Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, offers vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and nomadic culture unchanged for centuries. Experience horseback riding across endless grasslands, stay in traditional gers, and witness the ancient traditions of eagle hunting and throat singing.
Mongolian cuisine is built on the nomadic staples of meat and dairy — hearty, warming, and perfectly adapted to the harsh steppe climate. Mutton, beef, and horse meat dominate, prepared through boiling, steaming, and the unique khorkhog method using hot stones. Buuz (steamed dumplings) are the national dish, while tsuivan (stir-fried noodles) and khuushuur (fried meat pies) are daily staples. Dairy products — fresh and fermented — form the 'white foods' that sustained nomads for millennia. Urban Ulaanbaatar has an increasingly sophisticated restaurant scene influenced by Korean, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines alongside modern Mongolian fine dining.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Mongolia.
Buuz
Mongolia's most beloved food — steamed dumplings filled with minced mutton and onion. Eaten by hand with a small bite to drink the broth first. Served at every celebration and family gathering.
Where to try: Any guanz (local canteen), Millie's Café, Modern Nomads
Price: ₮3,000-8,000 ($1-2) per serving of 4-6
Khorkhog
The most celebrated traditional Mongolian dish — mutton cooked in a pressure-sealed pot or milk jug with hot stones, carrots, and potatoes. The result is extraordinarily tender meat infused with stone-mineral flavor. Prepared at celebrations and ger camps.
Where to try: Traditional ger camps, organized tour experiences, some traditional restaurants
Price: ₮25,000-80,000 ($7-22) — usually for groups
Tsuivan
Hand-made flat noodles stir-fried with mutton and vegetables. The definitive Mongolian comfort food found in every guanz across the country. Millie's Café makes a particularly renowned version.
Where to try: Guanz canteens, Millie's Café, local noodle shops
Price: ₮6,000-12,000 ($2-3)
Khuushuur
Deep-fried meat pies stuffed with spiced mutton and onion. The ultimate Naadam Festival street food — sold from portable stalls across the country during July celebrations. Eat hot and freshly cooked.
Where to try: Narantuul Market, festival street stalls, local bakeries
Price: ₮1,500-3,000 ($0.40-0.85) each
Suutei Tsai
Mongolian salty milk tea — a blend of black tea, fresh milk, salt, and sometimes butter. The national beverage and first thing offered to any guest. An acquired but culturally important taste experience.
Where to try: Any ger, traditional restaurant, or market tea stall
Price: ₮1,000-3,000 ($0.30-0.85)
Airag
Fermented mare's milk — Mongolia's iconic summer beverage with a mildly alcoholic, tangy, effervescent character. Produced by nomadic families from June-September when mares are milking. One of the world's most unique traditional beverages.
Where to try: Nomadic families, ger camps, Narantuul Market (summer only)
Price: ₮2,000-5,000 ($0.55-1.40) per cup
Aaruul
Dried curd made from fermented milk — hard, nutritious, and extremely long-lasting. Mongolia's original energy snack for nomadic journeys. Comes in different shapes and varying degrees of sourness.
Where to try: Narantuul Market, supermarkets, gift shops
Price: ₮2,000-8,000 ($0.55-2.25) per package
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Veranda
Ulaanbaatar's premier fine dining restaurant offering sophisticated Italian cuisine with Mongolian ingredients. Elegant atmosphere, extensive wine list, and impeccable service. Reservations essential.
Peace Avenue, Blue Sky Tower, Ulaanbaatar
Modern Nomads
Contemporary take on traditional Mongolian cuisine using local organic ingredients. Stylish interior, friendly service, and creative presentations of classic dishes.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
Rosewood Community Deli
Popular deli offering fresh sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Quality ingredients, generous portions, and great coffee. Perfect for quick lunch.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
Buuz Stand - Narantuul Market
Famous buuz (steamed dumplings) stand in Narantuul Market serving fresh dumplings all day. Locals' favorite with juicy meat filling and authentic preparation.
Narantuul Market, Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar
Tom N Toms Coffee
Korean coffee chain popular in Mongolia offering specialty coffee, fresh bakery items, and cozy atmosphere. Great for working or meeting friends.
Multiple locations, main branch Seoul Street
Hazara
Upscale Indian restaurant with contemporary twist located in Shangri-La Hotel. Authentic flavors, elegant presentation, and sophisticated ambiance. Excellent vegetarian options and tandoori specialties.
19 Olympic Street, Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Café Amsterdam
Charming café-restaurant serving European favorites and excellent coffee. Popular for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon pastries. Cozy atmosphere with free WiFi.
Seoul Street, Ulaanbaatar
Pizza Hut Mongolia
International pizza chain with Mongolian twists. Reliable quality, delivery available, and family-friendly atmosphere. Good option for familiar Western food.
