Mongolian BBQ is a unique dining experience where guests select fresh ingredients and watch their meal cooked on a large, circular grill. This interactive and customizable style of cooking originated from the Mongolian region but is now popular worldwide.
The menu offers a vast variety of meats, vegetables, sauces, and sides to create your perfect bowl.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through typical Mongolian BBQ menu items, including detailed pricing, ingredient choices, and helpful tips to enhance your dining experience. Whether you are a first-timer or a regular, understanding the menu will help you maximize your meal.
“Mongolian BBQ is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines freshness, flavor, and fun all on one giant grill.”
How Mongolian BBQ Works
The concept behind Mongolian BBQ is simple yet exciting. Diners choose from a wide selection of raw ingredients including various proteins, vegetables, and noodles or rice.
After selecting your ingredients, you hand your bowl to the chef who stir-fries everything on the hot grill with your choice of sauces and spices.
This method ensures that every dish is cooked to perfection and tailored to your taste preferences. The price is often based on the size of the bowl or platter you create rather than individual ingredients.
Pro Tip: Don’t overload your bowl at once. It’s better to create smaller bowls to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor blending.
Typical Mongolian BBQ Menu Categories
The menu usually consists of several categories. These include:
- Proteins: Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, seafood, tofu, and more.
- Vegetables: Fresh and crisp options like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and broccoli.
- Carbohydrates: Noodles, rice, and sometimes dumplings or buns.
- Sauces and Spices: Variety of savory, spicy, and sweet sauces to customize your flavor.
- Sides and Extras: Soups, appetizers, and desserts.
Detailed Mongolian BBQ Menu With Prices
The following tables outline a typical menu found in many Mongolian BBQ restaurants, along with average prices. Keep in mind that prices may vary by location and restaurant quality.
Proteins
| Protein | Description | Price (Per Bowl) |
|---|---|---|
| Beef (Sliced Sirloin) | Lean and tender sirloin slices, perfect for grilling. | $7.99 |
| Chicken Breast | Boneless, skinless chicken breast, fresh and juicy. | $6.99 |
| Pork | Thinly sliced pork shoulder with rich flavor. | $7.49 |
| Lamb | Premium lamb slices with a distinctive taste. | $8.49 |
| Shrimp | Fresh peeled shrimp, perfect for seafood lovers. | $8.99 |
| Tofu (Vegetarian) | Firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian option. | $5.99 |
| Mixed Seafood | Combination of shrimp, squid, and scallops. | $9.99 |
Vegetables
| Vegetable | Description | Price (Per Bowl) |
|---|---|---|
| Onions | Freshly sliced sweet onions. | Included |
| Bell Peppers | Colorful mix of red, green, and yellow peppers. | Included |
| Mushrooms | Button mushrooms, sliced fresh daily. | Included |
| Broccoli | Crunchy florets full of nutrients. | Included |
| Carrots | Shredded or sliced for added crunch. | Included |
| Cabbage | Fresh green cabbage, adds texture. | Included |
| Bean Sprouts | Light and crunchy sprouts adding freshness. | Included |
| Zucchini | Sliced zucchini for a mild flavor. | Included |
Most Mongolian BBQ restaurants include unlimited vegetables at no extra cost to complement your protein selection.
Carbohydrates
| Carbohydrate | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| White Rice | Steamed fluffy white rice. | Included |
| Brown Rice | Healthier whole grain option. | Included |
| Egg Noodles | Soft and chewy noodles, traditional choice. | Included |
| Rice Noodles | Gluten-free option with a smooth texture. | Included |
| Udon Noodles | Thick wheat noodles with a hearty bite. | Included |
Sauces and Spices
The flavor of your Mongolian BBQ bowl depends heavily on the sauces and spices you choose. Most restaurants offer a wide variety of sauces, which can be mixed and matched to create signature flavor profiles.
| Sauce | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | Classic salty and umami base flavor. | Included |
| Teriyaki Sauce | Sweet and savory glaze. | Included |
| Spicy Chili Sauce | For heat lovers, adds a fiery kick. | Included |
| Garlic Sauce | Rich and pungent garlic flavor. | Included |
| Oyster Sauce | Thick, salty, and slightly sweet seafood sauce. | Included |
| Peanut Sauce | Creamy with nutty undertones. | Included |
| Sesame Oil | Aromatic oil for finishing touches. | Included |
Note: Sauces are usually unlimited and included in the price of your bowl, allowing for endless creativity.
