Food Technologist | Culinary Pioneer | Founder of Mongolia’s some Iconic Restaurants Bayangerel Lamjav is an accomplished food technologist and trailblazing entrepreneur whose work has significantly shaped the development of Mongolia’s modern food and hospitality industry. With over two decades of experience, she is widely recognized for introducing new culinary concepts to the country and for establishing some of Mongolia’s most influential dining establishments.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2001 when she founded Mon Donald’s, one of the very first fast food restaurants in Mongolia. This venture was ground-breaking at the time, offering the Mongolian public a new, efficient dining option that blended international-style service with local tastes. McDonald’s became a symbol of innovation in the early 2000s and laid the foundation for the fast food culture that followed.
In 2005, driven by a vision to elevate Mongolia’s dining experience, Bayangerel launched Imperator, a luxury fine dining restaurant. Imperator quickly earned a prestigious reputation for its exquisite cuisine, elegant atmosphere, and exceptional service. It set new industry standards and became a favourite among high-profile clientele, diplomats, and international visitors. The restaurant remains a landmark in Mongolia’s high-end culinary scene.
Continuing her passion for health, wellness, and ethical eating, Bayangerel founded Govinda’s, Mongolia’s first-ever vegetarian restaurant, in 2008. Govinda’s introduced a completely new concept to the local market and played a pioneering role in promoting plant-based diets in the country. With its spiritual and health-conscious foundation, these restaurants attracted so many customers and inspired the growth of vegetarian and vegan cuisine in Mongolia.