Bhutan Kitchen

Phoenix Coffee and Restaurant is a bright, clean place with potted green plants and just a few tables, located in the part of downtown closest to the ancient Rinpung Dzong that looms over Paro. Head here for pizza, burgers, and coffee — they nail their specialties quite well.

Set in a beautiful orchard, the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant is an essential stop for all tourists, and has quickly become a favorite destination for official dinners. Serving traditional Bhutanese cuisine in a unique setting, the restaurant uses mostly local organic ingredients for their delectable and nutritious meals.

Buckwheat pancakes and noodles are local delicacies you shouldn't miss when visiting Bumthang, but if you hanker for a little Western flavor in the mix, head to Himalayan Pizza. Their square pizza slices are decent, cheap (about USD 1), and served up fresh with local cheese, tomato pieces, and a tangy sauce that's not too sweet. Other “fooding” on offer includes pasta and spaghetti dishes, beef and cheese momos (dumplings), and chugo (dried cheese).

Located just opposite the 108 chortens of Dochula Pass at around 3,100 meters (10,170 feet), Druk Wangyel Cafe has terrific views of the Eastern Himalayan range on clear days and makes a perfect pit stop on the journey between Thimphu and Punakha. Though it's the only food and beverage facility at the pass, the coffee and tea are quite good. Grab one and gaze out from the glassed semi-circular indoor sitting area warmed by a wood-burning stove (bukhari) — or in warm weather, sit outside on the porch and use the affixed binoculars for closer views.