Interior View of MERENGMA' Bistro

MERENGMA' Bistro

Bistro

👍👍 I recently had the pleasure of dining at Merengma restaurant, situated on the beautiful bank of the Punatsangchu River. I must say that it is truly one of the finest restaurants I have ever visited. First and foremost, the food at Merengma is simply outstanding. From the moment I took my first bite... People often mention restaurant, owner, Bhutan, great, river, dishes, Punakha, delicious, experience, good,


Address

HV8C+4J, Punakha 13001, Bhutan

Website

www.facebook.com

Contact

+975 77 11 88 55

Rating on Google Maps

5.00
(666122 reviews)


Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 9 am to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 11 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 11 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 11 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 11 pm
  • Monday: 9 am to 11 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 11 pm

Visitor Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: restaurant (25) owner (16) Bhutan (14) great (14) river (13) dishes (10) Punakha (10) delicious (10) experience (9) good (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 discovery B. 1 year ago on Google
    I recently had the pleasure of dining at Merengma restaurant, situated on the beautiful bank of the Punatsangchu River. I must say that it is truly one of the finest restaurants I have ever visited. First and foremost, the food at Merengma is simply outstanding. From the moment I took my first bite, I was blown away by the flavors, presentation, and quality of the dishes. Each dish was meticulously prepared with utmost care and attention to detail, resulting in a culinary experience that was beyond compare. It is clear that the chefs at Merengma possess a remarkable skill and passion for their craft. In addition to the incredible food, the service provided by the staff was exceptional. They were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our dining experience was perfect. Their professionalism and genuine warmth created a welcoming atmosphere that made us feel truly valued as guests. The staff's attention to detail and promptness in addressing our needs further added to the overall enjoyment of our evening. Furthermore, the romantic ambiance of Merengma restaurant is simply enchanting, particularly for couples looking to have a memorable evening together. The setting along the Punatsangchu River creates a serene and intimate atmosphere, perfect for romantic dinners. The soft lighting, soothing music, and breathtaking views combined to make our evening truly special and unforgettable. Overall, I cannot recommend Merengma restaurant highly enough. It excels in every aspect, from its location to its delectable cuisine, impeccable service, and romantic ambiance. Whether you're seeking a memorable dining experience or a romantic evening for two, Merengma is undoubtedly the place to go.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gautam N. 1 year ago on Google
    Superb air-conditioned restaurant opened in February 2023 located far away from the bustle of the town close to the river. You can have a leisurely meal watching the river flow by. Very nice interiors with some regular tables and some low tables with sofas. The Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry was superb, as was the Ema Datshi. Both paired well with the egg fried rice. Choice for vegetarians as well. Indian dishes also available. Very attentive and personalised service. Easily the best meal we had over the 3 days of our Bhutan trip so far. No other structures close by, so plenty of parking available. Clean toilets. A must try place if you are visiting Punakha.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen H. 1 year ago on Google
    Just had lunch at this great place in Punakha. The food was delicious, especially the mushroom and tomato dish. All the ingredients were organic and super fresh. The views of the river were excellent too.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tushar A. 1 year ago on Google
    What a pleasant surprise. A restaurant by the river . Quiet. With a good quality bar and food. Kids were not ready to leave the place. Actually, so we’re is the elders.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ewen B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely people and great setup near the archery. Hidden gem. Excellent shakes. Came back to dine in for lunch, and the food was fantastic. What a great find.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lawrence H. 11 months ago on Google • 130 reviews
    Best food I had in Bhutan! The owner grows his food on his own land, including his rice. Dishes are incredibly tasty. It's usually a set menu, which includes your main, a few veggie sides, rice, and a dessert. I had fish curry, which is something I normally don't find delicious, but theirs was very tasty. The veggies were among the best I've had in my life. Price was high compared to Bhutan, but fair overall. I paid around 1300 total for my fish curry, broccoli, potato w/ carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin soup, dessert, and a complimentary dish of shredded fish. The owner even threw in a free bottle of water. In terms of view, it's possible to see the river but it's not directly waterfront. However, the interior of the restaurant is very nice.

