veg sandwiches and Bhutanese tea
Park 76 Café & Restaurant - Nice interiors, good for mixed groups with veg/vegan options
Try This: Don't miss local red rice and butter tea if you're feeling adventurous!
Clearly say "veg only" - not everyone understands "vegetarian"
Use the phrase "no meat, no fish, no egg" for clarity
Bhutanese datshi dishes (with cheese) are vegetarian by default
Many restaurants are happy to customize your meal if asked politely
Carry ready-to-eat backups (just in case) for offbeat regions
In Bhutan, food isn’t just fuel - it's part of the experience. Whether you're eating a spicy ema datshi or a warm bowl of red rice in a mountain café, you'll find that vegetarian food in Bhutan is soulful, simple, and satisfying.
