Peldon restaurant — Review by Sonny Side
Thimphu, Bhutan — Bhutanese
The reviewer visits Peldon restaurant in Bhutan for a final indulgent meal before entering a monastery. The chicken pie and fried pork are standouts with excellent spicing and texture, though the traditional aura drink proves to be an acquired taste that doesn't work well.
What was great: The chicken pie with crispy fried chicken, tender meat, fresh spices, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. The fried pork was also delicious.
What could improve: The aura (local alcohol mixed with eggs and butter) was too strong and harsh, with the eggs not adding anything positive to the drink.
The Dishes
The main highlight was the chicken pie, a traditional Bhutanese chung pa dish made with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces stir-fried in hot oil with onions until golden. The chicken was seasoned generously with garlic, ginger, salt, and a reckless amount of chili powder, then finished with green chilies, mustard greens, and spring onions. The result was tender, meaty, and delicious - not everything came out crispy, but the pieces that were softer were packed with spice and flavor. Whole chilies were used as a garnish that you're meant to eat as part of the dish. The fried pork was another strong offering, equally flavorful and satisfying.
For drinks, the reviewer tried aura, a traditional Bhutanese spirit made from fermented and distilled grains. This was prepared by melting butter in a hot pot, adding a lightly scrambled egg, then pouring in the aura before setting it on fire to burn away the harsh edges. While creatively conceived as a way to get protein and booze simultaneously, the aura proved to be almost vodka-like in strength with a harsh quality that overshadowed the egg component.
The Experience
The atmosphere at Peldon restaurant captures authentic Bhutanese drinking culture. The setting is casual and focused on serving traditional chung pa style foods meant to accompany drinking and stretch the night out. The reviewer notes being in the countryside with limited food options, yet Peldon delivers exactly what was needed for this final meal.
Value & Pricing
No specific pricing information was mentioned in the review.
Notable Moments
So before I commit to being holy, I'm giving myself one last sinful meal is kind of like a death row meal because part of me is going to die when I step into that monastery.
That was awful. That's one of the worst things I've put in my mouth as of late.
The reviewer frames this visit as a final indulgence before entering monastic life, adding thematic weight to the meal.
The Verdict
Peldon restaurant successfully delivers on authentic Bhutanese cuisine with excellent chicken pie and fried pork that showcase traditional cooking techniques and generous spicing. While the aura drink is an interesting cultural experience, it's definitely an acquired taste. This restaurant is best for those seeking genuine Bhutanese chung pa and traditional drinking foods in the countryside.