New in Thimphu: bookshop, café

While the landscape of bookstores in the West is drastically changing in the direction of going out of business, in Bhutan things are different, and bookshops seems to flourish. The tasteful Junction Bookstore (just below the main traffic) has become a favourite destination for books in the capital, and now, with the help of the Loden Foundation, a first-of-its-kind children's bookstore is opening:
Tashi's Children Bookshop, just below Karma's Coffee. The Facebook page is already up, with an ongoing discussion revolving around the shop logo. Hopefully the same level of attention to detail will be dedicated to the shop, the books, and the service. Thimphu has plenty clothes shops and shoe stores, so this is a fantastic addition to the retail landscape.

Another noteworthy business in town is Palden Roastery Cafe on Phendey Lam (near the old milk booth, opposite Bhutan International; see Google Map). Coffee, cakes, frozen yogurt, and an original food menu, including sushi. The decor is very clean. An inside room has a selection of cute fashion accessories. Free Wi-Fi is in the works. The small tables can sit only two. I personally would have loved a few armchairs/sofas for creating a more loungey, relaxed atmosphere. All in all, a welcomed addition to Thimphu's Food and Beverage scene.