Mazalae Mongolian Restaurant — Restaurant in Niles Township

I met who is now my wife in Mongolia. She and I love Mongolian food and we cook it together often. We both agree – this restaurant deliciously and authentically represents Mongolian cuisine! If you’re unfamiliar with the Mongolian diet, it largely consists of hearty dishes designed to keep meat on the bones. Mongolian people are traditionally (and many still are) nomadic in a country featuring some of the harshest winters in the world, which vastly influences Mongolian food and culture. Expect dishes prepared with lots of meat, fat, and dairy with a smaller variety of vegetables and generally no sticky sweet sauces. In other words, if your only experience with Mongolian cuisine is with what’s often touted as “Mongolian beef” or “Mongolian barbecue” on American-Chinese takeout menus, please don’t expect to find that here. While these dishes can certainly be delicious, they simply bear very little resemblance to traditional Mongolian food.

With that said, Mazalae hosts all the Mongolian mainstays, and all we tried were as delectable and soulful as any you could find in a restaurant or home kitchen in Ulaanbaatar. I especially recommend the khuushuur (chewy fried pockets of pastry filled with ground meat; served homestyle rather than Naadam-style here), buuz (steamed meat-filled dumplings; truly the best I've tasted are here at Mazalae), tsuivan (chewy noodles supplemented with fatty cuts of beef, and sometimes assorted vegetables like garlic, onions, cabbage, and carrots), khuitsai (rustic beef soup with meatballs, glass noodles, and assorted vegetables), and suutei tsai (literally “milk tea”; think a rich, salty, milky broth). In addition to all the fantastic food, our host was exceptionally charming, hospitable, and rightfully proud to represent a culture not so often experienced here in the States. If you’re already a fan of Mongolian food, you owe it to yourself to dine here. If you love experiencing new foods and cultures, I urge you to give Mazalae a try. Sincerely, I can of very few cuisines or restaurants as comforting as this, especially during the Windy City's more frigid months.

We will certainly be back next time we find ourselves in the...

Here’s the instructions on how to eat there. First, I would call 1-2 days prior to coming. Just let them know you plan on coming with x amount of people at this specific time. They will take note. Next, call on the day of. I just called them an hour after they opened and confirmed that my group of x amount of people will arrive at this time. They said they will see me then. Simple.

When you arrive, they have free street parking in front of the restaurant. The restaurant is not huge, they do have some limited seating if it does get busy. The restaurant is family owned. The mom was serving us. I believe she helps with her husband and daughter in the back. All of the food is made fresh. It’s like eating at someone’s house with a nice home cooked meal. Portion sizes were generous. Prices are cheap for what you receive. This is my second time eating Mongolian food. First was at Arvin in Niles. You also get complimentary milk tea. Mongolian milk tea is more salty than ones in your typical Asian restaurant.

Here is that we ordered:

-khuushuur (beef pastry) 5 - kind of like an empanada with beef inside. It’s juicy too so be careful when taking the first bite. It’s very hot. -glass noodle stir fry 5 - kind of like japchae. Noodles are thin with a variety of ingredients. -dumpling soup 5 - heart soup. There is some bread that you can use to dip. As shown in the picture, a generous amount of dumplings, meat, and veggies. -tsuivan (noodles stir fry) 5 - this is another must when ordering Mongolian food here. Noodles are on the thicker side with slight chew. Well balanced with meat and veggies. -lamb rib soup 5 - one of the favorites. The meat is perfectly cooked. Noodles were chewy but not too much. Good soup for any occasion. -buuz (dumplings) 5 - skin is thicker. Meat inside is succulent and not dry. Very flavorful. This and the khuushuur are musts when...

SHARSAN UUHRIIN MAH — Sizzling Beef with Rice This dish is incredibly satisfying! Stir-fried with bell peppers and onions, paired with potatoes and tender beef, the flavor is rich and aromatic. The beef is cooked just right—tender, juicy, and naturally flavorful, without any additives. Tastes healthy and delicious!

Buuz — Mongolian Steamed Dumplings Thin skin and juicy filling! The dough is soft yet chewy, made with hot water, and the minced lamb inside is slightly chunky, seasoned with garlic for a bold and savory flavor.

HONINII HAVIRGATAI SHOL — Lamb Rib Soup with Veggies and Mini Dumplings A comforting homemade-style soup made by slow-simmering lamb with potatoes, carrots, and celery. The broth is light, flavorful, and not gamey at all. The mini dumplings inside are soft and springy, adding texture to the soup.

Stir-fried Noodles with Beef — A Taste of Home! This dish brings back memories of home! The stir-fried noodles with beef are seasoned simply, making it a healthy and tasty option. The aroma is irresistible—every bite feels like comfort food from back home.

Tips for the Best Experience ✔ Unlimited refills of salty milk tea! The staff is super warm and friendly—just ask for more and they’re happy to serve. ✔ Big portions and affordable prices—perfect for those looking for a hearty meal. ✔ Family-owned restaurant with a cozy,...