Images: Paro & Co
Adelaide’s vibrant food scene has just welcomed a cuisine rarely found across SA. Tucked away in a sunny, window-filled space in the suburbs, Paro & Co has officially opened its doors, marking the arrival of a brand-new, authentic Bhutanese restaurant.
For co-owners and siblings Sonam and Tashi, the restaurant is a deeply personal venture inspired by family traditions and the rich, untapped culinary heritage of the Himalayas.
In the Himalayas, Sonam tells us, recipes are rarely written down. Instead, they are remembered and passed through generations by repetition. Raised in Bhutan, Chef Sonam was shaped by this culinary inheritance, learning the balance of flavours not through strict instruction, but through observation.
Having lived in Australia for seven and a half years, and with his sister Tashi here for over a decade, the duo are no strangers to hospitality. They already run Shamora cafe inside the Newton Village Shopping Centre. However, Paro & Co represents a step toward the traditional food of their homeland.
“Our kitchen is inspired by my family,” Sonam says. “[Bhutanese food] represents my family background, and it’s quite unique. It’s often quite hard to find this kind of food around the world.”
For those unfamiliar with Bhutanese cuisine, Sonam explains that it offers a completely fresh perspective compared to neighbouring regions.
“It’s totally different,” Sonam notes. “We do lots of dry-aged meat, lots of chilli and cheese. There is no deep-fried, nothing—just natural, fresh ingredients.”
The menu features traditional Bhutanese staples, including Ema Datshi (a comforting chilli and cheese stew) and Shakam Datshi (made with dried beef, chilli, and melted cheese).
Momos (dumplings filled with chicken, beef, or vegetables) get a vibrant, natural twist at Paro & Co.
“Our dumpling is a little bit different,” says Sonam. “We don’t put any artificial sauce or anything. We just use fully natural ingredients, even for the dough, we use spinach.”
While traditional Bhutanese food is famous for its heat, Sonam emphasises that Paro & Co is designed to be accessible to everyone.
“Our food, although very authentic, everyone can eat. It’s not just spice for the sake of spice, it’s a different kind of spice, so it’s very accessible.”
Paro & Co is currently operating in a “soft opening” phase for dinner, allowing the team to fine-tune operations before launching a full menu on 1 June, with plans to expand into breakfast and lunch later down the track. The siblings did the entire restaurant fit-out themselves, creating an airy, welcoming space.
Though they’ve only been open for two weeks, the local reception has been glowing. “Feedback has been very nice,” Sonam says.
To elevate the authentic experience, Sonam is currently working on bringing a taste of Bhutan’s beverage culture to South Australia.
“I’m trying to bring Bhutanese beer, which will be a first in Adelaide as well,” he reveals. The beers are called Druk Lager and Druk 11000. They are quite strong compared to regular Australian beer, Sonam tells us. “The 11000 is about 8% alcohol, and the lager is 5%.”
But while the beer and recipes hail from the Himalayas, Paro & Co is proud to support its new home, sourcing local South Australian wines and sparkling options to complement the menu.
Whether you’re a curious foodie looking to tick off a new cuisine or searching for your next favourite neighbourhood dinner spot, Paro & Co promises a genuine, heartfelt taste of Bhutan right here in Adelaide.
Paro & Co
Where: 3 Darley Road, Paradise, Adelaide
When: 12pm – 12am daily
For more info, click here.
