One of the best ways to experience a country is through its food—and Mongolia is no exception. Rooted in nomadic traditions, Mongolian cuisine is hearty, simple, and perfectly suited to life on the vast steppe. Whether you’re dining with a nomadic family or trying local specialties at a ger camp, these dishes offer a delicious window into Mongolian culture.
Here are 10 traditional Mongolian foods you absolutely must try on your journey.
Buuz are Mongolia’s most iconic dish. These steamed dumplings are filled with minced meat—usually mutton or beef—seasoned simply with salt and onions. They’re especially popular during the Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar), but you’ll find them year-round.
Think of khuushuur as the crispy cousin of buuz. These deep-fried dumplings are filled with ground meat and garlic, creating a juicy, flavorful bite inside a crunchy shell. They’re a festival favorite and a street food staple.
This hearty noodle dish features handmade noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables. Tsuivan is a favorite comfort food, offering a satisfying mix of carbs and protein—perfect after a day of adventure.
Smaller than buuz, bansh are bite-sized dumplings often served in soups or stews. They’re a common meal at nomadic family tables and offer a lighter, softer version of Mongolian dumplings.
A cultural experience in a cup—airag is fermented horse milk, slightly sour and lightly alcoholic. It’s offered as a welcome drink in many rural homes, especially during summer. Don’t worry—you’re not expected to drink the whole bowl!
One of the most dramatic dishes in Mongolia, khorkhog is made by cooking meat (usually mutton or goat) with hot stones inside a sealed metal container. The result is tender, smoky, and deeply flavorful. Often shared during special gatherings.
Boortsog is Mongolia’s version of a cookie—crispy, golden dough pieces often served with tea. Sweet or plain, they’re perfect for snacking and are a key part of nomadic hospitality.
This salty milk tea, made from black tea, milk, water, and salt, is the drink of daily life in Mongolia. It may surprise first-time visitors, but it’s warming, nourishing, and often served with snacks like boortsog.
Aaruul is dried, hardened curds of milk—tangy, chewy, and full of calcium. It’s an acquired taste, but also one of the most authentic bites you can try, especially in a nomadic setting.
This warming soup combines handmade noodles, vegetables, and chunks of meat in a simple but deeply comforting broth. It’s often served at family meals and is a great introduction to Mongolian home cooking.
At Nomad Trail Mongolia, we don’t just show you the sights—we introduce you to real life on the steppe. Many of our tours include home-cooked meals with nomadic families, where you can taste these traditional dishes in their most authentic form.
