Introduction: A Culinary Journey Across Mongolia
No road trip across Mongolia is complete without delving into the land’s rich flavours. A journey through the central steppes and southern deserts is as much about the taste of the land as it is about the views. When you drive with Gobi.Rent, a self‑drive rental specialist, you gain the freedom to explore remote areas and sample the best Mongoolse keuken en authentic Mongolian food in full.
In this guide, we’ll cruise through the top Mongolian food restaurants across Ulaanbaatar and into less‑visited regions—so you’ll know exactly where to stop, what to order, and how to savour each dish. Whether you’re a foreign traveller or a Mongolian living abroad and returning home, this list is your go‑to for unforgettable dining experiences rooted in Mongolian traditional food.
1. Modern Nomads – Ulaanbaatar
Why go: Modern Nomads offers a stylish yet relaxed environment where you can enjoy Mongolian traditional food re‑imagined with care. Located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, it’s a favourite among travellers wanting to dive into Mongoolse keuken in a polished setting.
What to try:
- Buuz (steamed dumplings filled with seasoned minced mutton)
- Khorkhog (stone‑cooked meat with hot rocks inside a metal container)
- A dairy sampler: byaslag (cheese), aaruul (dried curds), and airag
Tip: Make a reservation for peak dinner hours—this is a top pick for sampling authentic Mongolian food in the city.
2. Khara Khorum Restaurant – Kempinski Hotel – Ulaanbaatar
Why go: Situated in the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace, Khara Khorum offers an elevated take on Mongolian traditional food, blending fine‑dining ambience with local cuisine.
What to try:
- Khuushuur (pan‑fried dumpling—renowned version)
- Tsuivan (hand‑rolled noodles with meat and vegetables)
- A well‑curated wine list alongside a hearty mutton dish
Tip: Ideal for a memorable dinner out—especially useful before or after your self‑drive route through Mongolia.
3. Khaan Buuz Restaurant – Ulaanbaatar
Why go: Khaan Buuz Restaurant is a casual, approachable spot favoured by locals for Mongolian dishes that are affordable, filling, and authentic.
What to try:
- Various styles of buuz
- Tsuivan and hearty soups, perfect for colder days on the road
Tip: Great for a lunch stop before setting off for a full day of driving across the steppes.
4. Mongolian’s Restaurant – Shangri‑La Mall – Ulaanbaatar
Why go: Located inside a major mall, this restaurant offers a comfortable setting with a wide menu featuring authentic Mongolian food alongside more familiar international dishes—ideal for families or groups with varied tastes.
What to try:
- Mixed meat platters (khorkhog, grilled mutton)
- Tsuivan stir‑fried noodles
Tip: Convenient for a city‑day meal before or after you embark on your Mongolian road trip.
5. Art of UB Gallery & Slowbar – VVIP Ger Dining – Ulaanbaatar
Why go: This is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience. Dining inside a traditional ger (yurt) behind an art gallery, this spot offers truly authentic Mongolian food in a culturally immersive setting.
What to try:
- Khuushuur and tsuivan sampler
- A dairy tasting flight (airag, byaslag, aaruul)
Tip: Book ahead if you want the full ger dining experience. Great for travellers seeking something unique during their Mongolian adventure.
6. The Bull Hotpot Restaurant – Ulaanbaatar
Why go: The Bull offers an interactive and fun take on Mongolian food restaurants, with individual hot pots and a menu featuring local meats, including horse meat.
What to try:
- Hot pot with assorted meats (mutton, beef, horse)
- Noodles and vegetables to cook at the table
Tip: A lively and social option—perfect for groups of friends or families after a full day’s driving when you want something fun and dynamic.
7. Ayanchin Restaurant – Ulaanbaatar (Khan Uul District)
Why go: Ayanchin brings together Mongolian and European‑style cuisine in a refined space, offering a comfortable setting for sampling Mongolian food with polish and tradition.
What to try:
- Tsuivan with rich sauce
- Beef or mutton main courses prepared by talented chefs
Tip: Ideal for dinner before your journey or as a comfortable stop after your road‑trip drive.
8. Khot Ail Restaurant & Coffee Shop – Dalanzadgad (Southern Mongolia)
Why go: Nestled near the Gobi Desert in Dalanzadgad, this local spot serves fresh, home‑style dishes that embody authentic Mongolian food outside the capital.
What to try:
- Buuz and khuushuur
- Local stews and dairy‑based snacks
Tip: A perfect meal stop for self‑drive travellers heading into the southern wilds of Mongolia—fuel up here for the spectacular landscapes ahead.
9. Grand Yak Restaurant – Darkhan (Central Mongolia)
Why go: In the heart of Central Mongolia, Grand Yak offers a comfortable dining environment and hearty local fare—ideal for travellers exploring the region’s quieter roads and seeking solid Mongolian food restaurants.
What to try:
- Buuz and tsuivan prepared with local ingredients
- Regional soups and friendly service
Tip: A dependable lunch or dinner option when you’re deep into your road‑trip away from major tourist hubs.
10. Khan Buuz Cafe – Erdenet (Northern Mongolia)
Why go: Located in Erdenet, this café‑restaurant is known for its straightforward, authentic offerings of Mongolian dishes, especially for travellers going off the main tourist track.
What to try:
- Buuz dumplings with local filling
- Simple soups and local dairy sidedishes
Tip: A great value stop for a genuine taste of the local food scene between the city and more remote outdoor adventures.
Conclusion: Embark on a Culinary Road Trip
Exploring the best Mongolian food restaurants isn’t just about flavours—it’s about context, culture and the landscapes you drive through. From Ulaanbaatar’s modern dining to the remote stops in Dalanzadgad, Darkhan and Erdenet, each restaurant provides a unique part of Mongolia’s culinary story.
Plan your journey with Gobi.Rent to reach these destinations safely and at your own pace. Plan your trip to Gobi and experience Mongolian Food Restaurants along the way.
Every dish you taste—from buuz to khorkhog—is a story of nomads, traditions and wide open skies. These restaurants let you capture that story with flavour, comfort and adventure.
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