Food & Drinks in Mongolia

Mongolian cuisine reflects the nomadic lifestyle—hearty, warm, and designed to sustain people in harsh climates. From meat-filled dumplings to stone-cooked barbecue, the country offers a diverse range of dishes that every traveler should experience. Here is your comprehensive guide to Mongolian cuisine and beverages.

   1. Traditional Mongolian Dishes

 Buuz (Steamed Dumplings)

One of Mongolia’s most iconic foods, especially during Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year).

• Filled with seasoned mutton or beef
• Soft, juicy, and savory
  Perfect comfort food on the steppe.

 Khuushuur (Fried Meat Pastry)

Deep-fried dough filled with minced meat. Popular during Naadam Festival.

• Crispy outside
• Juicy inside
  A must-try street food.

  Tsuivan (Handmade Noodle Stir-Fry)

Noodles steamed together with meat and vegetables.
Simple, filling, and flavorful—loved by locals.

  Bantan (Flour Soup)

A light, comforting soup made with flour crumbs and broth.
Often served when someone is sick — Mongolian “healing soup.”

 2. Mongolian Barbecue & Special Cooking Techniques

  Khorkhog (Stone-Cooked Barbecue)

One of Mongolia’s most famous dishes, often cooked outdoors.
Meat (mostly mutton) is placed in a sealed pot with:

• Hot stones
• Vegetables
• Salt & seasoning

The pressure creates incredibly tender, smoky meat.

  Boodog (Whole Goat or Marmot Cooked From Inside)

A dramatic and unique cooking method.

• A whole animal is cooked by placing heated stones inside the body
• Skin becomes crispy
• Meat becomes juicy and smoky

A special-occasion dish in western Mongolia.

 3. Nomadic Dairy Products

Mongolia is a dairy-rich culture

Nomads rely heavily on milk from horses, cows, yaks, sheep, and goats.

✔ Popular dairy items:

• Suutei Tsai – salted milk tea
• Aaruul – dried curd snacks (sweet or sour)
• Tarag – traditional yoghurt
• Urum – clotted cream
• Byaslag – Mongolian cheese

Dairy is offered to guests as a sign of hospitality.

 4. Traditional Drinks

  Suutei Tsai (Milk Tea)

The national drink of Mongolia.
A warm mix of:

• Black tea
• Milk
• Salt
• Butter (optional)
  Served in every home and ger.

  Airag (Fermented Mare’s Milk)

A refreshing alcoholic drink with a tangy taste.

• Made from mare’s milk
• Slightly fizzy
• Served during celebrations

A cultural experience every traveler should try at least once!

  Vodka (Arkhi)

Used in ceremonies, blessings, and hospitality traditions.
Locals may offer you a small sip as a welcoming gesture.

 5. Vegetarian & Vegan Tips

Mongolia is a meat-heavy cuisine, but vegetarian travelers can still enjoy:

✔ In Ulaanbaatar:

• Vegetarian restaurants
• International cuisine
• Salads, soups, noodles

✔ In the countryside:

• Ask your guide/host in advance
• Expect simple options like:
• Rice
• Noodles
• Potatoes
• Eggs
• Dairy products

Tip: Tell hosts “би мах иддэггүй” (bi mah iddegui = I don’t eat meat).

 6. Eating Etiquette in Mongolia

• Always accept food with your right hand or both hands
• Do not refuse food abruptly—it’s considered impolite
• Taste at least a little of everything offered
• Do not step on the ger threshold
• Compliment the food; nomads take pride in hospitality

 7. Hygiene & Safety Tips for Food

• Avoid drinking tap water—use bottled or boiled water
• Rural areas cook very fresh food (same-day meat)
• Bring stomach medicine if you’re not used to dairy
• Wash hands often while traveling off-road

 What Mongolian Cuisine Offers Travelers

✔ Unique traditional flavors
✔ Hearty meals perfect for active travelers
✔ One-of-a-kind dishes like khorkhog and boodog
✔ A deep cultural connection through food
✔ Warm hospitality you’ll never forget

Mongolian food is more than just a meal—it’s part of the nomadic experience, reflecting survival, generosity, and centuries of tradition.