First Look: Naadam

Posted on 22 March, 2023

A city that plays host to students, workers and diplomats from across the world, Canberra’s multicultural makeup is reflected in its diverse dining scene.

However, Munkhbilguun ‘Mugi’ Khishigbayar always felt something was missing: an authentic and elevated Mongolian offering. Now, he’s opened that very venue.

Meet Naadam—a restaurant that offers Canberra’s first authentic Mongolian dining experience. Opening in Phillip in 2021, Mugi says that Naadam is the passion project he’s wanted to see in Canberra for decades—and one he hopes sparks foodies’ curiosity.

“This restaurant has been created purely from passion. We as Mongolians get asked a lot about “What it’s like in Mongolia?” and “What’s the food like?” and we didn’t have an answer until now unless you cook it yourself,” he says.

“We wanted to be the answer to it. We want anybody who comes into venue to be proud to be sitting in our venue and boast that this is actual Mongolian food and it was created by Mongolians.”

Curious as to what an authentic Mongolian menu looks like? Mugi explains his rich and unique food culture is rooted in place and tradition—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be elevated to new heights.

“The Mongolian cuisine itself has been there for hundreds of years but it has not been developed in a commercial or industrial way at all compared to other Asian cuisines like Japanese or Chinese,” he reveals. “It’s still in its ‘home meal’ phase…it has not been done in commercial high restaurant level setting at all. We are trying to break that shell and bring out the food to the next level.”

“The main flavours of Mongolian cuisine embrace the natural flavours of the ingredients and not season things too much. All the flavour profiles are simple and basic flavours but bold. It’s usually quite comforting in its feeling but you end up feeling grabbing for more.”

 

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With two menus available for diners—‘Mongol Intro’ and ‘Buckle Up’—Mugi says Naadam is all about wowing Canberrans with the highlights of Mongolian fare.

“Our main goal was to showcase the unique techniques or indigenous ingredients that have developed throughout time and which are not found in other countries. We have started out with the most comfortable Mongolian dishes which are regularly enjoyed back in Mongolia. We have tried to elevate it as much as possible without losing the core taste and techniques we used.”

“Our kitchen is led by a trio of Mongolian female chefs who have been working in various different cuisines before this venture. This has given us an opportunity to combine and use the techniques from other cultures in some of our items.”

 

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While you won’t find the misnamed Sizzling Mongolian Beef anywhere on the menu, you will find Mongolian barbeque, or horhog.

“It’s mainly lamb that has been seared and cooked with rocks that have been heated up until they’re red,” explains Mugi. “It is actually served with the rocks still in it, which keeps the meat warm for longer, as well as giving it flavour.”

Mugi also encourages diners to try Naadam’s dumplings with handmade fillings. “It gives a huge textural difference to dishes,” he explains.

 

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One thing you might notice before you even get to the barbeque or dumplings, however, is the enormous red yurt in Naadam’s courtyard, which stands alongside a vibrant mural of Mongolia. Called a ger, which translates to ‘home’, the yurt functions as both an homage to Mugi’s home country and a space for private events.

“It represents the nomadic lifestyle of Mongolians to the fullest extent,” he explains. “The atmosphere it creates is unparalleled as it literally transports you to Mongolia. During the winter it will be warm and cosy and in the summer away from the sun with the walls lifted it will quite cool.”

So far, Mugi says Canberra’s reception to Mongolian food has been very warm indeed.

“Anybody who has tried our food has been very happy and the main thing is they have come back for it. When come visit us you not only have a great meal and service you will get part of our culture.”

Feature image via instagram.com/naadam.cbr