Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
1. Boiling Hotpot (Khorkhog)
Cook mutton, potatoes, and vegetables in a large pot filled with hot stones. A hearty dish for cold Ulaanbaatar nights.
- Community Experience: Preparing the Khorkhog is a group activity, bringing people together.
- Traditional Cooking Method: Uses hot stones instead of fire to cook food slowly.
- Versatility: Various ingredients can be added according to personal preference.
2. Mongolian BBQ (Mongolian Grill)
Grill marinated skewers of meat and vegetables on a circular metal griddle. A modern twist on traditional Mongolian cuisine.
- Quick Service: Cook each item quickly, allowing for fast service.
- Customization: Choose from various meats and vegetables to create your personalized meal.
- Dining Entertainment: Watch the cooks skillfully flip the skewers on the griddle.
3. Buuz (Mongolian Dumplings)
Steamed or fried dumplings filled with minced meat and onions. A popular snack in Ulaanbaatar.
- Portable Food: Easy to carry around as a quick snack.
- Affordable Price: A budget-friendly option for travelers.
- Variety of Fillings: Available with different fillings such as mutton, beef, and vegetables.
4. Naadam Festival Food
Traditional foods like Buuz, Khorkhog, and Airag (fermented horse milk) served during the Naadam festival.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience Mongolian culture by trying food at the festival.
- Seasonal Availability: Some items like Airag are only available during summer months.
- Popular Event Food: Food stalls offering these dishes pop up during the Naadam festival.
5. Airag (Fermented Horse Milk)
Fermented horse milk with a sour and slightly fizzy taste. Typically served during the summer months.
- Acquired Taste: An unusual, anise-like flavor that may take some getting used to.
- Health Benefits: Rich in probiotics and believed to have various health benefits.
- Social Significance: Shared during important social events like weddings and Naadam festivals.
6. Khuushuur (Fried Dumplings)
Deep-fried dumplings filled with minced meat and onions. A popular street food in Ulaanbaatar.
- Portable Snack: Easy to eat while walking or exploring the city.
- Affordability: Inexpensive and widely available street food.
- Versatility: Available with vegetable or meat fillings.
7. Galbiud (Mongolian Pancake)
Thin and crispy pancake rolled around various fillings like vegetables, mutton, or cheese.
- Versatility: Fillings can be customized according to preference.
- Quick and Easy: Prepared quickly, making it an ideal snack or meal.
- Portable Food: Easy to carry around and eat on the go.
8. Tsug (Mongolian Noodles)
Thin noodles stir-fried with vegetables, mushrooms, and meat in a soy sauce-based sauce.
- Quick Meal: Prepared quickly for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Customization: Various toppings and noodle types can be added to suit preference.
- Availability: Widely available in Ulaanbaatar restaurants and food stalls.
9. Buuz with Onion Sauce (Sukhukhuruud Buuz)
Steamed or fried dumplings served with a tangy onion sauce. A popular street food in Ulaanbaatar.
- Portable Snack: Easy to eat while walking or exploring the city.
- Affordability: Inexpensive and widely available street food.
- Tangy Flavor: The onion sauce gives the dumplings a unique flavor.
10. Mutton Soup (Tsan Tsen Khargaas)
A hearty soup made with tender mutton and vegetables. Perfect for the cold Ulaanbaatar winters.
- Warming Dish: Ideal for warming up during cold weather.
- Health Benefits: Nourishing and filling, providing energy for the day.
- Availability: Available in restaurants and food stalls throughout Ulaanbaatar.
11. Mongolian Milk Tea (Airag-Te)
Strong black tea mixed with milk and salt. A popular beverage in Mongolia.
- Warming Beverage: Ideal for warming up during cold weather.
- Unique Flavor: Salty, milky flavor may take some getting used to.
- Popular Drink: Served in teahouses and cafes across Ulaanbaatar.
12. Mongolian Bread (Ovoo)
Flatbread made from wheat dough, baked in a traditional Mongolian oven. Served with various fillings.
- Versatility: Can be filled with different ingredients like mutton, vegetables, or cheese.
- Traditional Food: Part of Mongolian cuisine and culture.
- Availability: Available in restaurants and food stalls throughout Ulaanbaatar.
13. Mongolian Pasta (Boodog)
Pasta wrapped in sheep's intestines and cooked over hot coals. A traditional Mongolian dish.
- Traditional Cooking Method: Cooked using a unique method involving sheep's intestines.
- Hearty Meal: A filling and hearty meal for cold winter nights.
- Availability: Available in restaurants specializing in Mongolian cuisine.
14. Mongolian Borscht (Tsuivan)
Stir-fried noodles and cabbage with mutton and potatoes. A hearty dish commonly served in Mongolia.
- Hearty Meal: Ideal for warming up during cold weather.
- Cultural Significance: Reflects Mongolian cuisine and culture.
- Availability: Available in restaurants and food stalls throughout Ulaanbaatar.
15. Mongolian Pizza (Ger Pizza)
Traditional Mongolian pizza with unique toppings like mutton and vegetables. Served in a yurt-shaped oven.
- Cultural Experience: Experience dining in a yurt, a traditional Mongolian dwelling.
- Unique Toppings: Offers toppings not commonly found on regular pizzas.
- Dining Entertainment: Watch the cook prepare your pizza in a yurt-shaped oven.