San Maru Restaurant
San Maru offers authentic Korean cuisine in Bhutan, a unique culinary experience with a cozy ambiance and personal touch from its Bhutanese-Korean own...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
San Maru Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
San Maru offers authentic Korean cuisine in Bhutan, a unique culinary experience with a cozy ambiance and personal touch from its Bhutanese-Korean owners.
Visit during lunch or dinner
Limited food is prepared daily, so arrive early as entry closes after sessions.
Beverages are pricey
Consider skipping beverages to focus on the delicious food, as they are expensive.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Korean
Price
$$$
Phone
+975 77 33 24 47
Address
106 Norzin Lam SE, Thimphu, Bhutan
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Korean Cuisine in Bhutan
Experience the true taste of Korea with dishes prepared by the owner's Korean wife, offering a unique culinary journey.
Dolsot Bibimbap
A flavorful Korean mixed rice dish served sizzling in a stone pot, a highly recommended specialty.
Cozy & Welcoming Atmosphere
Enjoy the warm lighting and cozy ambiance, perfect for any occasion, making you feel right at home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during lunch or dinner
Limited food is prepared daily, so arrive early as entry closes after sessions.
Beverages are pricey
Consider skipping beverages to focus on the delicious food, as they are expensive.
Engage with the owners
The friendly Bhutanese-Korean couple personally prepares the food and adds to the experience.
Try the side dishes
Enjoy a variety of delicious Korean side dishes including kimchi and pancakes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during lunch or dinner
Limited food is prepared daily, so arrive early as entry closes after sessions.
Beverages are pricey
Consider skipping beverages to focus on the delicious food, as they are expensive.
Engage with the owners
The friendly Bhutanese-Korean couple personally prepares the food and adds to the experience.
Try the side dishes
Enjoy a variety of delicious Korean side dishes including kimchi and pancakes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
San Maru Restaurant is lauded for its authentic Korean flavors and unique fusion with Bhutanese cuisine, creating a memorable dining experience. While the food quality and service receive high praise, some diners note that prices can be on the higher side, particularly for beverages.
"Absolutely delicious, fresh, nourishing Korean food served in a warm wooden setting. Not to mention the sweet old dog that lives here and greets guests. The ginger tea made with real ginger root is so good."
Claire Casher
"Had a nice blend of Korean and Bhutanese food. Service is great and the food even better. They served a variety of Korean side dishes. The kimchi, pancakes and picked veggies were so good. The tuna sushi was amazing. Definitely try it. It is located in the heart of Thimphu city."
L G
"I recently had the pleasure of dining at San Maru Restaurant in Thimphu, Bhutan, and I must say, it was a delightful experience! 🌟 This quaint Korean restaurant, though offering a limited menu, ensures every dish is crafted to perfection. Each bite of their authentic Korean cuisine transported me straight to Seoul. The flavors were rich, well-balanced, and genuinely satisfying.
The ambience at San Maru is another highlight. The decor is simple yet elegant, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. 🌿 The seating arrangement is comfortable, and the soft lighting adds to the overall charm. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet meal or a cozy dinner with friends and family.
Despite the limited number of items on the menu, each dish is carefully curated and thoughtfully prepared. 🍲 The quality of the ingredients and the expertise of the chefs truly shine through. I particularly enjoyed the bibimbap and kimchi, both of which were bursting with flavor. The portion sizes are just right, ensuring you leave satisfied but not overly full.
Overall, I highly recommend San Maru Restaurant to anyone visiting Thimphu. It’s a must-visit for Korean food lovers and those looking to enjoy a delicious meal in a pleasant setting. 🥢 San Maru has definitely earned a spot on my list of favorite dining spots in Bhutan!"
C G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
San Maru is known for its authentic Korean cuisine, unique blend of Korean-Bhutanese flavors, and its cozy atmosphere. Popular dishes include Dolsot Bibimbap and Kimchi Fried Rice.
While the food quality is high, some diners find the prices to be on the higher side, especially for beverages.
Highly recommended dishes include Dolsot Bibimbap, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Bulgogi. The restaurant also serves various authentic Korean side dishes.
Yes, San Maru offers vegetarian options on its menu, including vegetarian Bibimbap and Fried Garlic Veg Noodles.
It's recommended to visit during lunch or dinner sessions as they prepare limited food daily and may close entry once capacity is reached.
The restaurant is run by a friendly Bhutanese-Korean couple, with the Korean wife personally preparing all the food.
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Fun things to do in Thimphu (Bhutan
Some of my favorite restaurants were: Wangdi for their cheese momos, mushroom dapsutka and butter tea; Zombala for their momos; San Maru – a Korean restaurant for their bibimbap, cooked and served on a stone pot which came with half a dozen tasty accompaniments. For just Nu 700, this was an epicurean’s delight; Bhutan kitchen for their homemade rice wine (very strong), Takin (the local wine) and dishes like Jatchemaru (chicken curry), seaweed soup, datshi, kopi (cabbage). They were even nice enough to share their recipes and I hope to recreate their magic once I’m back home.
10 Best Restaurants in Bhutan You Shouldn't Miss!
Immerse yourself in a fusion of Bhutanese and Korean flavors at San Maru Restaurant. Located in Thimphu, this culinary hotspot offers a unique menu that combines the best of both cuisines. Indulge in their must-try specialties, such as the flavorful Bibimbap, a Korean mixed rice dish with a Bhutanese twist.
5 Outstanding restaurants to try out the best Bhutanese cuisines in Bhutan!</p>
Run by a Bhutanese-Korean couple, San Maru Restaurant is the only restaurant in this Himalayan country where you can gorge the delicious Korean food. This is one of the famous restaurants here which has traditional interior designs. Also, one of the best dining experiences in the country.
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