Combo and Buffet Pricing Options
Many Mongolian BBQ restaurants offer combo deals or buffet-style pricing, making it easier for guests to enjoy a wide variety of options without worrying about individual ingredient costs.
| Menu Type | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small Bowl | Ideal for light eaters or kids. Includes 2 proteins and unlimited vegetables. | $9.99 – $11.99 |
| Medium Bowl | Standard portion with 3-4 proteins and unlimited vegetables. | $12.99 – $15.99 |
| Large Bowl / Platter | For big appetites. Includes 5+ proteins and all vegetables. | $16.99 – $19.99 |
| All-You-Can-Eat Buffet | Unlimited bowls, sides, and drinks for a fixed price. | $20.99 – $25.99 |
“Buffet options are perfect for those who want to sample every flavor and ingredient the Mongolian BBQ has to offer.”
Sides and Extras
Aside from the main bowls, many Mongolian BBQ restaurants offer a selection of appetizers, soups, and desserts to complement your meal. These items usually come at an additional cost but are worth trying.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Egg Rolls | Crispy fried rolls filled with vegetables and meat. | $4.99 (2 pcs) |
| Spring Rolls | Light, fresh rolls with a sweet dipping sauce. | $5.49 (2 pcs) |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Spicy, tangy soup with mushrooms and tofu. | $3.99 (cup) |
| Wonton Soup | Clear broth with pork-filled wontons. | $4.49 (cup) |
| Fried Rice | Rice stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce. | $5.99 |
| Green Tea Ice Cream | Refreshing dessert with subtle bitterness and creaminess. | $3.99 |
| Mango Pudding | Sweet, creamy mango dessert, popular in Asian cuisine. | $4.49 |
Drinks Menu
To complete your meal, many Mongolian BBQ spots offer a selection of beverages ranging from soft drinks to specialty teas and alcoholic options.
| Drink | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soda (Coke, Sprite, etc.) | Classic carbonated soft drinks. | $1.99 (refillable) |
| Green Tea (Hot/Iced) | Traditional Asian tea, served hot or cold. | $2.49 |
| Bubble Tea | Sweet tea with tapioca pearls. | $4.99 |
| Beer (Asian Brands) | Popular Asian beers like Tsingtao or Sapporo. | $5.99 – $6.99 |
| Sake | Japanese rice wine served warm or cold. | $6.99 (small bottle) |
Tips for Ordering Mongolian BBQ
1. Start With Your Protein: Choose 2 to 3 types to get a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
Consider mixing a lean protein like chicken with a richer one like lamb or beef.
2. Load Up on Veggies: Vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrition.
Don’t hesitate to try less common options like zucchini or bean sprouts for variety.
3. Choose Your Carbs Wisely: Egg noodles are traditional and absorb sauce well, but brown rice is a healthier alternative.
4. Experiment With Sauces: Try combining sweet and spicy sauces for a complex taste.
Garlic and sesame oil add depth and aroma.
5. Don’t Forget Sides: Appetizers and soups can prepare your palate and complement the main dish perfectly.
Conclusion
Mongolian BBQ offers a dynamic, flavorful, and customizable dining experience. The menu’s flexibility lets you tailor your meal exactly to your preference, whether you favor spicy, sweet, vegetarian, or meaty dishes.
Understanding the typical menu and pricing can help you make the most of your visit.
With options ranging from individual bowls to all-you-can-eat buffets, Mongolian BBQ fits a variety of budgets and appetites. The extensive selection of fresh ingredients, sauces, and sides ensures there is something for everyone.
Enjoy your Mongolian BBQ adventure and savor every flavorful bite!
