ExploFood · Asia
What to eat in Mongolia
Five dishes to try in Mongolia, the most typical first. One is vegetarian.
Five dishes to try in Mongolia
Buuz Бууз
Steamed dumplings filled with minced mutton or beef and onion.
How to have it: Made by the hundreds for Tsagaan Sar, the Lunar New Year; any guanz canteen serves them year-round.
Khuushuur Хуушуур
Flat fried pastries stuffed with minced mutton.
How to have it: The festival food at Naadam in July; eat them hot from stalls around the stadium.
Khorkhog Хорхог
Mutton cooked in a sealed pot or milk can with hot stones and vegetables.
How to have it: Made for guests in the countryside; the hot stones are passed around to warm the hands.
Tsuivan Цуйван
Hand-cut noodles steamed and fried with mutton and vegetables.
How to have it: A cheap and filling everyday lunch at guanz canteens across the country.
Airag Айраг
Lightly alcoholic fermented mare's milk, slightly sour and fizzy.
How to have it: Made in summer by herding families; accept a bowl with your right hand and at least taste it.
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Questions
What food is Mongolia famous for?
Buuz (steamed dumplings filled with minced mutton or beef and onion) comes first on our list, followed by Khuushuur, Khorkhog, Tsuivan and Airag.
What is the national dish of Mongolia?
Ask ten people and you get several answers. The dish we put first for Mongolia is Buuz: steamed dumplings filled with minced mutton or beef and onion. Made by the hundreds for Tsagaan Sar, the Lunar New Year; any guanz canteen serves them year-round.
Which dishes in Mongolia are vegetarian?
One of the five on this page is vegetarian as usually made: Airag. Recipes vary, so ask about stock, lard or fish sauce.
What street food should I try in Mongolia?
Khuushuur (flat fried pastries stuffed with minced mutton).
What do people drink in Mongolia?
Airag: lightly alcoholic fermented mare's milk, slightly sour and fizzy.
How reliable is this list?
The dishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app, where you can also tick off the ones you have tried. Recipes vary by region and by family, so take it as a starting point.
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Get ExploDishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app, with links to Wikipedia. Recipes and names vary by region.