Dining at Bukhari: Farm-to-Table Cuisine at COMO Uma Paro

The Heart of the Lodge: Bukhari

Every COMO Uma property in Bhutan centres around a restaurant called Bukhari — named after the traditional Bhutanese wood-burning fireplace that has warmed homes and monasteries across the kingdom for centuries. At COMO Uma Paro, Bukhari is not merely a dining room; it is the soul of the lodge, where farm-to-table philosophy meets Himalayan hospitality and where Bhutan's royal family have been known to dine.

As a Preferred Partner of COMO Uma Bhutan, Bhutan & Co. has arranged countless meals at Bukhari for our guests. Here is what makes it exceptional.

Named After the Fireplace

The bukhari — a cast-iron or stone fireplace fed with wood — is central to traditional Bhutanese architecture. In farmhouses and dzongs alike, families gather around its warmth for meals, conversation, and prayer. COMO's decision to name its restaurant after this element is deliberate: Bukhari evokes the same sense of gathering, warmth, and shared sustenance. The design of the restaurant reflects this — stone, wood, and fire are woven into the space, creating an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and rooted in Bhutanese tradition.

Organic Kitchen Garden & Paro Valley Farmers

Bukhari at Paro sources its produce from an organic kitchen garden maintained in partnership with local Paro Valley farmers. This is not a token gesture — the garden supplies a significant portion of the vegetables, herbs, and greens that appear on your plate. The relationship with farmers extends beyond the property: seasonal produce from across the valley — wild mushrooms foraged from forest trails, buckwheat from high-altitude fields, pumpkins and squash from village gardens — finds its way into the kitchen.

The result is a menu that changes with the seasons. In autumn, wild mushrooms and buckwheat take centre stage. In winter, root vegetables and hearty greens dominate. Spring brings tender shoots and early herbs. Summer offers the full bounty of the valley. Every dish tells a story of place and time.

Seasonal Menus: Mushrooms, Buckwheat, Pumpkin

Bhutan's terrain and climate produce ingredients rarely seen on Western menus. Buckwheat — a staple in high-altitude regions — appears in noodles, pancakes, and as a base for savoury dishes. Wild mushrooms, foraged from the forests surrounding Paro, add earthy depth to soups and stir-fries. Pumpkin and squash, grown in village plots, are roasted, puréed, and incorporated into both traditional Bhutanese preparations and refined international dishes.

The kitchen balances bold Bhutanese flavours — chilli, fermented cheese, ginger — with lighter, more delicate preparations. You might begin with a salad of garden greens and edible flowers, move to a Bhutanese red rice risotto with seasonal vegetables, and finish with a dessert that draws on local honey and valley fruits.

COMO Shambhala Kitchen

Alongside the main Bukhari menu, guests can order from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen — a selection of nutrition-optimised dishes designed to support wellness without sacrificing flavour. These dishes use pure, locally sourced ingredients in nourishing combinations: clean proteins, whole grains, and an abundance of vegetables. For guests on wellness programmes or those simply seeking lighter options, the Shambhala Kitchen menu is available at both COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha.

Royal Family as Regular Diners

Bukhari at Paro has earned a reputation as one of Bhutan's finest dining experiences — so much so that members of the royal family are known to dine here regularly. This is not advertised; it is simply a fact that speaks to the quality of the cuisine and the discretion of the service. For guests, it adds an intangible sense of occasion — you are sharing the same space, the same views, the same kitchen that has earned the trust of Bhutan's most distinguished diners.

Uma Bar: All-Day Dining

Adjacent to Bukhari, Uma Bar offers a more casual, all-day dining option. Light meals, snacks, and beverages are available throughout the day — perfect for guests returning from a morning hike or settling in before dinner. The bar overlooks the Paro Valley, and the terrace is a favourite spot for sunset drinks. The same commitment to quality and locality applies here; even a simple sandwich or salad reflects the kitchen's farm-to-table ethos.

Bukhari at Punakha: A Warmer Counterpart

Guests who combine both properties — as we recommend on most COMO journeys — will discover that COMO Uma Punakha has its own Bukhari. The name is the same; the character is different. Punakha's subtropical valley produces warmer-climate ingredients — river fish, tropical fruits, rice-paddy vegetables. The riverside setting lends a more relaxed, intimate ambience. Dining here feels like a private supper above the Mo Chhu, with the sound of the river and the glow of the valley below.

Planning Your Visit

Full board is included in all COMO Uma itineraries — breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Bukhari (or Uma Bar) are part of your stay. Beverages are typically additional. For special occasions — anniversaries, birthdays — private dining arrangements can be made.

As COMO's Preferred Partner in Bhutan, Bhutan & Co. can arrange dining experiences at both Bukhari locations as part of your journey. Browse our COMO journeys or contact our concierge to begin planning.