Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Bhutan

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.

Veg Restaurants in Phuentsholing

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.

Top Picks:

• 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.

Veg Restaurants in Thimphu

Thimphu, the capital, has a diverse food scene with plenty of vegetarian options - both local and international.

Top Picks:

• 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.

Veg Restaurants in Punakha

While Punakha is more laid-back and rural, you’ll still find good veg meals - especially in hotels and riverside cafés.

Top Picks:

• 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.

Veg Restaurants in Paro

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?

Top Picks:

• 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!

Quick Tips for Vegetarian Travelers

• 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

Enjoy Bhutan - One Veg Bite at a Time

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.