Top Inner Mongolia food and best restaurants

Famous local dishes

Inner Mongolia, located in northern China, has a rich cuisine that is heavily influenced by both Chinese and Mongolian culinary traditions. Here are some popular food items that overseas travelers might want to try while visiting Inner Mongolia:

Roast Whole Lamb/ 烤全羊: Roasted lamb is a staple of Mongolian cuisine and is often served at special events and celebrations.

Yangbeizi / 羊背子: Yangbeizi, also known as Wucha, is a traditional Ordos delicacy reserved for important ceremonies, rituals, and banquets honoring distinguished guests.

Mongolian Hot Pot / 蒙古涮羊肉: A popular winter dish in Inner Mongolia, it consists of a large pot of boiling soup that is used to cook a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and noodles.

Hand-pulled Meat /手扒肉: is a traditional Mongolian dish. Legend has it that Genghis Khan ate hand-pulled meat while leading his army through the north and south, securing victory after victory. As a result, hand-pulled meat has become a prestigious dish, often served as the highest honor when hosting distinguished guest.

Shou Mai / 烧麦: Shou Mai, particularly the famous Lao Suiyuan Shou Mai, is a beloved steamed dumpling in Hohhot that holds a special place in Mongolian cuisine. Known for its delicate dough wrapper, it is typically filled with a flavorful mix of seasoned meat, often lamb or pork, and sometimes combined with vegetables and aromatic spices.

Youmian (Oat Noodles) / 莜面: is a well-known local specialty, valued for its rich nutrition and unique texture. Made from ground naked oats, it is high in protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins. In winter, Youmian is often served hot in a hearty soup with potatoes and meat, while in summer, it is enjoyed cold with tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and other seasonal vegetables.

Kao Fan / 烤饭: A dish made with rice and various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and sauces. It is a staple food for many people in Inner Mongolia.

Mongolian Yogurt / 蒙古酸奶: a tart and tangy yogurt that's been made with traditional Mongolian techniques and is known for its health benefits.

Rou Jia Mo / 肉夹馍: A popular street food consisting of soft, fluffy bread filled with spiced meat and vegetables.

Baotou Lao Chatang (Old Tea Soup) / 包头老茶汤: Baotou Lao Chatang (Old Tea Soup) is one of the city’s signature local delicacies, celebrated for its rich tea aroma and distinctive preparation method.

Mongolian Milk Tea /奶茶: with its fragrant and mellow taste, is known as the essence of the grassland nomads. This milk tea is not only rich in protein and vitamins; it can effectively replenish energy and strengthen the body. It is an indispensable morning beverage for Mongolians.

Airag /马奶酒: Airag (also known as kumis) is a traditional Mongolian drink made from fermented mare's milk. It has a slightly sour taste and a mild alcohol content due to the fermentation process. It is often served during festivals, weddings, and other celebrations, and it is considered a symbol of hospitality and respect.

Dairy products / 奶制品: Inner Mongolia is known for its dairy products, such as fresh cheese, yogurt, and milk. Try them for a unique taste experience.

These are just a few of the many delicious food items that Inner Mongolia has to offer. Whether you're looking for hearty stews, spicy snacks, or refreshing drinks, you're sure to find something that suits your taste buds.

Local restaurants in Inner

Hohhot

• Ge Ri Le AMa (Bayi) /格日勒阿媽- is a Mongolian-themed restaurant with a distinctive local flavor and elegant ambiance. There are many branches throughout the city and it is a great place to enjoy Mongolian cuisine. The lamb dishes are varied and flavorful, with hand-pulled meat featuring a perfect balance of fat and lean meat, offering an authentic taste. The milk tea is rich and savory, with a strong dairy flavor. The yogurt pancakes are pleasantly surprising, with a subtle milky fragrance and a mild sweetness that isn't overwhelming.
• De Le Hai / 德乐海蒙餐- it is features a layout design rich in ethnic style, with dining in Mongolian yurts being a unique highlight, creating a strong ethnic atmosphere. The restaurant primarily offers Inner Mongolian cuisine, with a variety of meat dishes. The hand-pulled meat is tender and flavorful, with a perfect balance of fat and lean. The roasted lamb chops are golden on the outside and tender on the inside, filled with aromatic flavors.
• Donglaishun /东来顺- Donglaishun is a famous, time-honored brand in China with multiple branches across the country. It is a representative of the country's halal cuisine, and their copper pot lamb hotpot is the most well-known dish. Enjoying a bowl of warm lamb offal soup will make you feel invigorated, with warmth spreading through your body, as comforting as the spring breeze.