  • 5/5 Sutthilak s. 1 year ago on Google • 13 reviews
    Great place!!! Super scenic both rice field behind and the river in the front. Food was great, my favorite was pork belly dish, mushrooms sauté and fish (but a bit bonny), watermelon juice was super fresh and sweet, highly recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan O. 1 year ago on Google
    Unbelievably great experience. Wonderful food in a beautiful building with first class views. It was 32 and humid when we visited, so their ice-cold drinks were highly appreciated.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chimmi W. 1 year ago on Google
    Must visit place if you're in and around Punakha. So tastefully done place - the ambiance 'the character and atmosphere of the place is relaxing and the feel at home kind a place. Their cocktails are the best.... Best option of food if you're dining...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Prapanch M. 1 year ago on Google
    great location by side of river punatshangchhu. great food...pork beef and Indian chicken curry super clean washrooms for women and men the owner was very hospitable and friendly making the whole experience memorabe namgay the owner is a super and friendly host. overall experience very satisfying and relaxing ....!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael G. 9 months ago on Google • 65 reviews
    Merengma is easily the best restaurant our group has been to in Bhutan — so good we decided to do a repeat visit. Their menu is especially strong in creative vegetarian food, including lovely mushroom dishes, but their lunch buffet includes some meat dishes as well.

  • 5/5 Family On B. 5 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    Great food & ambience , next to Male River. Owner built this restaurant during covid. The shredded fish is a must-try!

  • 5/5 Dipasha p. 4 weeks ago on Google • 55 reviews New
    The restaurant is really good and the owner is friendly and multitalented

  • 5/5 Grace L. 1 month ago on Google • 48 reviews New
    I really enjoyed my lunch here by the river. The spread was pretty extensive and the taste was by far one of the most on point I have had in Bhutan. The freshness and the taste of the dishes were delightful. I would love to visit again if given the chance.

  • 5/5 Marie Müller (Maribel P. 3 months ago on Google • 43 reviews New
    Really great atmosphere and good food.

  • 4/5 parth t. 2 months ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    Please ensure your guide pre orders. They take an hour to make your food otherwise and do not pre warm about it

  • 5/5 Vera W. 8 months ago on Google • 31 reviews
    The food here is soooo good!! Best meal I have had in Bhutan. The restaurant owner and his team are super friendly, made me feel like I am dining at home. The food are fusion of local and international cuisines. Food ingredients are fresh and served with generous portion. I personally love the whiskey cocktail, very refreshing. Will come back here for sure.

  • 4/5 Dorji T. 5 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    ཚུམ་དམརཔ་འདི་སོ་གོ་པས་

  • 5/5 Belinda 7 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Probably the most heart-warming meal I have had at a restaurant that felt like we were privately hosted by the lovely owner and his equally delightful family. The space, furniture and decor here were all crafted painstakingly by the owner and his family and what a gorgeous space it is. Even their spacious smoking room/home gym was strikingly beautiful, albeit with some irony on smoking and gymming in the same space. The food was great too, as with the cocktails and beer we ordered. We even got serenaded with Chinese songs by the owner’s nephew who bore a striking resemblance to Korean star Park Seo Joon, which was a lovely surprise and most charming. Ended the night with the owner’s adorable toddler niece on my lap, sweetly feeding me popcorn with ketchup. You can imagine why I would say dining here is a must when you are in Bhutan. Thank you for the wonderful memory and for letting us experience the magic and hospitality of your land and people, Merengma’ Bistro. We hope for a chance to return to dine at your beautiful space again and to see it filled with customers the next time round!

  • 5/5 Hayley 3 months ago on Google • 25 reviews New
    Lovely owner, amazing Bhutanese traditional food our favourite in Bhutan! Great outlook over the river. Thanks!

  • 5/5 Jean S. 3 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    This hidden gem in Punakha serves delicious food and offers fantastic service in a cozy atmosphere. The menu has a variety of tasty dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. With friendly staff and boss, and a welcoming vibe. If you’re in the area, make sure to visit this must-try restaurant!

  • 5/5 Niraj N. 2 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    Best food we had in Bhutan, very exotic dishes were served with real Bhutanese flavor. Ambience was wonderful and the hosts were pretty nice!

