Bhutan

A recent addition to Thimphu's burgeoning cafe scene, the centrally located Tower Cafe was started by three young friends hoping to make a splash with their fresh coffee and hearty but wholesome comfort food. Sandwiches, burgers and other snacks feature on the menu.

The Swiss Farm Panda Beer Garden serves its very own beer (Red Panda), the only beer brand produced in Bhutan. Take the short tour of the microbrewery and (visitors get the chance to sample the beer and cider), and follow up with a meal at this pleasant restaurant serving Western cuisine (set lunches and dinners, and cheese made on-site).

Do like the locals do and head to the ever-buzzing Wangchen Momo Corner, one of the city's most popular budget restaurants that serves ubiquitous Bhutanese "momo" (dumplings, originally from Tibet) and a few varieties of noodles. Service is fast and efficient.

Thin-crusted pizza might be the restaurant's primary draw (locally preferred thick crust on request), but its menu extends far beyond, to include somewhat unexpected Indian thali and the less unanticipated salads, pasta, and dessert. Mind that the menu is exclusively vegetarian. Make use of the green outdoor patio if weather permits.

Tou Zaiga is where aspiring chefs of Bondey Institute of Hotel Tourism polish their culinary skill, serving some of the finest cuisine in all of Bhutan to a select few lucky ones in the process. Call or request that your guide makes arrangements for a three-course dinner tailored to your tastes.

Offering the finest of Paro dining, Bukhari Restaurant is a stylish circular space with panoramic ceiling-to-floor windows and a fireplace centrepiece. Menus are seasonal, with lunches blending international cuisines and dinners leaning towards Bhutanese flavours.

This Bhutanese restaurant serves some great value lunches, and has an extensive dish list of extras for out-of-lunch hours, some Indian and Chinese. Try the momo (dumplings) with pork, vegetables, cheese or chicken, and the vegetarian Bhutanese specials.