Tashi Tagay
Tashi Tagay
Tashi Tagay (Phendey Lam, Thimphu) – this is not just any bar in Bhutan. This place is locally known as a Drayang. What is a Drayang? These bars are known for their live song and dance performances by Bhutanese females. Upon entering a Drayang, ordering drinks, and taking a seat on one of the couches which face a brightly lit stage, you will inevitably be surrounded by girls with notebooks asking for song requests in exchange for tips.
A standard tip is about 100 Ngultrum ($1.50), but can go up to and over 500 Ngultrum depending on the performer. If you decide to make a request, the girl will perform a karaoke while doing a traditional Bhutanese dance. This is all done while wearing a kira and toego, the traditional woman’s dress which consists of an ankle-length dress and long-sleeved blouse. Even if you don’t pay for a song, you are sure to be able to enjoy performances at the requests of the other patrons. Tashi Tagay Drayang is the largest in Thimphu and is sure to always have a full house.
Despite its size, Tashi Tagay is still extremely difficult to find, as it is located upstairs in a residential building with almost no signage. If you can find it, visiting a Drayang, even if only for one song, is sure to give you a taste of Bhutanese music, dance, and dress in an extremely relaxed environment