Top Baotou local food and restaurants, what and where to eat

Top 10 foods you simply can't miss while traveling in Baotou

What Famous Local Food to Eat

Top 1: Genghis Khan Teppanyaki /成吉思汗烤肉

Baotou Genghis Khan Barbecue is a distinctive style of grilled meat that uses an iron griddle as the cooking surface. It is said to have originated from the legend that Genghis Khan and his warriors once grilled meat on their helmets during military campaigns. The dish primarily features lamb, along with beef and chicken, which are thinly sliced, marinated, and grilled on the hot iron plate. Once cooked, the meat is dipped in sesame paste, chili, and other seasonings for a rich and savory flavor. This traditional grilling technique has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Inner Mongolia, reflecting both the region’s culinary creativity and its nomadic heritage.

Top 2: Roasted lamb tail / 烤羊尾巴

Roasted lamb tail is a signature delicacy of Baotou, made from tender, fatty lamb tails seasoned with cumin, Sichuan pepper, and other spices before being grilled over charcoal. The result is a dish that is juicy, flavorful, and pleasantly spicy. In Baotou, savoring roasted lamb tail has become more than just a meal—it’s a unique cultural experience.

Top 3: Lamb shumai / 羊肉烧麦

Lamb shumai is a traditional snack of Baotou, featuring thin wrappers and generous fillings made with tender, flavorful lamb. These steamed dumplings resemble delicate white flowers blooming in the rising steam. Paired with a bowl of hot Mongolian milk tea, they offer a taste that is both rich and unforgettable.

Top 4: Roasted Whole Lamb / 烤全羊

Roasted Whole Lamb, a famous dish that's a symbol of Mongolian hospitality, the succulent meat is roasted whole over an open fire and seasoned with cumin and other spices. 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 5: Stewed Lamb Shank Bones / 炖羊棒骨

Stewed Lamb Shank Bones is a beloved traditional dish in Baotou, cherished for its rich flavor and tender texture. The dish is made mainly from lamb shanks and tendons, slow-cooked until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and the broth fragrant but not greasy. Its hearty taste and nourishing quality make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike, appealing to both the young and the old.

Top 6: Baotou Lao Chatang (Old Tea Soup) / 包头老茶汤

Baotou Lao Chatang (Old Tea Soup) is one of the city’s signature local delicacies, celebrated for its rich tea aroma and distinctive preparation method. The most iconic tool used is the “Dragon-Spout Copper Kettle,” a large traditional teapot with a long, elegant spout. Boiling water is poured from the kettle into a bowl containing millet flour, instantly transforming it into a steaming, apricot-colored porridge. It is then topped with brown sugar, raisins, goji berries, hawthorn, melon seeds, and sesame, creating a sweet, fragrant, and nourishing treat. Often served in Baotou’s teahouses and snack stalls, Lao Chatang has become a beloved local specialty enjoyed by both residents and visitors.

Top 7: Youmian (Oat Noodles) / 莜面

Youmian (Oat Noodles) is a well-known local specialty, valued for its rich nutrition and unique texture. Made from ground naked oats, it is high in protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins. In winter, Youmian is often served hot in a hearty soup with potatoes and meat, while in summer, it is enjoyed cold with tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and other seasonal vegetables. Versatile in preparation, Youmian can be steamed, boiled, or stir-fried, and is also known for its health benefits, such as helping to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.

Top 8: Mutton Hotpot /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 Baotou. 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 9: 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 10: Buckwheat Cake (Qiaomian Nagao) / 固阳荞面拿糕

Buckwheat Cake (Qiaomian Nagao) is a traditional local snack from Baotou, particularly popular in Guyang County. It is made from freshly harvested buckwheat flour, which is stirred twice with boiling water and then steamed into a soft, chewy dough. The most authentic way to enjoy it is by dipping the cake into a cold soup made from pickled vegetable brine, mixed with chili oil, chopped scallions, cilantro, and shredded cucumber. With its refreshing flavor and distinctive texture, Guyang Buckwheat Cake is a timeless favorite on Baotou’s dining tables, loved for its simplicity and rich local character.

Where to Try Typical Food

Little Sheep Hotpot Restaurant/ 小肥羊

Little Sheep Hotpot is a well-loved restaurant chain popular among both locals and visitors. Known for its clean environment, attentive service, and welcoming atmosphere, it specializes in lamb hotpot, offering a wide selection of meats such as tender Xilingol Grassland lamb. The menu also includes delicious side dishes like handmade sesame biscuits, signature wide noodles, and cold mixed oat noodles. The flavorful nourishing clear broth brings out the natural taste of the lamb, making dining at Little Sheep a comforting and satisfying experience that reflects the authentic flavors of Inner Mongolia.

