Best Mongolia Foods You Must Have in the Trip
Mongolia foods staple consists of milk and meat, and they are not very fond of vegetables. Although, nomadic Mongolians do use seasoning or spices in their cooking but prefer their tea with some salt. They love their dumplings steamed, not fried, and use a wok for stir-frying their dishes. Mongolian gastronomy is quite enticing. Here people prefer to use local ingredients.
Mongolian Staples and Drinks
A popular countryside dinner staple is makh. Here the entire sheep is boiled with sliced potato and carrots meat and served with bortzig (bread). Another local favorite is the khorkhog – where the meat is cooked in an open fire inside a sealed urn. Usually, a dash of vodka is sprinkled on the meat to make it tender and soft. Milk and dairy products are essential Mongolia foods and included in almost every meal.
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Mongols love their teas (Süütei Tsai) with a dash of salt, which gives it a unique taste. Although the taste varies from region to region, in Bayan-Ölgii the texture of the tea is completely different due to the usage of butter. Black tea or Khar tsai is often served with optional sugar. Apart from tea, Mongolians love their Vodka (arkhi) – and can easily drink the traveler under the table if challenged. Here beer is also available.
In the countryside, airag - fermented mare’s milk – is often found in almost every ger. Although, it comes with less than 5% of alcohol – beware as it can be heavy on the gut.
Special Dishes during Celebrations
During Naadam Festival, another important festival of the country, meat-stuffed pancakes or khuushuur is served.
See more about 5 Best Traditional Mongolia Festivals
See more about 5 Best Traditional Mongolia Festivals
Eating out in Mongolia
In the city, small diners and cafes are operational where guests can eat local and international cuisines. Whereas in the outskirts, food might be available only in the Ger camps or small hotels. These eateries serve Mongolian cuisines, suitable for the western palate.
Eating Etiquettes
Although not customary, guests bringing in gifts or drinks for dinner invitation is appreciated by the host. If you are invited by the locals for dinner, then try to bring in some drinks, bread, rice, or fruit for the host.
Remember, if you are offered a drink in Mongolian household, then before sipping in the drink dip your left ring finger into it and flick it four times. It is done to honor the sky god and the four-cardinal direction. Try to follow the lead of the host and you will be fine.
Mongolia foods represent the nomadic culture of the locals and show how these people survived the rugged landscape of the country. Do try these interesting dishes, and explore something offbeat in the heart of Asia.
Further Reading:Top 4 Mongolian Street Food to Sample for FoodiesMongolian Desserts Worth a TryEnjoying a Mongolian HotpotHow to Enjoy an Authentic Mongolian BBQ15 Best Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar
- Last updated on Apr. 19, 2021 -