Multiple locations, main branch Peace Avenue
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
European
The Grand Khaan Irish Pub
Upscale pub offering refined European cuisine with extensive beer and whiskey selection. Elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, popular with expats and locals alike.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
Rosewood Kitchen + Enoteca
Sophisticated restaurant featuring seasonal European cuisine with extensive wine selection. Beautiful presentation, knowledgeable staff, and intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Seoul Street, Ulaanbaatar
Café de Paris
Elegant European-style café with outdoor terrace. Excellent coffee, wine selection, and French-inspired light meals. Popular for afternoon relaxation.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
Traditional Mongolian
Khaan Buuz
Casual restaurant specializing in traditional Mongolian dumplings (buuz) and noodles. Clean, modern setting with reasonable prices and quick service. Popular with locals.
Multiple locations in Ulaanbaatar
Ikh Mongol
Restaurant featuring traditional Mongolian cuisine in an authentic setting with cultural performances. Try classic dishes like khorkhog and boodog. Cultural show during dinner.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
American
Altai Burger
Gourmet burger restaurant using quality Mongolian beef and fresh ingredients. Creative burger combinations, crispy fries, and craft beer selection. Modern casual atmosphere.
Seoul Street, Ulaanbaatar
Asian Noodles
Noodle Bar
Quick service noodle restaurant offering various Asian noodle dishes. Fresh ingredients, customizable spice levels, and fast preparation. Popular lunch spot.
Seoul Street, Ulaanbaatar
Bakery Café
Boloroo's Bakery
Local bakery café famous for fresh bread, pastries, and cakes. Family-owned, quality ingredients, and reasonable prices. Popular morning spot.
Near Narantuul Market, Ulaanbaatar
Bbq Skewers
Grilled Meat Skewers - Night Market
Evening vendors selling grilled mutton and beef skewers with cumin and chili seasoning. Smoky, flavorful, and authentic street food experience.
Various locations, main area near Central Tower
Café & International
Millie's Café
Cozy café popular with expats offering quality coffee, fresh salads, sandwiches, and international comfort food. Great spot for brunch and working with laptop.
Near Ard Cinema, Ulaanbaatar
Chocolate Café
UB Chocolate
Artisan chocolate shop and café serving handmade chocolates, hot chocolate, and desserts. Premium quality, beautiful packaging, and cozy setting.
Seoul Street, Ulaanbaatar
Curry House
Curry Kitchen
Affordable curry restaurant serving Indian, Thai, and Japanese-style curries. Quick service, generous portions, and customizable spice levels.
Near National University, Ulaanbaatar
Fast Mongolian
Mongolian BBQ Express
Quick-service Mongolian BBQ where you build your bowl and watch it cooked. Affordable, filling meals with unlimited sauce options. Popular with students.
Multiple locations in Ulaanbaatar
French
Tartine Bakery
French-style bakery and café with authentic pastries, bread, and light lunches. Beautiful presentation, quality ingredients, and charming atmosphere.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
Fried Chicken
Chinggis Khaan Fried Chicken
Local fried chicken chain popular with Mongolians. Crispy chicken, affordable prices, and fast service. Better quality than international chains.
Multiple locations throughout Ulaanbaatar
Fried Pastries
Khuushuur Street Vendors
Street vendors around Sükhbaatar Square selling crispy fried meat pastries (khuushuur). Fresh and hot, perfect quick snack or lunch.
Around Sükhbaatar Square, Ulaanbaatar
Healthy Café
Greenhouse Café
Plant-filled café focusing on healthy food, fresh juices, and organic coffee. Instagram-worthy interior, vegetarian-friendly menu, and relaxing vibe.
Near Zaisan Memorial, Ulaanbaatar
Indian
Namaste Restaurant
Authentic Indian and Nepali cuisine with generous portions and reasonable prices. Popular with locals and expats. Excellent vegetarian options and flavorful curries.
Near State Department Store, Ulaanbaatar
Interactive Mongolian
BD's Mongolian BBQ
Fun interactive dining where you choose ingredients and watch chefs cook them on a large circular grill. All-you-can-eat option available. Great for groups and families.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
International Café
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
American coffee chain with comfortable seating, reliable WiFi, and full menu of beverages and light meals. Popular workspace for digital nomads.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
Japanese
Sakura Bakery & Café
Japanese-owned bakery and café famous for authentic pastries, bread, and light Japanese meals. Fresh daily bakes, excellent coffee, and pleasant atmosphere.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
Korean
Seoul Restaurant
Popular Korean restaurant serving authentic dishes including BBQ, bibimbap, and kimchi stew. Active tabletop grills, traditional side dishes (banchan), and genuine Korean flavors.
Seoul Street, Ulaanbaatar
Pan
Silk Road
Elegant restaurant featuring cuisines from across Asia with focus on quality ingredients and presentation. Beautiful interior design combining traditional and modern elements.