• Recommended: Xilingol Grassland lamb, signature wide noodles, handmade sesame biscuits, cold mixed oat noodles.
• Address: No. 9 Wulan Road, near Baotou Hotel.
• Telephone: 0472-5188998

Mashoujiang Baotou Old Guanzi Restaurant / 马守疆包头老管子

Mashoujiang Baotou Old Guanzi Restaurant is a long-established halal restaurant in Baotou, located next to the Baotou Museum. The restaurant features a traditional design with an ancient city gate–style façade, giving it a distinctive charm. Inside, the elegant setting provides a warm and authentic dining atmosphere. It offers a wide range of classic halal dishes, traditional Baotou specialties, and Mongolian-inspired cuisine.

• Recommended: braised dishes in copper pots, crispy-boned fish, lamb shaomai, and mixed lamb offal, making it a must-visit place to experience Baotou’s local flavors and cultural heritage.
• Address: Opposite No. 1 Mansion, No. 32, Minzu East Road, Kundulun District, Baotou City
• Telephone: 0472-4842888

Linjia Restaurant / 林家菜馆

Linjia Restaurant is a long-established eatery in Baotou that has been serving locals for nearly 30 years. The interior features antique-style wooden décor, including traditional windows and wooden tables, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that reflects the heritage of Old Beiliang. The restaurant’s signature dish, braised pork bones in rich broth, is slow-cooked for two hours using a secret family recipe passed down through three generations, resulting in a flavorful and tender delicacy. Alongside its homestyle stir-fries, Linjia Restaurant remains a beloved choice among locals for its authentic taste and comforting flavors.

• Recommended: braised pork bones in rich broth
• Address: Baotou Golden Street
• Telephone: 04724177488

Muyangding Shumai Restaurant / 牧羊鼎烧麦

Muyangding Shumai Restaurant is a well-known eatery in Baotou, located at the east gate of Jin Street. With its traditional-style architecture and clean, welcoming environment, it has become a favorite breakfast spot for locals. The restaurant mainly serves authentic Baotou dishes and Mongolian-style hotpot, but it’s true highlight is the traditional Baotou shumai. Each delicate shumai resembles a beautiful blooming flower, giving off an irresistible aroma that captures the essence of local flavor and craftsmanship.

• Recommended: Baotou Shumai, Mongolian-style hotpot
• Address: Baotou Jinjie East Gate Shepherd's Cauldro
• Telephone: 17694803662

Old Wu Tea Soup / 五代老吴茶汤

Old Wu Tea Soup is a time-honored tea house in Baotou that continues to use its century-old copper kettle, preserving the traditional craftsmanship passed down through five generations. Each step of preparation follows the meticulous methods of the old masters, resulting in a rich, aromatic tea soup deeply loved by locals. Here, visitors can not only savor delicious tea soup but also experience a piece of intangible cultural heritage. Signature offerings include Eight-Treasure Tea Soup, Milk Skin and Green Millet Tea Soup, and Milk Skin and Pepper-Salt Tea Soup.

• Recommended: Tea Soup
• Address: Baotou Jinjie
• Telephone: 18904729602

Food street

Baotou Jin Street (Baotou Jin Jie): Baotou Jin Street is a historic commercial avenue lined with traditional shops and old local brands. It is a paradise for authentic Baotou flavors, renowned for Yellow River intangible cultural heritage foods and traditional snacks such as Old Baotou Tea Soup, Shaomai (steamed dumplings), and Xiaomian (millet noodles). Walking along the street, visitors can enjoy the nostalgic charm of old Baotou and taste time-honored delicacies loved by generations.

Minzu East Road Food Street: This food street gathers many upscale restaurants popular among local white-collar workers and food lovers. At the same time, it also offers affordable eateries known for their distinctive flavors and hearty portions. A great example is Bameng Renjia, a local favorite serving youmian (oat noodles) and braised dishes, representing authentic Baotou home-style cuisine.

Fuqiang Road Food Street: is famous for its seafood restaurants, such as Xibei Ocean Restaurant and Fisherman’s Wharf (Qingshan Flagship), where seafood lovers can enjoy freshly sourced ingredients. Prices are slightly higher, but the freshness and flavor make it well worth the visit.

Laodong Road Food Street: brings together a wide range of restaurants offering various cuisines and price levels. Well-known establishments include Southland Fishing Harbor, specializing in Cantonese cuisine and seafood with a refined dining environment, and Meng Gu Xiang, known for Mongolian dishes, hotpot, and youmian. This street perfectly showcases Baotou’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene.

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• Weather: best time and seasons to visit Baotou
• Top attractions: well-selected top attractions in Baotou
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, festivals, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Baotou
• Abundant activities: Baotou cultural immersions
• Unique perspective: top interesting things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Baotou
• Luxury hotels: accommodation to stay in Baotou
• Baotou Tours: customized tours for your reference