Gluten Free and UB

Mongolia Travel Tips

G-Free Travel Rating

8/10

Major Airport

Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)

Official Language

Mongolian (the younger generations are learning English)

Currency:

Tugrik

Power Outlets:

Types C & E

Eating Gluten Free in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s largest city so has a metropolitan choice for cuisine. We limited ourselves to things near our hotel and had no problem finding a nice mix of styles to try that had gluten free options. My favorite was Namaste which was Indian food. Breakfast options were fairly limited but that is typical when we travel. Grocery shopping was challenging but Google translate has an option to translate pictures which helped.

Our top list of things to do while in UB

Ulaanbaatar or UB is the capital of Mongolia and is most likely going to be where you start. Half the population of Mongolia calls it home. While it is not the most appealing city in the world it is up and coming. Plus, it has some impressive attractions on its outskirts that are worth a visit.

Gorkhi Terelj National Park

This is a great national park that is ~1 hour from the city center. It offers quiet and solitude that one can’t get in a crowded city. Often times you will see locals having picnics or enjoying family time among the endless green pastures. It offers many opportunities for different activities whether it is in the summer or winter.

Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

While it is not located in the city center it is only an hour away. It is a great pit stop on your way to Terelj National Park. Because I talk about this in more detail in our self-drive tour post I’m only going to touch on it. This statue towers over the area at 131 feet and is made of solid steel. Whether you hike up the stairs to get a pic from above or take a panoramic of the surrounding area below, no picture will disappoint.

Narantuul Market

Also known as the “Black Market,” it is the largest and most famous outdoor market in Mongolia. It’s a bustling, lively market that reflects the local culture but can definitely be overwhelming for first-time visitors. You’ll find a vast variety of goods including, clothing, electronics, or traditional Mongolian products, often at lower prices. When we went, school supplies were the top product, while we didn’t need any it was fun to watch all the children getting excited for the new school year.

It is located a little ways away from the majority of the hotels, but still walkable…I think we walked about 7 miles that day between perusing the aisles of the market and the walk to and from the hotel. While we never felt unsafe, it is important to exercise caution while in a crowded environment as there is still the chance of pick pocketers.

It is FREE to enter, so grab some cash, strap on a good pair of walking shoes and get to perusing the aisles of Narantuul.

Sükhbaatar Square

Located right in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, it is Mongolia’s central public square and a hub of political and cultural significance. It features statues of important figures, including Damdin Sukhbaatar, and is surrounded by key landmarks such as the Government Palace. The square serves as a gathering place for events, festivals, and national celebrations.

Many hotels and restaurants border the square so it is an easy destination to get to once you are in UB. It is also located across the street from the National History Museum and National Art Gallery. The building that may stand out the most is an unexpected pink and white building that is their Theater of Opera and Ballet. This is a great place to stop to take in the history and culture of Mongolia.

Chinggis Khaan Museum

This is a 9 floor museum highlighting the significant events in Mongolia’s history. The museum features a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits and multimedia displays that chronicle Mongolia’s impressive history from ancient times through the height of the Mongol empire. Visitors can explore the life of Chinggis Khan, his military conquests, governance, and the cultural impact of the Mongols on World history. The 9th floor is Chinggis Khan’s Grand Hall of Honor.

While some parts were still under renovation when we were there, the rest of the museum was quite thorough. We left with more information than we could ever have imagined we would gain on a vacation.

What to know about visiting Chinggis Khaan National Museum:

The entrance fee for a foreign citizen is 30,000/pp Tugrik
- They allow debit cards or cash. No credit cards…I would expect this to change in the future.
- You can do an audio tour for an additional price…during the time we went there were complaints of it not working half the time. We opted to just observe the exhibits. I would say 95% of the signage was in Mongolian with no English translation next to it, so Google Translate was crucial for us during the tour.
No photography is allowed unless you paid for a permit.
Hours during the summer are Monday – Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Winter hours are more limited so please plan ahead. I would also anticipate this would be a great place for a field trip, so if you are going during their school year I would recommend going right when they open or later in the evening.
No eating or drinking is allowed in the museum; however, there is a coffee shop attached if a pick me up is needed. You would have to finish prior to continuing your journey through Mongolian history.

Zaisan Square Center

This is a more modern and commercial entertainment complex located in the Zaisan district of UB. It offers a range of high-end shops, restaurants and entertainment venues catering to both locals and tourists. Situated near the Zaisan Memorial which is a popular historical site, the square is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it a hub for social gatherings in the city.

The Zaisan Monument which was under construction when we went is a place built to commemorate soldiers and heroes from various wars. With its unique imagery depicted in numerous murals atop a steep hill and the panoramic view of the city, this is a most visit.

Parking is paid and tight, so we would recommend taking a taxi or bus.
Depending on where you start the climb to the monument you will climb between 300 to 600 stairs.

Eating

The Mongolian diet is primarily based on meat, dairy and animal fats, reflecting the nomadic heritage of the country. Many of its staple dishes include mutton, beef, and lamb, often cooked in form of a soup or stew. Dairy products like “airag” (fermented mare’s milk) and various cheese are also central to their cuisine. While we didn’t try any airag we definitely had our share of reindeer milk tea and cheese when we were up visiting the reindeer herders.

