Mongolia is the land of expansive grasslands, nomadic tradition, and nourishing food which is a manifestation of rough lifestyle of the inhabitants. When you are going on a trip through this amazing country you can visit such wonderful place like Food in Mongolia as well as the landscapes and traditions of this country are important to you. Through this travel guide about Mongolia, you will find out the flavours, textures and the customary dishes which characterize Mongolian cuisine. Travelling through the distant steppes, or exploring the contemporary streets of Ulaanbaatar, the local food scene presents a perfect combination of simplicity, coziness and history of Mongolia- all that any adventurous foodie can desire.
1. A Cuisine Practiced by Nomadic Life
You can never know about the nature of the food in Mongolia without knowing the way of life of its people. Nomadic traditions greatly affect the Mongolian cuisine, which is why food must be nourishing, healthy, portable, and able to withstand long distances on tough roads. The menu is predominantly based on meat and dairy primarily mutton and beef since livestock is the main part of the Mongolian culture.
The traditional food is meant to last several hours before filling the stomach, shield the body against low temperatures and give energy to live on the steppe. As a guest, it is important to adopt these foods as they will make you get closer to the core of Mongolian life.
2. Buuz Mongolia Beloved Dumplings
Buuz is one of the most well-known dishes of Mongolia and is a dish that any travelling person must visit. These are steamed dumplings and normally filled with minced mutton or beef, combined with onions and basic seasoning. The taste is luxurious but soothing and they are particularly favoured at Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year).
Buuz is a fusion of the Mongolian cuisine: delicious meat, basic spices and hand-shaping. You will see them everywhere- at home kitchens, and street stalls and restaurants.
3. Khuushuur Crispy Fried Meat Pies
Mongolia has buuz, which is a steamed treat, and khuushuur which is a fried treat. Having a thin casing of mutton or beef, these are crispy, golden meat pies deep-fried to perfection. They are also popular snack food in the Naadam Festival where people eat them in between.
The exterior is mildly tough and crunchy, and the interior is full of savoury juices. Food to eat on the go, khuushuur is one of those dishes you would want to have in the future after taking it the first time.
4. Boodog – A True Nomadic Feast
Boodog is among the most distinct foods that you will find in the exploring food in Mongolia. It is made of a whole goat or marmot, and it is roasted on the inside with the assistance of hot stones. The used ancient method of cooking prevents loss of moisture and adds a distinct smoky taste to the meat.
It is usually a part of an ancient celebration and thus it is not only a meal but a tradition. Tourists that desire to experience the originality of the Mongolian culture are advised to sample boodog when visiting the countryside or staying in homesteads.
5. Khorkhog -Barbecue Baked in Stone
Another fable dish that is made using hot stones is Khorkhog but this time it consists of pieces of mutton or goat that is placed in a covered metal container. The flavours are enhanced as the meat is warmed by the stones and the end product is soft juicy barbecue with a unique smoky taste.
Khorkhog can be consumed on excursions in the summer or picnics, or even on family events. Most of the tour operators such as the Go Kite Tours can provide the tourist with a real countryside experience where they will be able to have this traditional barbecue in a beautiful natural environment.
6. Airag – Fermented Mare’s Milk
In Mongolia, one can never have a meal without trying airag, the renowned fermented mare milk in the country. It is slightly fizzy and tangy in taste and is well established by Mongolian hospitality. Airag is served to the visitors as one of the welcoming gifts.
Although the taste is a bit strange to the first-time travellers, it is a vital aspect of the Mongolian culture. Airag sampling will provide you with an actual idea of what the nomadic identity of the country is.
7. Suutei Tsai – Milk Tea with a Just Salted Bite
Suutei tsai is a day to day meal of Mongolian families. It is also salty in taste unlike the usual milk tea and is usually accompanied by snacks such as dairy curds or fried dough. It is hot, cozy and fit to be used on chilly mornings in the steppe.
Suutei tsai is also popular among travellers who usually have it hot during ger stays and it is served by the family together with the normal food. This is an easy drink that indicates the hospitality and friendliness of the Mongolian culture.
8. Aaruul-Solar-dried Dairy Snacks
Aaruul, or dried curd is a popular snack of Mongolians. These dairy servings are small, hard, and tangy and are filled with nutrients and can be taken months without going to waste and suit the life of the nomads well. They are also in various shapes, flavour and sourness.
Although aaruul is a dish to be savored, it is imperative to those who enjoy visiting traditional Food in Mongolia. It is common to see bowls of aaruul at homes, guest camps, and stores in the country.
9. Tsuivan Noodles with Meat Stir-Fried
Tsuivan is a cozy and nutritious meal created using homemade noodles that are fried with any vegetables and bits of meat. It is one of the few Mongolian meals which contain significant portions of carrots, onions, or cabbage.
This food is so popular among the locals since it is rewarding, good and simple to cook. Travellers with weaker palates or also those who are tired of heavy meat meals will enjoy the balanced taste of tsuivan.
10. Gambir Pancake in Mongolian Sweet
Gambir is a sweet delicacy to those who have a sweet tooth. It is a very easy pancake that consists of dough, butter, and sugar and is cooked till it turns golden brown. It is usually taken with tea and particularly children like it.
Although Mongolia is characterized by meat dishes, gambir is a nice meal to have as a dessert when you travel.
Conclusion
The trip to Food in Mongolia is a journey that will be remembered as a journey of tradition and culture, and of the nomadic spirit. Dumplings and fried pies, distinctive stone-cooked meat and dairy dishes, all the dishes are stories about the land and people. During your travelling, enjoying the Mongolian food must be at the first list.
No matter where you go to Go Kite Tours or not, it is better to enjoy these iconic flavours. And when you are planning your trip carefully, remember not to leave out Mongolia budget adventure travel opportunities of experiencing the authentic food experiences without straining your pocket.
