Naadam Restaurant Canberra Honest Review – Authentic Mongolian Food, Yurt Dining Experience

Naadam Restaurant Canberra Honest Review – Authentic Mongolian Food, Yurt Dining Experience

* 2026 Update (Originally Published: Dec 2025): Following my move from Google Blogger to this new WordPress site, I’ve updated this review with 2026 Australian pricing and current menu details for Naadam Restaurant to ensure you have the most accurate information for your visit.

Authentic Mongolian ger entrance at Naadam Restaurant Canberra

An authentic Mongolian feel at the restaurant entrance.

I was looking for something different from my usual meals, so I decided to try Mongolian food for the first time. Naadam had an amazing rating, so I went with quite high expectations. After visiting, I can understand why so many people love this place. ⭐ Rating: 4.8 / 501 reviews (as of May 2026).

Reservation & Free Parking Info

I made the booking through the official website [Here].

Close to the visit date, they sent me an email with a detailed map showing free parking areas. Also, you can check the details about parking on their website. It had clear red arrows, which were very kind and helpful for first-time visitors.

Canberra Yurt Dining Experience & Mongolian Restaurant Atmosphere

It was a bit chilly that day, so originally I was planning to sit inside. But the staff told me the yurt (Mongolian ger) was not cold at all, so we decided to sit there.

The yurt was warm and cozy, and the interior was decorated with Mongolian photos and traditional items. I felt like I was travelling somewhere rather than just eating dinner in Canberra.

Interior of Naadam yurt showing Mongolian photos and traditional decor, tables for two and large group seating

Seating includes several two-person tables and one large table for about 10 people.

Naadam Mocktails & Drink Options

They have some mocktails, which is nice for people who don’t drink alcohol. The drinks themselves were okay — not too special, not bad — but good enough to enjoy with the food.

Naadam Restaurant Canberra cocktail menu with various creative drinks
Mocktail menu at Naadam Canberra

Queen’s Kiss mocktail served at Naadam Restaurant Canberra

My husband pick – Queen’s Kiss Mocktail

Mongolian Hills cocktail with full ice at Naadam Canberra, needs mixing

My pick- Mongolian Hills Cocktails- Ice-filled, requires careful mixing to balance flavours properly

Naadam Restaurant Set Menu ($55/$85) for Beginners

They do have individual dishes, but since we are not familiar with Mongolian cuisine, we decided to choose the set menu. Naadam offers two sets:

  • $55 set: The most popular option for first-time visitors.
  • $85 set: A more extensive selection.

We are not big eaters, and we planned to go for dessert after dinner, so we ordered the $55 set. Interestingly, the other two groups inside the yurt also ordered the same $55 menu. It seems like this is the most popular option for first-time visitors.

Customer Service & Dining Experience

  • Staff explained each dish when serving.
  • They checked if we were enjoying the food while clearing plates.
  • Staff were warm and attentive, making the experience very pleasant.

Naadam Restaurant Mongolian Food Review

1. Ox Tongue

  • The texture was very soft and easy to slice.
  • The mild sauce added flavour without being too strong.
  • Well-balanced and pleasant to eat.

Close-up of Ox Tongue dish at Naadam Canberra with pickled red cabbage and subtle sauce

The OX Tongue is served in six slices, featuring soft and moist meat with pickled red cabbage and a subtle sauce that enhances the umami flavour.

Ox Tongue sliced to show soft and tender texture at Naadam Restaurant Canberra

When cut, the OX Tongue shows a perfectly cooked texture that is tender and delicious

2. Round Beef Pocket

  • Crispy but also a bit fluffy on the outside, with beef inside.
  • The chewy beef and crunchy carrot matched well.
  • Even without extra sauce, the subtle umami flavour was nice.

Round Beef Pocket served at Naadam Canberra

The Round Beef Pocket initially looks like an ordinary wrap when served

Round Beef Pocket cut open showing juicy beef in Naadam Canberra

Cutting open reveals the juicy beef inside; best enjoyed as a wrap.

Inside Round Beef Pocket with carrot, beef, jalapeño, sriracha-mayo sauce at Naadam Canberra

The combination of ingredients is best enjoyed wrapped, and it quickly became my husband’s favourite dish.

3. Covered Soup

  • Spinach dough on top, break to reveal warm soup inside.
  • Dough has a slightly jelly-like, sticky texture, a bit tricky to separate from the bowl.
  • Dipping dough into soup makes it chewy and enjoyable.
  • Unique flavour compared to other Asian soups, a novel experience.

Close-up of Covered Soup at Naadam Restaurant Canberra with spinach dough on top

The covered soup has a spinach dough on top that hides a warm and savoury soup underneath

Covered Soup with meat inside, warming dish at Naadam Restaurant Canberra

The soup contains meat and is hearty and warming, perfect for a chilly day

4. Mongolian Barbecue

  • Sauce was poured on top when served, creating a sizzling sound.
  • Aroma and sound immediately boost appetite.
  • Rich and flavorful, though slightly oily and a bit salty for me.

Mongolian Lamb dish at Naadam Canberra, tender and juicy meat

The Mongolian Lamb is extremely tender and juicy, easy to tear apart and enjoy

Close-up of Mongolian Lamb cut section showing moist texture at Naadam Canberra

A close-up of the lamb shows its soft and moist texture in detail

5. Extra Dish: Savoury Doughnuts

  • Traditional Mongolian doughnuts, 5 pieces.
  • Light and savoury, not sweet.
  • Tastes even better when dipped lightly in barbecue sauce or soup.

Traditional Mongolian Doughnuts served as side dish at Naadam Restaurant Canberra

The traditional Mongolian doughnuts are served as a side dish, light and savoury.

Inside of Mongolian Doughnut showing light and airy texture at Naadam Canberra

When cut open, the doughnuts show an airy texture that can be enjoyed without feeling too full

Naadam Canberra Review Summary

  • Food: Satisfying and unique experience
  • Service: Friendly, kind, and well-explained
  • Atmosphere: The yurt (ger) experience was special
  • Price: Reasonable ($55 set menu)
  • Would I return? Yes

They also update Instagram and Facebook quite frequently, so you can check recent photos and announcements there.
We originally planned to go for dessert afterward, but after the set menu and savoury doughnuts, we became too full.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable dinner and I fully understand why the reviews are so high.

As of May 2026, I’ve confirmed that the set menus remain the same as when we visited in December. Even if you don’t choose a set menu, all the dishes included are available to order as individual a la carte items. I hope this information remains helpful for anyone planning a visit.

Opening Hours and Surcharge Info

Lunch: Fri & Sat (11:30am – 2:30pm)
Dinner: Tue-Thu, Sun (5:15pm – 9:00pm), Fri-Sat (5:15pm – 10:00pm)
Surcharge: Sunday 10%, Public Holidays 15% (We visited on Sunday, and the 10% surcharge was applied.)

👉 Looking for more Asian cuisine in Canberra? Check out my review of The Q Dining’s Vietnamese Feed Me menu.

📍 Naadam Restaurant Location:

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.

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