  • 5/5 Rashmi R. 2 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    It is a lovely Cafe.Each piece of furniture in the Cafe is made by the owner himself.The owner is a lovely host with a smile that makes you feel so welcome.The vegetables are really fresh picked from his own backyard just before it is cooked.The food was delicious,the quantities large and not very pricey.Makes you want to go back .

  • 5/5 Siddharth S. 7 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    Absolute gem of a restaurant in Punakha! Must try! Delicious food from organic locally sourced ingredients. Family run restaurant with great service. Will come here every time I come to Punakha

  • 5/5 ASTER T. 1 month ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    Cozy and have created good ambience. We had buffet set. Numbers of variety food (Bhutanese) loved it.

  • 5/5 Rohit C. 2 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Food and ambience was amazing! Owner has a few of his own recipes which are worth trying. Had a chat with him, and he told me he built most of this place during Covid. A bit off the beaten path; however, please go visit. Try the shredded fish with basil and the cocktails for sure!

  • 5/5 Marvin R. 3 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    A little café restaurant in the heart of Punakha and by the river. Not only the place is beautiful but the chef prepared the best dishes with the local herbs, fish and veggies in the valley. A great experience!

  • 5/5 Evelyn K. 9 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Easily the best meal we have had on our trip so far! Very delicious and fresh. Service was super freidnly and the space is so nice! Thank you so much for the great dinner!

  • 5/5 Danny D. 4 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    A magical place right by the Punakha river. The food was excellent - all the way from the appetizers to the main course and coffee. Successful combination of authentic Bhutanic cuisine with western adaptations. Pleasant design mixing local artwork and modern and functional setting. Thank you , Namgei, for an excellent service, food and experience!

  • 5/5 urvashi t. 8 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    We were a hungry group who stopped by and the place didn't disappoint. Not only did they wait for us(a delayed group), but also served with a smile while catering to things beyond the menu. The food was fresh and delicious. A must visit for anyone visiting Punakha.

  • 5/5 Jon W. 7 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Fantastic restaurant and amazing coffee. Spotlessly clean and really tasty food. The staff were also super friendly. I would highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Andrew T. 10 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    A farm-to-table establishment with great ambience, good drinks selection and the nicest decor. You can ask the restaurant to cook anything you like but the menu offers elevated dining selections including authentic Bhutanese fare. The owner is a wonderful guy who even sent us back in his car

  • 5/5 yash n. 7 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Easily the best place I visited in Bhutan for lunch Don’t be stupid to miss this place amazing food and amazing place

  • 5/5 Malvina B. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Incredible flavorful food! Was the best food I have during my stay in Bhutan. Absolutely delicious.

  • 5/5 Yeeling L. 9 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    An amazing restaurant facing splendid scenic view, with amazing customer service. One of the best meals i had in Bhutan, with good cocktail. My favourite dish was the mushroom and cocktail misty mint. The price was pretty affordable too. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Durjai S. 1 year ago on Google
    Ultra-modern restaurant by the river. Probably the best food we had in Bhutan! The ambience is unbelievable, loved it.

  • 5/5 Tsengel S. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice modern restaurant. Ambient was amazing. Food we had were delicious, nothing to complain about. Owner was very friendly. We had nice chat.

  • 5/5 Eo B. 1 year ago on Google
    Gorgeous Bistro in a Pranakha valley by the river. If you are chilli spicy food lover, ask for chilli cheese to be served.

  • 5/5 Tania L. 7 months ago on Google • 1 review
    My absolute FAVOURITE meal in Bhutan!!! Everything was great and I cannot rave about this meal enough. We were a group of 8 and each one of us left the restaurant with a smile on our face and an even happier tummy. The salad was lovely - fresh, healthy & clean. The kewa datshi here was the best across the country. We told the restaurant owner we wanted a cooked greens dish and he whipped up something absolutely delicious. I could go on about the rest of the dishes but even more importantly was the warmth from the restaurant owner. He was so patient and welcoming as we were a big group with lots of different preferences and he and his family were truly cooking from their heart which reflected in all the dishes. They also have their own farm so you are getting the freshest produce! If you are in Punakha, you cannot miss this restaurant.

  • 5/5 T C. 1 year ago on Google • 1 review
    This is a lovely restaurant with delicious food. The boss is so nice and is really good with the food. He built his restaurants by himself and he is so fun to speak to. Definitely recommend.


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