Food, Drink & Nightlife

Ulaanbaatar surprises with a diverse and affordable restaurant scene. Besides hearty Mongolian cuisine, you'll find excellent Korean, Japanese, Italian, and Indian restaurants—an inheritance of the international community that has lived in UB since the mining boom.

Mongolian Classics

• Buuz (Бууз): Steamed dumplings with mutton—the Mongolian national dish. Available at every snack bar, in every canteen. 6 pieces for 3,000–5,000 MNT (under €1.50). Best enjoyed in the small Guanz canteens where the locals eat.
• Khuushuur (Хуушуур): Fried dumplings—the Mongolian fast food. Greasy, hearty, everywhere. Especially popular during the Naadam Festival, when entire families prepare hundreds of them.
• Tsuivan (Цуйван): Handmade noodles with mutton and vegetables in a pan—comfort food after a long day of travel.
• Modern Seoul: One of the best restaurants in UB—fusion-Mongolian with an international touch. Main courses 15,000–30,000 MNT (€4–8).

Nightlife

UB has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife. Seoul Street is the entertainment strip with bars, clubs, and the ubiquitous karaoke bars (Mongolians are passionate singers). Popular spots: Grand Khaan Irish Pub (Western, good beer), Metropolis (upscale club), and various rooftop bars in the new high-rises. A large beer (Chinggis Lager) costs 3,000–5,000 MNT (under €1.50) in a restaurant.

Note: Friday and Saturday nights can get rough in the clubs—alcohol and testosterone are a tricky mix. Stay in groups and avoid conflicts.