Top 5 products in Ulaanbaatar

CASHMERE

It might be difficult to imagine the scraggy goats that roam Mongolia’s countryside hills as sources of one of the softest fabrics in the world, but Mongolia is indeed one of the top producers of cashmere globally. You can pick up locally- woven cashmere clothing and scarves in outlet stores of factories like Gobi.

FELT GOODS

As a country that calls itself the “Felt Nation”, this material is closely tied to the culture of its people. Felt can be found in traditional hats, gloves, bags, and even lines the walls of a ger as insulation. One of the most unique items you can pick up is a pair of felt slippers with upturned toes.

MONGOLIAN ART

While art may not be something the rest of the world knows Mongolia best for, its arts scene is actually fairly active. Museum and art shops have paintings on canvas, wood and even silk, but you can also encounter artists – mostly art students – with portfolios in places like Sukhbaatar Square, who will be happy to sell you their masterpieces.

PRAYER FLAGS

With more than half of its population practicing Buddhism, religious souvenirs are something you can find around Ulaanbaatar in monasteries. Perhaps best known for their use in the mountainsides, these flags are used to bless their surrounding areas. These flags also make good souvenirs to take home, as they are fairly easy to keep for transport.

BUUZ

Traditionally consumed during the Mongolian New Year, buuz is a steamed dumpling filled with minced mutton or beef. Often consumed with pickled vegetables, this Mongolian diet staple can be easily found in restaurants and small cafes throughout Ulaanbaatar. It is fairly similar to mandu in Korean cuisine – a dish introduced to Korea by the Mongolians.