Top Hohhot food and best restaurants, what and where to eat

Hohhot, known as the "Pearl of the Grassland," is surrounded by vast pastures teeming with cattle and sheep, making it a paradise for lamb and dairy lovers. Due to its geographical location and the blending of diverse cultures. It is a gastronomic haven that harmoniously blends the rustic charm of Mongolian cuisine with the refined essence of Chinese culinary artistry. From crispy roasted whole lamb and delicious dairy products to siomai and milk tea, all paired with traditional Mongolian eating methods, it offers an unparalleled sensory experience for food enthusiasts.

What Famous Local Food to Eat

Top 1: Roast Whole Lamb /烤全羊

Roast Whole lamb (Yang bei zi) is one of the most iconic dishes in Hohhot. “Yang bei zi” is a special term for a whole lamb in Mongolian culture，it is made by selecting a fat and healthy prairie sheep, which is then marinated and roasted using a special technique. The outer skin becomes golden and crispy, while the meat inside remains tender and juicy. It is not only a traditional delicacy of the Inner Mongolian grasslands, but also an essential dish for Mongolian people when hosting distinguished guests or celebrating important occasions.

Top 2: Hand-pulled Meat /手扒肉

Hand-pulled meat (手扒肉) is a traditional Mongolian dish. A tender, fatty lamb is divided into large chunks at the joints, ensuring the chest remains intact. The pieces are then simmered in a pot of water over low heat, with a variety of seasonings added, until the meat becomes tender and juicy. Once cooked, the meat is removed and placed on a large plate, before being drizzled with a special secret sauce. This irresistible dish is now ready to serve. 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 guests.

Mongolians follow specific etiquette when serving hand-pulled meat to guests. The lamb's front chest and thighs are reserved for the most respected elders or honored guests. Mongolians hold the meat in their left hand and the knife in their right hand, with the blade facing themselves to show respect and ensure no harm to others. It is customary for guests to finish the meat offered to them, as this expresses gratitude for the host's hospitality.

Top 3: Mutton Fondue /羊肉火锅

Mutton is easy to digest, high in protein, low in fat, and rich in phospholipids. In traditional Chinese medicine, lamb is believed to replenish qi, replenish energy, and provide warmth. Lamb hotpot is an excellent choice in Inner Mongolia. Premium lamb, combined with the unique local hotpot seasonings, is cooked to perfection. The rich and flavorful broth, paired with the marbled lamb slices, creates an irresistible taste. With every bite, the fragrant, savory flavors fill your senses, leaving you completely captivated.

Top 4: Mongolian Milk Tea /奶茶

Mongolian milk tea, with its fragrant and mellow taste, is known as the essence of the grassland nomads. It uses fresh milk and brick tea as the basic raw materials, supplemented by salt and milk skin, to create a rich and mellow milk tea. 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.

Top 5: 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. Airag is not only a beverage but also an important part of Mongolian culture. It is often served during festivals, weddings, and other celebrations, and it is considered a symbol of hospitality and respect.

It's known for its refreshing qualities and is believed to have various health benefits, including aiding digestion. The drink is typically served chilled and is a popular refreshment on the vast Mongolian steppes.

Top 6: Dairy products /乳制品

Hohhot which is known for its vast grasslands where livestock, especially cows and sheep, graze on rich, natural pastures, contributing to the production of premium dairy products. such as fresh cheese, yogurt, milk, Airag and milk tofu. Try them for a unique taste experience.

Where to Try Typical Food

Top 1: Ge Ri Le AMa (Bayi) /格日勒阿媽

Ge Ri Le AMa 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.

• Recommended: Hand-pulled meat, milk tea, yogurt cake, kumiss, Alxa camel meat pie with shaved milk skin, sweet cheese pie, barbecue.
• Operating Hours:07:00 AM – 02:00 PM
• Address: 1st Floor, Haiguang Building, No. 38 Hailar Street, Xincheng District, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
• Telephone: 0471-4912800

Top 2: De Le Hai / 德乐海蒙餐

Delehai Mongolian Restaurant 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.

Other specialties include milk tea, yogurt pancakes, milk tofu, hand-pulled lamb, mashed potatoes with oat noodles, Mongolian roasted lamb chops, Mongolian grilled skewers, homemade fruit yogurt, lamb skewers, and Mongolian roasted lamb back.

• Recommended: Milk tofu, hand-grilled mutton, mashed potato noodles, Mongolian grilled lamb chops, Mongolian barbecue skewers, fruit yogurt.
• Operating Hours: 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-21:30
• Address: No. 75, Xincheng East Street (West of Art Institute) (opposite Bank of China)
• Telephone: 0471-4912800

Top 3: 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.

• Recommended: hot pot and lamb dishes.
• Operating Hours: 11:00-14:00 and 6:30-21:00
• Address: No. 8, Wenhua Palace Street, Huimin District, Hohhot
• Telephone: 0471-6361212

Top 4: Erden Traditional Hotpot Restaurant /额尔敦传统涮（俪城店）

Erden Traditional Hotpot Restaurant is a popular eatery specializing in Mongolian-style lamb hotpot. The lamb is tender and flavorful, perfectly complemented by a specially crafted dipping sauce that enhances its taste. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Mongolian specialty dishes. With its clean and tidy environment, and warm, attentive service, the restaurant is highly regarded in the local area. It is loved by both locals and tourists alike, with a reputation for excellent food and service.

• Recommended: hot pot and lamb dishes，Hand-pulled Meat
• Operating Hours: 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-21:30
• Address: No. B1012, 1013, 1F, Licheng Commercial Complex, Yangqiao Road
• Telephone: 0471-3600988

Top 5: Mongolia Camp Restaurant /赛马场蒙古大营

The restaurant is located inside the racecourse, offering a vast space that truly captures the essence of Mongolian culture. It's a must-visit for those looking to experience authentic Mongolian vibes. Diners sit inside traditional Mongolian yurts, enjoying hand-pulled lamb, roasted whole lamb, and sipping on milk tea. Throughout the experience, local performers engage guests with lively songs and offer drinks, adding a unique and festive touch to the dining experience, complete with traditional Mongolian performances.

• Recommended: Grilled lamb chops with hand-pulled meat，milk skin, Mongolian steamed buns, oat noodles.
• Operating Hours: 11:30-14:00 and 17:30-21:30
• Address: No. 27 Hulunbuir North Road, inside the racecourse
• Telephone: 0471-6515858,0471-6516868

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