Luckily, the restaurant scene has significantly diversified over the recent years. If offers a mix of the traditional Mongolian cuisine and a variety of international dishes. Trendy cafes, fine dining, and fast-food spots all cater to a growing urban population, with many restaurants now also accommodating dietary preferences. We noticed more restaurants advertise vegetarian options than gluten free, but were still willing to accommodate our request.

Restaurants:

KK Restaurant & Lounge: Located in the Kempinski Hotel. It was nice to get out of the room and not have to go far for good food. While the menu was in English with many different style dishes it was not labeled for which foods could be prepared gluten free. It took us three people to communicate what gluten was, but we got the job done. Since Terry was still a little nervous he stuck with a curry dish.

Namaste: Located kitty corner to Sükhbaatar Square is an Indian restaurant offering a wide variety of famous Indian dishes. The menu was in English with dishes clearly marked gluten free. Terry, of course, wanted to see if they could make their butter chicken dish gluten free (it was not marked) and they were willing to do that without any issues. The food was fantastic and filling. Terry literally licked his platter clean.

La Rosa Tapas and Tequila: Located near Sükhbaatar Square, it is vibrant restaurant and bar. Known for its lively atmosphere and fusion of Spanish and Mexican cuisines, it features a variety of tapas and tacos that pair well with their extensive tequila selection. With most of the tacos being made on corn tortillas, Terry had many options to choose. If there was an item that we were unsure if it was made with corn or wheat flour, the waiter would go ask the chef and return back promptly with an answer. It was a little more on the expensive side but where else would you be able to try a beef tongue taco!

Italian

Terrazza: Located over near Zaisan Square it is a more upscale Italian restaurant. It’s known for its elegant ambiance and scenic views of the city from its patio. The menu is in English with things clearly marked gluten free or where a substitution could be made. Terry initially opted for gluten free pizza but when he was told the wait time for that could be near 2 hours he changed to gluten free pasta instead. The wait time for the pizza is because they currently make it from scratch and things would have to be cleaned and other orders completed first. We enjoyed some cocktails on the patio in our own cabana while our food was prepped. The atmosphere and food did not disappoint.

Veranda: Located in the heart of UB, it is much easier to get to than Terrazza. The menu showcases the chef’s fusion of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine with many options to accommodate dietary restrictions. Menu is in English with substitutions clearly marked. Gluten free pasta and pizza with other options, plus sometimes they have a gluten free dessert.

Fat Cat Jazz Club: Located right next to Veranda. While they offer unique cocktails to be enjoyed while listening to some live jazz, they use the same menu that Veranda has. The food is actually prepared at Veranda and then brought down to the jazz club when completed. It’s nice that it is the whole menu and not just a limited selection. We were actually quite impressed with this quaint establishment. The atmosphere is very intimate and the staff are very attentive. Things are a little expensive plus there is a cover if you are staying for the band.

Breakfast

Tenger Buffet Restaurant: Located in the Kempinski Hotel specializing only in breakfast. It offers a range of selections from fresh fruit to made to order omelets. While we did get plenty to eat; the front desk said they would have a separate gluten free meal put aside for Terry. That was not the case, which he was upset about. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t going to include a pastry or toast, which was what he was craving most at that point.

Food Exchange: Located in the Novotel Hotel. It is a large buffet offering many different cuisines. It is open for multiple meals throughout the day, but we only did breakfast here. Pretty typical for a buffet. Although, I think Terry had more options here than the options elsewhere.

Caffe Bene: Located all over UB. I would say it is the city’s go to caffeine hub. It’s a laid-back spot with a warm, inviting vibe. Whether you are in for a fresh cup of coffee and English breakfast (without toast) or indulging on one their sweet treats it’s the perfect place to start your morning.

Grocery Shopping

Well, this was not the easiest task. Since we did the self-drive tour at the end of our trip we were able to talk with our tour guides from the reindeer herders as to where they found the gluten free food. They also mentioned which grocery stores would have the largest selection. We were so thankful for Google Translate. We could use it with speaking into it, typing, and just scanning the label. All forms of communication were extremely helpful whenever we had service. Definitely download the App. This was crucial when grocery shopping because some of the labels were in a different language; for example, some were in Chinese while others were in German.

A heads up… most grocery stores are going to be a one stop shop and have many additional things outside of groceries. Anticipate long lines as the WIFI will be slow and everyone using cards takes a while to get through the line. Wherever you drive in Mongolia, if you go through a city they will have little markets just remember your options are going to become few and communication harder.

The Grocery Stores we had the Most Success With

E-Mart: One of the larger grocery stores in UB with multiple locations. They have a great selection of fresh produce and a deli. The gluten free items were mixed in with every category of food. For instance, gluten free snacks were mixed with regular snacks.

Nomin (Homnh) Supermarket: Scattered throughout Mongolia. They have a decent selection of both fresh food and some gluten free options. This is where we had to make our emergency Snickers Bar run…

iHuns: This website has many gluten free options. It was actually recommended from Zaya when we were visiting her up in the taiga. She said they had a cafe/storefront located in UB but we were never able to find it. Our guess is the market might be called something other than iHuns. If you are going to be in UB awhile you can always try to email the owner or use some other form of social media associated with it.

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