Mongolian Cuisine: Flavors of the Nomadic World
Mongolian cuisine reflects the country’s nomadic lifestyle, extreme climate, and deep connection to livestock. Simple, hearty, and energy-rich, it is built around meat, dairy products, and natural fats — essential for surviving Mongolia’s long, cold winters and life on the steppe.
Travelers will discover dishes that are rustic yet deeply traditional, many unchanged for centuries.
Signature Mongolian Dishes
A national favorite, buuz are steamed dumplings filled with seasoned mutton or beef. They are especially popular during the Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar).
Smaller dumplings boiled in broth or milk tea.
Crispy, juicy fried pastries filled with minced meat — a must-try street food.
Traditional noodle dishes made with meat, fresh noodles, and vegetables.
Guriltai Shol — Noodle Soup
A comforting soup made with handmade noodles and meat broth.
Traditional Cooking Methods
1.Khorkhog — Stone-Cooked Barbecue
Chunks of mutton and vegetables are placed in a sealed metal container with red-hot stones. The result is tender, smoky, and incredibly flavorful.
2.Boodog — Goat or Marmot Cooked from the Inside
One of Mongolia’s most ancient dishes. Hot stones are placed inside the hollowed carcass (goat or marmot), cooking the meat from the inside out. It is typically enjoyed on special occasions.
3.Borts — Air-Dried Meat
Thin strips of beef or mutton are dried in the open air until completely hard. This preserved meat can last for years and turns into rich broth when powdered and boiled.
Dairy Culture: “Tsagaan Idee”
Dairy is the heart of Mongolian cuisine. From the milk of cows, sheep, goats, camels, yaks, and mares, nomads make a wide variety of foods.
Sun-dried, tangy, nutritious, and extremely long-lasting. Loved by children and visitors alike.
Mild, slightly salty cheese made from cow or yak milk.
A rich layer formed by boiling milk. It is served to honored guests and used in tea or pastries.
Soft, golden biscuits often eaten with milk tea for breakfast.
National Beverages
The most iconic Mongolian drink.
Slightly sour, refreshing, and lightly alcoholic, airag is believed to have medicinal properties and is essential during celebrations and festivals.
The everyday drink of Mongolia. It is often enriched with rice, noodles, butter, or small dumplings.
A traditional, mild, transparent spirit made from fermented milk.
Meat: The Foundation of the Nomadic Diet
Nomads rely heavily on their domesticated animals — sheep, goats, cattle, camels, yaks, and horses.
Meat is:
Mongolian cuisine is high in natural fats, helping nomads stay strong and warm in extreme conditions.
Grains, Vegetables & Other Ingredients
Although the harsh climate limits vegetable use, Mongolian cuisine includes:
These ingredients complement the hearty meat and dairy foundations of the traditional diet.
A Taste of Authentic Nomadic Life
Mongolian cuisine is simple but rich with meaning. Every dish tells a story about:
For travelers, tasting Mongolia’s traditional food is one of the deepest and most memorable cultural experiences.
Exceptional Northern Mongolia Experience with Lunas Tours Our journey through Northern Mongolia was truly unforgettable thanks to 'Lunas Tours'. Traveling through the Khuvsgul region, Darkhad Valley, and remote northern landscapes, we experienced pristine nature, rich nomadic culture, and deep local traditions that few tours can offer. The tour was extremely well-organized, with careful planning for long distances, changing weather, and remote conditions. We especially appreciated the authentic experiences—staying with local families, learning about reindeer herders’ lifestyles, and enjoying the peaceful beauty of Mongolia’s northern taiga. The team’s strong local knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and respect for nature made the journey both safe and meaningful. This was not just sightseeing, but a true cultural and natural immersion. We highly recommend 'Lunas Tours' to travelers who want to explore Northern Mongolia in a responsible, authentic, and well-guided way.
