Must-Try Foods In Paa Chhu River (Paro) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Paa Chhu River, Paro, Bhutan

Bhutanese cuisine is a reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage and the Paa Chhu River region in Paro is no exception. Agriculture has always been an integral part of Bhutanese life and this is visible in the dishes from Paro. The cuisine here is shaped by the rocky mountain terrain and the fertile valleys, where red rice is cultivated along with buckwheat and barley. Dairy from the yak is another staple in the Bhutanese diet, often used to prepare traditional dishes. Chili peppers, not merely a seasoning but a key ingredient, make Bhutanese cuisine famously fiery, especially with the national dish, Ema Datshi. Due to the river and its surrounding environment, trout is one of the few seafood types consumed in this landlocked region.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Paa Chhu River, Paro, Bhutan

1. Ema Datshi (Vegetarian): A spicy mix of chili peppers and local cheese, which is a staple for Bhutanese meals.
2. Red Rice (Vegetarian): A nutty-flavored rice that is grown in the Paro valley and is usually served as a side dish.
3. Momos (Vegetarian/Non-Veg): Tibetan-style dumplings that can be filled with cheese, vegetables or meat excluding cow non-veg food.
4. Jasha Maru (Non-Veg): A spicy chicken stew with tomatoes, ginger, and garlic, commonly enjoyed in Paro.
5. Mushroom Datshi (Vegetarian): A variation of the national dish with mushrooms taking place of chili, in a cheesy sauce.
6. Buckwheat Pancakes (Vegetarian): Served with Ema Datshi or other side dishes, they offer a nutty flavor unique to Bhutanese cuisine.
7. Phaksha Paa (Non-Veg): Pork slices cooked with spicy red chilis and sometimes with radishes or spinach.
8. Bhutanese Red Rice Pilaf (Vegetarian): A flavorful rice dish cooked with butter, onions, and various spices.
9. Khur-le (Vegetarian): Fried pancakes made from buckwheat, often eaten as a breakfast food.
10. Su Ja (Vegetarian): Bhutanese butter tea is a salty and buttery drink, perfect to keep warm during the cold seasons.

Top Famous Restaurants in Paa Chhu River, Paro, Bhutan

1. Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Address: Paro Main Street, Paro, Bhutan

Famous Food: Ema Datshi (Vegetarian)

2. Bhukari at COMO Uma Paro

Address: COMO Uma Paro, Paro Valley, Bhutan

Famous Food: Jasha Maru (Non-Veg)

3. Mountain Café

Address: Main Street, Paro, Bhutan

Famous Food: Momos (Vegetarian/Non-Veg)

4. Champaca Café

Address: Lhaki Yangchak Building, Paro, Bhutan

Famous Food: Mushroom Datshi (Vegetarian)

5. Tsheringma Tea House

Address: Near Paro Market, Paro, Bhutan

Famous Food: Su Ja (Vegetarian)

6. Taktsang Cafeteria

Address: Halfway to Taktsang Monastery, Paro, Bhutan

Famous Food: Bhutanese Red Rice Pilaf (Vegetarian)

7. Yue-Ling Restaurant

Address: Main Street, Paro, Bhutan

Famous Food: Phaksha Paa (Non-Veg)

8. Lollipop Restaurant and Bar

Address: Tshongdue, Paro, Bhutan

Famous Food: Khur-le (Vegetarian)

9. Nirvana Inn

Address: Paro Town, Paro, Bhutan

Famous Food: Buckwheat Pancakes (Vegetarian)

When traveling to Paro, food lovers can immerse themselves in traditional Bhutanese flavors while ensuring they respect local customs and dietary practices. There are a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available that exclude cow non-veg food, adhering to the region's food culture and religious beliefs.