Mongol Cafe — Restaurant in San Francisco

I haven't had exposure to a lot of Mongolian food so when I happened to cross Mongol Café a couple of days ago I decided to check it out. It is located on Geary and Larkin which technically speaking is in Nob Hill but for all practical purposes is in SF's hood (Tenderloin). Upon walking in on a Saturday afternoon, I saw about 2 tables with patrons partaking in what looked like soup noodles. I walked over to the counter to find it completely empty. There was another gentlemen who was waiting there and unfortunately I mistook him to be someone working in the restaurant something he quickly set straight. Well there was nothing more to do than just wait for the host/hostess to show up; which he did after almost 5 minutes. During this time a third patron walked in and then out after about a minute or so.

Anyway, I asked for the menu and found a couple of things that looked familiar like Borsh and Goulash but what did not sound familiar and had a nice ring to was Buuz ($10.25) so I decided to go with that. As per their site its steam cooked bun, filled with ground beef and garnished with 2 small salad servings. Julienne cut carrots seasoned with garlic and dressed in mayonnaise. After ordering to my surprise I could pay with a card and then it was a short 10-minute wait and I was on my way.

I got a decent sized container with about 10 steamed dumplings and a small salad on the side. The dumpling was big and had a thick outer layer (like har gow) and had a beef based filling. It was clear that these had been frozen or at-least refrigerated before because they had not fully thawed before being steamed. Unfortunately, the Buuz that I got was not the good type.

As already mentioned I don't know a lot about Mongolian food so I can't say if they like their dumplings this way "back home" but what I can say is I did not. Price-wise I thought it was a little expensive for just dumplings but I guess the specialty food tag justifies it. I think I should have gotten the soup that the other patrons in the restaurant were having which is what I guess I plan to do during my next visit. But given what I had I'm in no hurry to do that. Generous 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 is how I'd...

Muslim, Jewish and other customers who don't eat pork, please beware that they put a little ham in one of their small side salad. Make sure to check before you eat. This is a family owned business, they serve authentic Mongolian food. They are very kind people despite some peoples perception. I am a regular customer. I eat or at least get something there at least once a day. The place is very clean in a not so clean neighborhood. Mongol cafe prices are good. You get a lot for your money. Much blessings to Mongol...

Fried beef dumplings, noodle dishes, and assorted soups in the Mongolian tradition. Seemingly a favorite of Mongolian immigrants who make it a point to stop by. The friendly staff will answer the questions of newcomers. Doubles as a conventional coffee and pastry shop. Enjoy the Mongolian live concert videos on the wide screen. Hours and service can be a bit unpredictable on weekends, but it's our privilege and honor to to seek and explore the peer cultures...