Read more local food and restaurants in Hohhot  »

Hulunbuir

• Junxiangyuan Hotpot / 菌香原健康主题火锅（河西店）- Junxiangyuan Hotpot has become a favorite in Hailar’s hotpot scene thanks to its unique charm and affordable prices. Here, you can indulge in delicious beef and lamb, fresh vegetables, and a variety of flavorful mushrooms, all served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with attentive service and a refined dining environment.
• Hailaer Riverside Restaurant /海拉尔河畔餐馆，手把肉传承店 - Tucked away in a local neighborhood, this restaurant is known for its roast whole lamb, charcoal-grilled lamb ribs, and beef ribs. You can also try local favorites such as hand-held mutton and homemade Ama milk tea. With authentic flavors and generous portions, it’s a great place to enjoy a traditional grassland feast.
• Ziyu Restaurant /子昱饭店(黑山头店) - Ziyu Restaurant, located in Heishantou Town along Provincial Road 301, just opposite the Grassland Hotel, is well-known for its distinctive flavors and refined portions. Visitors often praise the restaurant for its unique taste and thoughtfully presented dishes, making it a must-visit culinary spot in Heishantou.
• Morigele River Fish Restaurant / 莫日格勒河鱼馆- is a notable dining establishment located near the scenic Morigele River in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia. Renowned for its picturesque surroundings, the restaurant offers diners a tranquil atmosphere complemented by views of the winding river and expansive grasslands.

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Baotou

• Jindingxuan Restaurant (金鼎轩): This restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetables. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors.
• Menggu Kao Rou Ji (蒙古烤肉集): This restaurant specializes in Mongolian-style grilled meat, which is cooked over an open flame. Customers can choose from a variety of meats, such as lamb, beef, and chicken
• Xincheng Dumpling Restaurant (新城饺子馆): This restaurant is famous for its delicious dumplings, which are made with a variety of fillings and served steamed or fried.

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Ordos

• KANGHERENJIA / 康和人家乡土菜 - The restaurant is beloved by diners for its unique Mongolian dishes, authentic local specialties, and flavorful Sichuan and Hunan-inspired creations.
• Jiupin · Hefuji (Kangbashi Branch) / 玖品·贺福记(康巴什店) -‌ This long-established restaurant specializes in traditional Mongolian homestyle cuisine. It is clean, well-maintained, and highly acclaimed, with numerous awards to its name. The service is attentive, and the menu offers a wide variety of dishes.
• Mengda Yang Mongolian Cuisine / 蒙达羊蒙餐 - If you want to experience dining in a traditional Mongolian yurt can choose Mengda Yang Mongolian Cuisine which is a uniquely themed yurt-style restaurant. In the evening, the restaurant hosts live song-and-dance performances that you can enjoy alongside your meal. As the music of the Morin Khuur drifts through the yurt, you’ll feel immersed in the atmosphere of the grasslands.

Read more local food and restaurants in Ordos »

Grasslands

• Hulunbuir Grassland Hotel (呼伦贝尔草原宾馆) - located on the Hulun Buir Grassland, this hotel offers traditional Mongolian-style meals and accommodations.
• Xilamuren Grassland Yurt Restaurant (希拉穆仁草原蒙古包餐厅) - serves authentic Mongolian-style meals in traditional yurts.
• Genghis Khan Grassland Restaurant (成吉思汗草原餐厅) - located on the Ordos grasslands, this restaurant offers roasted whole lamb and other Inner Mongolian dishes in a traditional setting.

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