Chinggis Avenue, Kempinski Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Pub Food
Grand Khan Irish Pub Food Counter
Casual pub food counter offering burgers, fish and chips, and bar snacks. More affordable than main restaurant upstairs. Good for watching sports.
Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
Seasoned Fries
Potato Corner
Popular fries stand with various seasoning flavors. Crispy, flavorful, and addictive. Great snack while shopping or exploring.
State Department Store food court
Specialty Coffee
Storyteller Café
Hip specialty coffee shop focusing on quality beans and brewing methods. Minimalist design, knowledgeable baristas, and excellent pour-over coffee.
Seoul Street, Ulaanbaatar
Steakhouse
Bull
Premium steakhouse serving finest cuts of beef including Mongolian and imported meats. Dark wood interior, extensive whiskey selection, and classic steakhouse atmosphere.
Seoul Street, Sükhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar
Street Noodles
Tsuivan Cart - Peace Avenue
Mobile cart serving traditional Mongolian stir-fried noodles (tsuivan) with vegetables and meat. Cooked fresh while you wait.
Peace Avenue near State Department Store
Traditional Beverage
Süütei Tsai Stand
Small stand serving traditional Mongolian milk tea (süütei tsai) with salt and butter. Warming drink perfect for cold days. Very authentic.
Various market locations
Traditional Pastries
Boortsog Lady - Black Market
Elderly woman famous for her traditional fried dough cookies (boortsog). Crispy, slightly sweet, perfect with tea. Local institution.
Narantuul Market entrance, Ulaanbaatar
Traditional Snacks
Aaruul Vendors
Market stalls selling aaruul (dried yogurt curds) in various flavors. Traditional Mongolian snack, acquired taste but culturally authentic.
Narantuul Market and other markets
Vegetarian
Loving Hut
International vegan chain serving plant-based Asian and Western dishes. Wide menu, affordable prices, and health-conscious options. Great for vegetarians.
Near State Department Store, Ulaanbaatar
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Khuushuur (Fried Meat Pies)
Mongolia's most popular street food — hot fried pastry parcels stuffed with spiced mutton. Sold from market stalls and street vendors. Best enjoyed immediately while hot and crispy.
Find it at: Narantuul Market food section, festival street stalls, guanz canteens
Huushuur Stalls at Naadam
During Naadam Festival (July 11-13), hundreds of makeshift stalls sell khuushuur near the main stadium and around the city. The smoky aroma of frying meat pies is synonymous with the festival experience.
Find it at: Naadam Festival grounds, Ulaanbaatar city center in July
Shashlik (Grilled Meat Skewers)
Russian-influenced grilled meat skewers — mutton and beef on wooden sticks, charcoal grilled and served with flatbread. Particularly popular as late-night food near nightlife areas on weekends.
Find it at: Near nightclub areas after 11 PM, weekend street markets
Guanz Set Meals (Tsets)
Local canteens (guanz) offer the best-value food in Mongolia — a set meal (tsets) includes soup, a meat-based main with noodles or rice, and sometimes bread for ₮4,000-7,000. The quintessential Mongolian working-class meal.
Find it at: Residential neighborhoods throughout Ulaanbaatar, especially near markets
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Narantuul Market Food Section
Mongolia's largest market has a dedicated food area selling dried meats, aaruul (dried curd), fermented dairy products, packaged Mongolian snacks, and fresh produce. A sensory adventure representing authentic Mongolian food culture.
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Tsagaankhad Market
A large local market in Bayanzurkh District popular with Ulaanbaatar residents for fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy, and meat. Wholesale prices attract local restaurants and families. Less touristy than Narantuul.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
State Department Store Food Hall
The basement of Ulaanbaatar's main department store houses an excellent food hall with Mongolian and international packaged goods, fresh deli items, and a wide range of traditional Mongolian products at fixed prices.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Mongolian lunch (12-2 PM) is the main meal of the day — guanz canteens serve their best food and freshest dishes at this time
Vegetarians must be proactive — always specify 'without meat' (max mahgüi) but beware that meat broth is used in most cooking
Restaurant hours vary significantly — many traditional restaurants close by 9-10 PM while hotel restaurants and expat bars serve until midnight
QR code menus are common in Ulaanbaatar. Carry cash as backup — many local restaurants don't accept cards
Korean restaurants are surprisingly good in Ulaanbaatar — the large Korean expat community ensures high authenticity standards
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₮4,000-8,000 ($1-2) per meal | Guanz canteens, market stalls, street khuushuur vendors |
| Mid-range | ₮15,000-40,000 ($4-11) per person | Sit-down restaurants, Korean BBQ, international cafés |
| Upscale | ₮60,000-200,000 ($17-56) per person | Fine dining restaurants, hotel dining, tasting menus |