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Mongolian food and meals

When people think of Mongolian food, many imagine a diet centered solely around meat and dairy. While it's true that traditional Mongolian cuisine reflects the country’s harsh climate and nomadic heritage, this common misconception is gradually fading. In today’s Mongolia, especially in urban areas and tourism-focused services, balanced, diverse, and even vegetarian-friendly meals are widely available.

Whether you're a foodie, a vegetarian traveler, or simply curious about what to expect, Mongolia has something delicious waiting for you.

Modern Mongolian Cuisine: More Than Just Meat and Dairy
With the rise of international tourism and urban development, Mongolia’s food scene has evolved. Today, you’ll find a wide variety of cuisines in major cities like Ulaanbaatar—from Italian pastas and Korean BBQ to Indian curries and vegetarian cafes.

Traveling with a responsible tour company like Selena Travel Mongolia means your dietary needs and preferences are always respected. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, our team works closely with top restaurants to ensure your meals are not only safe, but satisfying.

Experience Authentic Mongolian Food—The Traditional Way
If you’re eager to experience authentic Mongolian cuisine, you’re in for a treat. With Selena Travel, you’ll have the rare opportunity to cook alongside real Mongolian nomads, learning firsthand how to prepare traditional meals passed down through generations.

Famous Traditional Mongolian Dishes

Boodog: A whole goat cooked from the inside using hot stones. The entrails are removed through the neck, and the body is filled with heated stones that cook the meat from within.
Khorkhog: A stew of lamb or goat slow-cooked with river stones inside a sealed metal container over an open flame.
Buuz: Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat, garlic, and onions—served during festivals and family celebrations.

These hearty meals are designed to nourish in extreme climates, packed with protein and essential nutrients.

What Do Mongolians Drink?
Mongolian drinks are just as fascinating as the food. Some of the most iconic include:

Airag: Fermented mare’s milk, slightly alcoholic and rich in probiotics.
Shimiin Arkhi: Traditional Mongolian milk vodka, distilled from yogurt.
Suutei Tsai: Salted milk tea brewed with wild herbs, a staple in every nomadic household.

Tsagaan Idee: Mongolia’s Unique Dairy Tradition

Mongolian nomads produce over 40 types of dairy products, known collectively as Tsagaan Idee (“white food”). These include yogurt, curds, dried milk snacks, and even dairy-based vodka. The production follows three primary methods:

Boiling and Skimming Foam – Used for yogurt and clotted cream.
Curdling – For making cheese-like products like aaruul (dried curds).
Fermentation – For producing drinks like airag and arkhi.

These methods, perfected over centuries, ensure that nomads can preserve nutrients and survive long winters.

Sample Recipe: Khorkhog (Traditional Mongolian Barbecue)

Ingredients:

Lamb or goat meat (bone-in)
Potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onions, garlic
Salt and black pepper
River stones (smooth and round)
Water

Cooking Method:

1. Wash and chop meat and vegetables into large pieces.

2. Layer them in a metal container (traditionally a pressure canister) with river stones heated over a fire.

3. Season with salt and pepper. Add a little water to create steam.

4. Seal the container tightly and cook over open flames for about 1–2 hours.

5. Once done, the hot stones are passed from hand to hand—a Mongolian tradition believed to relieve stress and promote well-being.

Did you know? Holding warm Khorkhog stones in your hands is considered a natural therapy for fatigue and stress among nomads.

Dining with Selena Travel: Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
When you travel with Selena Travel, you’ll enjoy Mongolian cuisine at carefully selected restaurants for welcome and farewell dinners. We also organize authentic home-cooked meals in the countryside, giving you a true taste of nomadic life.

We offer a diverse range of international cuisines including:

Chinese, Japanese, Korean
Italian, French, Russian
Mexican, Indian, Pakistani, Ukrainian
Every meal is flexible—you order what you enjoy, and we take care of the rest.

Final Thoughts: Food as a Gateway to Mongolian Culture
Mongolian food is more than just sustenance—it's a reflection of the country’s resilience, hospitality, and connection to nature.

Whether you’re savoring a steaming dumpling, sipping salted milk tea in a yurt, or learning how to ferment mare’s milk from a local herder, you’re engaging with a rich culinary tradition that few travelers get to truly experience.

Ready to taste the real Mongolia? Just bring your appetite—and we’ll handle the rest.