Best Restaurants in Mongolia 2026

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

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

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

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