Best Places to Eat in Ulan Bator Mongolia

In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, exploring local cuisine is an unforgettable experience. Here are some must-visit spots for a truly authentic culinary adventure, focusing on popular street food.

1. Sukhbaatar Square (Сухбаатар сэрхын)

Sukhbaatar Square, at the heart of Ulaanbaatar, is bustling with life and vibrant energy. During the day, you can find street vendors selling traditional Mongolian snacks like buuz (dumplings), khorkhog (barbecued mutton), and guushi (blood sausage). Don’t forget to try the iconic airag, fermented mare’s milk, a traditional beverage enjoyed by Mongols during Naadam festivals.

2. Winter Sports Palace Area (Хярээчийн дэлхий халахтаг)

Located near the Winter Sports Palace, this area becomes an open-air market in the evenings, offering a wide variety of Mongolian dishes. Tsagaan Boldog (white soup) and khorkhog are popular choices here. This is also an excellent place to enjoy some live music while savoring your meal.

3. Zaisan Hill (Зайсан хотууд)

After climbing the 108 steps up Zaisan Hill, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Ulaanbaatar and a unique dining experience. Vendors gather at the top to serve traditional dishes like buuz, khorkhog, and even Russian favorites such as pelmeni (dumplings) and shashlik (skewered meat).

4. Peace Avenue (Дэмчжлэг улаан байгаль)

Stretching from the center of the city to the outskirts, Peace Avenue is lined with food stalls selling a mix of Mongolian and international cuisines. Be sure to try boortsog (fried dough twists) or mongolian hamburger, a unique take on the classic sandwich made with mutton instead of beef.

5. Gandan Monastery (Гандан тэгьюүдийн дэмчжинг)

Just outside Ulaanbaatar, Gandan Monastery is home to one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. After visiting the temple, take a short walk to find street food vendors serving buuz, khorkhog, and other traditional dishes. Don’t forget to try some local sweets like tamir (Mongolian fudge) or tsagaan tsai (white tea with milk).

Embrace your culinary curiosity and explore Ulaanbaatar’s vibrant street food scene – it’s an unforgettable adventure that will leave you craving more!