Mongolia’s cuisine is simple but packed with flavor. If you’re a fan of hearty meals and meat-centric dishes, then Mongolian food will easily stick to your ribs. It’s a no-fuss, straightforward cuisine that has adapted to the country’s harsh climate, making dishes filling and nutritious. Dairy and meat are staples here, often paired with flatbreads, noodles, or rice. When you travel here, eating like a local is an absolute must.
Mongolia’s Must-Try Dishes
1. Buuz (Steamed Dumplings)
Buuz is one of Mongolia’s most traditional and beloved dishes. These steamed dumplings are usually filled with minced mutton or beef, and sometimes flavored with onions, garlic, and other spices. They’re hearty yet light, making them great for a snack or a full meal. You can find them at local restaurants, home kitchens, and even at street vendors, especially during festivals like Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian Lunar New Year).
2. Khuushuur (Fried Meat Pancakes)
Khuushuur is a street food favorite. These are flat, fried pastries stuffed with minced meat—mostly mutton or beef—and seasoned with garlic and onions. The dough is crispy while the filling is juicy. If you’re visiting during Naadam Festival, this is one item you’ll find everywhere from market stalls to traditional eateries. Don’t miss trying it with some dipping sauce like soy or vinegar.
3. Bansh (Boiled Dumplings)
Similar to buuz but smaller and boiled rather than steamed, bansh is another type of dumpling you should try. These bite-sized treats are often served in soups or stews, often alongside noodles and a rich broth in traditional Mongolian homes. It’s a perfect dish for warming up during Mongolia’s cold winters.
4. Tsuivan (Stir-Fried Noodles)
Tsuivan is a traditional noodle dish made using thick, homemade noodles mixed with fried meat, usually mutton, and vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. It’s served as a one-pan dish, which makes it simple but flavorful. The noodles absorb the rich flavors from the fats of the meat, making for a satisfying meal. Tsuivan is often found in local diners or traditional ger camps.
5. Khorkhog (Mongolian Barbecue)
Khorkhog is not your typical barbecue. This dish is prepared by cooking mutton with hot stones inside a sealed container or metal can. The stones act as both the cooking method and flavor enhancer, introducing a smoky taste to the meat. Carrots, onions, and potatoes are sometimes added. It’s a must-try if you get invited to someone’s home or stay at a nomadic family’s ger camp. This dish is more of an experience, especially when served in the countryside.
6. Boodog (Goat or Marmot Barbecue)
Boodog is a unique dish often reserved for special occasions. It’s made by cooking the meat (usually goat or marmot) from the inside out by placing hot stones inside the carcass. Then, it’s roasted over an open flame. The entire process takes a few hours, but the results are tender and unlike anything you’ve tasted. Boodog is tough to find in restaurants, but if you’re at a festival or staying with a nomadic family, you might get the chance to try it.
7. Guriltai Shul (Noodle Soup)
Guriltai shul is a noodle soup that combines meat pieces—often mutton—with hand-pulled noodles and vegetables. The broth is mild yet nourishing, especially if you need something light on the stomach after days of meat-heavy meals. Many homes and small eateries offer this as a typical lunch or dinner dish, especially in the winter months.
Dairy Products in Mongolian Cuisine
Mongolia is known for its dairy products, made from the milk of cows, yaks, camels, and goats. Here are a few you’ll likely encounter during your stay:
1. Airag (Fermented Mare’s Milk)
Airag is the national drink of Mongolia. Made from fermented horse milk, it’s slightly alcoholic and has a sour taste. It’s an acquired taste, but no trip to Mongolia is complete without trying it. Look for this drink at summer celebrations or rural ger camps. People often serve it cold in wooden bowls, and it has deep cultural significance linked to hospitality.
2. Tvorog (Curd)
Tvorog is a type of curd cheese that can be eaten fresh or dried. It’s popular in rural areas where it’s made at home, but you’ll also find it in city markets. The flavor can vary from mildly sour to tangy. Locals often eat it as a snack or with bread. Some mix it with sugar for a sweeter taste.
3. Yurme (Clotted Cream)
Yurme is a thick, creamy dairy product that’s similar to the clotted cream you might find in the UK. In Mongolia, people often spread it on bread, or eat it mixed with sugar and served with tea. If you like rich dairy, this is something you’ll certainly enjoy.
4. Aaruul (Dried Cheese Curds)
Aaruul is a traditional Mongolian snack made of dried curds. It’s crunchy and hard, and the taste can range from sour to sweet, depending on how it’s made. This is a great snack to try if you’re looking for something unique and full of local flavor. You can buy it in markets or from roadside vendors.
Street Food and Snacks
1. Khorkhog (Barbecue at Stalls)
Khorkhog isn’t just a meal cooked for special events; you can find stalls especially during festivals offering this delicious meat-filled dish. Grab a portion and eat it on the go with your hands like the locals. The smoky taste and tender meat will leave you craving more.
2. Shorlog (Grilled Meat Skewers)
These grilled skewers, mostly made with mutton or beef, are sold on the streets during summer. The meat is simple, only seasoned with salt, and is charcoal-grilled to perfection. Pair it with some flatbread if you’re in the mood for something filling.
3. Boortsog (Mongolian Fried Bread)
Boortsog is a deep-fried bread that can be served as a snack or with tea. They are fluffy inside and crunchy outside. You can dip them in sugar, jam, or serve them plain. They’re easy to spot at local markets and roadside vendors.
Where to Eat in Mongolia
1. Local Markets
If you want an authentic Mongolian food experience, hit up one of the local markets. Markets like Narantuul Market in Ulaanbaatar offer everything from meat dumplings to dairy products. It’s also a great spot to pick up snacks like aaruul or fresh breads like boortsog.
2. Traditional Ger Camps
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Mongolian food culture is by staying at a ger camp. These camps are often run by nomadic families, and you’ll get to taste homemade meals straight from their kitchen. This includes everything from hearty noodle soups to barbecues like khorkhog or boodog. Ger camps also often serve dairy products like airag and aaruul.
3. Street Stalls and Festivals
During events like the Naadam or Tsagaan Sar, street stalls pop up everywhere offering local favorites. Khuushuur, shorlog, and boortsog are just some of the foods you can grab here. Eating at these festivals is affordable and offers you an interesting culinary experience.
4. Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar’s dining scene is rapidly growing. Here, you’ll find restaurants that offer modern takes on traditional dishes as well as classic Mongolian fare. Look for places that serve dishes like buuz, tsuivan, or khorkhog. If you’re after a fine dining experience, try dining at restaurants like Modern Nomads or Mongol Shiltgeen which offer fusion dishes along with traditional Mongolian foods.
Final Thoughts on Eating in Mongolia
Mongolian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s nomadic lifestyle: simple, hearty, and designed for those who live in harsh climates. From fat-stewed meat to fresh dairy products, the food here will keep you full and satisfied. Don’t forget to explore local markets, eat at ger camps, and taste everything that comes your way. If you love no-frills food with bold flavors, you’ll fit right into Mongolia’s culinary landscape.
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