Visit to CSI Market, a First-of-its-Kind

The CSI market (Cottage and Small Industries market in Paro) is a first-of-its-kind-initiative, selling all things made and manufactured in Bhutan.

There are two locations. One in Paro and another in Thimphu. While both sells similar products, the Paro store has a unique appeal due to its location and building style.

Paro is more rural than Thimphu, and in Paro town, the traditional two-storied homes add a rustic charm from the concrete buildings one finds in Thimphu or others parts of Paro.

Paro Store

A traditional two-storied home houses the Paro CSI. I met with Tashi Yangzom, the store associate who first started as a barista. Interestingly, Tashi previously worked in the tourism industry. Tashi shared that the building was currently on lease from an owner, who she believes bought it from a long line of sellers. 

The CSI market is located a few minutes walk from the entrance to Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress). The store occupies the entire building, except for the attic. 

On the ground floor, you can buy chocolates, books, traditional Bhutanese boots known as Zhablham, paintings seamlessly rolled in rectangular wooden boxes that look like incense holders, bags, laptop covers, among others. The store also has a very clean washroom. 

Above, you can buy a wide range of tea: Moringa infused with turmeric, Guava, Safflower and Cinnamon herbal tea, and Chocolate Mint. Then there are gourmet soaps, the lemon grass spray, one of Bhutan’s first and most successful products, essential oils, buckwheat flour, rice packaged in lilac bags, and dried goods such as the Matsutake mushroom, their best-selling product. The rest of the space is the cafe, where Tashi still makes your tea and coffee. And behind the counter is where they store their wine. 

Druksell.store, the online version of the CSI market, caters to Bhutanese living in Australia. It also supplies products to the Bhutan Store in New York City. 

Book your trip to Bhutan today! Contact us at [email protected] or call +975 1711-2338 any time, anywhere!