The 7 Best Restaurants In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
While the cuisine of Ulaanbaatar may generally be associated with traditional Mongolian meat-based dishes, the city actually offers an eclectic dining scene featuring vegetarian restaurants, Irish pub grub and Sri Lankan fare. Read our updated guide to Ulaanbaatar’s 10 Best Cultural Restaurants to discover the city’s best venues.
Grand Khan Irish Pub
Pub, Irish, American, Street Food, Pub Grub
Legend has it that no matter where in the world you find yourself, you are bound to stumble across an Irish pub – and this is true even in Mongolia. Established in 2005, the Grand Khan Irish Pub is the perfect destination for diners who like to relax in a casual, informal and welcoming environment, while enjoying some hearty pub grub and a drink or two. Grand Khan Irish Pub’s menu abounds with fare evocative of the Emerald Isle, with dishes that include traditional Irish lamb shanks and Irish stew. The pub features a covered outdoor patio perfect for enjoying an Irish or Mongolian beer while watching the hustle and bustle of Ulaanbaatar’s busy streets.
Hazara
Restaurant, Indian
Khara Khorum
Located within the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace, Khara Khorum offers guests a fine dining experience in stylish and opulent surroundings. The interior features bold bright pink walls complemented by gold curtains and wall hangings, while a central column is decorated in striking, intricately carved wooden dragons. The restaurant is named after the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire, and befittingly serves traditional Mongolian fare, with dishes such as bantan cream soup – a soup of lamb, flour and onions – and the popular khuushuur, a dumpling filled with minced lamb and pan-fried. A number of vegetarian versions of Mongolian dishes and European dishes are also available.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Khara Khorum, Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace, East Cross Road, Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, +976 1146 3463
Luna Blanca
When it was founded in 2008 by co-owners Altanzaya and Ariunaa, Luna Blanca was only the second vegetarian restaurant in the whole of Mongolia. During its six years in operation, it has become one of the most popular vegetarian eateries in the country. Established as a social enterprise with the aim of encouraging healthier diets amongst Mongolians, the profits made by the restaurant contribute towards the promotion of healthy food. Luna Blanca’s cosy café-style interior provides a welcoming spot in which to enjoy its tasty fare. Guests can choose from dishes such as the vegetariantsuivan – home-style fried noodles with carrot, cabbage, sweet pepper and soy protein.
*Address from 1 October: Luna Blanca, 1st Floor, FPMT Centre, Tourist Street 16, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia, +976 9907 7885
MexiKhan
MexiKhan, a restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine, boasts the unique title of being Mongolia’s first and only Mexican restaurant. Serving a menu packed full of this fiery fare, all dishes are made by the restaurant’s team of Mexican and Mongolian chefs. Dishes are based around locally sourced produce, including meat from the Bulgan province in the north of the country, which is widely regarded to be the most tender and succulent meat Mongolia has to offer. Relax in MexiKhan’s warm and stylish interior, with dishes such as the camarones sureños appetiser of tiger prawns stuffed with cheese and the chile rellenos entrée – green chillies stuffed with pork carnitas and melted cheese, topped with red sauce.
Namaste
Restaurant, Indian
Turning Point Café
Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, European
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
