Experience the Spirit of Naadam—Right Here in Canberra!
- Gerel Baatar
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Dear friends, customers, and fellow food lovers,
We are beyond excited to share something truly close to our hearts—Canberra’s first-ever Naadam Festival on July 20, 2025, at Glebe Park! As Naadam Restaurant, this festival means the world to us. Not only do we share its name, but we also strive every day to bring the essence of Naadam—its culture, flavours, and spirit—right to your table. While travelers from across the globe spend countless hours and resources to witness Naadam in Mongolia, we are honoured to bring this iconic celebration directly to our Canberra community.
What Makes Naadam So Special?
Naadam is Mongolia’s most treasured festival, a vibrant tradition that has united communities for over 2,000 years. Known as "Eriin Gurvan Naadam" or "the Three Manly Games," it features wrestling, archery, and horse racing—each a living testament to Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and warrior spirit. It’s not just a sporting event; it’s a joyful celebration of national pride, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Heartbeat of Naadam: Mongolian Wrestling
At the core of our Canberra Naadam is Mongolian wrestling (Bökh)—a sport rich in ritual, strength, and tradition. There are no weight classes or time limits; victory is claimed when any part of your opponent’s body, except hands or feet, touches the ground. Before each match, wrestlers perform the mesmerizing "eagle dance," spreading their arms wide to honor ancient legends and connect with centuries of tradition.
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome athletes from BJJ, judo, wrestling, and grappling backgrounds across ACT and NSW. With $2,000 in prize money and a special Gym Trophy for the club with the most wins, the competition promises to be both fierce and fun!
A Culinary Journey: Taste Naadam with Us
Naadam Restaurant is proud to serve as your culinary gateway to Mongolia. At the festival, we’ll be preparing two of our most beloved dishes:
Naadam Khuushuur: These golden, crispy pastries—stuffed with seasoned mutton or beef and aromatic spices—are the soul of every Naadam celebration. More than just food, Khuushuur is a symbol of togetherness and joy.
Mongolian Barbecue (Khorkhog): Experience the true taste of Mongolia with meat cooked using super-heated stones, creating a smoky, tender feast reminiscent of nomadic traditions dating back to Genghis Khan.
Festival Details
Date: Sunday, July 20, 2025
Location: Glebe Park, Canberra
Organiser: ACT Mongolian Community Association (with Naadam Restaurant as proud co-organiser)
This family-friendly event will feature not only wrestling, but also cultural performances, traditional music, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. All competitors will receive traditional Mongolian wrestling attire—just bring your energy and non-slip shoes for the grass!
Join Us for a Day of Culture, Community, and Cuisine
Naadam isn’t just a festival; it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and the universal joy of sharing good food. Whether you’re competing, cheering, or simply soaking up the culture with your family, there’s something unforgettable waiting for you.
Bringing Naadam to Canberra has been our dream, and we’re deeply honored to share this moment with you. Let’s make history together—right here, right now.
Registration closes: July 19, 2025
Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to be part of Canberra’s first-ever Naadam Festival!
With heartfelt excitement,
The Naadam Restaurant Family
P.S. Save room for our Khuushuur and Mongolian barbecue—they’ll be sizzling all day, ready to fuel your adventure!
The best restaurant for Mongolian BBQ at Naadam Canberra!
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