Outstanding service by Guide Luna & Driver Eba – Lunas Tours Our trip in Mongolia was exceptional thanks to our guide Luna and driver Eba. Luna was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and caring. She explained Mongolia’s history, culture, and traditions with passion and clarity, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and well-informed throughout the journey. Driver Eba was equally impressive. His driving was safe, smooth, and reliable even on challenging roads and long distances. He handled every situation calmly and professionally, making us feel secure at all times. Together, Luna and Eba worked as a perfect team. Their coordination, friendliness, and attention to detail turned our trip into a truly memorable experience. We highly recommend them to anyone traveling in Mongolia with Lunas Tours.
Amazing experience with Lunas Tours – Mongolia Our journey with Lunas Tours was truly unforgettable. From the very beginning, everything was well-organized, flexible, and thoughtfully planned. The team showed deep knowledge of Mongolia’s culture, history, and nature, and they always made sure we felt safe and comfortable. What we appreciated most was Lunas Tours’ personalized approach and support for local communities. Staying with local families, experiencing authentic food, and exploring Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes made this trip very special. We highly recommend Lunas Tours to anyone who wants a genuine, meaningful, and well-guided travel experience in Mongolia. 🐎
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lunas Tours gave us an authentic and unforgettable Mongolian experience! Professional guides, great organization, and strong support for local communities. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Mongolia.
Luna Khaliunaa Mongolian Guide provide for me and my company one of the best travel experience we ever had. Mongolia was awesome thanks to her! Ever consider visit Mongolia Lunas' Tours should be your only choice.
Perfect family tour with Guide Luna & Driver Eba Our family had a wonderful experience traveling in Mongolia with Lunas Tours in winter - 2025, especially thanks to our guide Luna and driver Eba. Luna was incredibly kind, patient, and attentive to our children. She explained Mongolian culture and history in a way that was easy and interesting for both adults and kids, making the journey educational and fun. Driver Eba made us feel completely safe throughout the trip. His careful driving, calm attitude, and readiness to help at any moment gave us great peace of mind, especially while traveling with children and luggage. Thanks to Luna and Eba, our family felt comfortable, well-cared-for, and truly welcomed. This was not just a tour, but a meaningful family memory. We highly recommend Lunas Tours for families visiting Mongolia.
함께한 완벽한 가족 여행 저희 가족은 루나스 투어(Lunas Tours)와 함께한 몽골 여행에서 정말 잊지 못할 시간을 보냈습니다. 특히 가이드 루나 와 드라이버 에바 덕분에 아이들과 함께하는 여행이 더욱 편안하고 안전했습니다. 가이드 루나는 아이들에게도 이해하기 쉬운 방식으로 몽골의 역사와 문화를 설명해 주었고, 항상 친절하고 세심하게 가족을 배려해 주었습니다. 여행 내내 아이들의 상태를 살펴주며 부모 입장에서 큰 안심이 되었습니다. 드라이버 에바는 장거리 이동과 험한 도로에서도 항상 안전하고 차분하게 운전해 주었으며, 가족 여행객에게 꼭 필요한 안정감을 주었습니다. 루나와 에바의 완벽한 팀워크 덕분에 이번 여행은 단순한 관광이 아니라 가족 모두에게 소중한 추억이 되었습니다. 몽골로 가족 여행을 계획하신다면 루나스 투어를 진심으로 추천합니다.
Our trip to Mongolia with Lunas Tours was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Traveling through the heart of Central Mongolia — from the breathtaking Orkhon Valley to the remote beauty of the Eight Lakes (Naiman Nuur) — gave us a true glimpse into the soul of this vast and peaceful land. Special thanks to our amazing guide Luna, whose deep knowledge, kindness, and professionalism made the journey smooth and meaningful, and to our skilled driver Eba, who safely navigated the mountain passes and rugged trails with calm confidence. The Orkhon Valley, with its wide open grasslands, wild horses, and traditional herder families, was a highlight — we felt connected to Mongolian history and nomadic culture. The horseback trip to the Eight Lakes was truly magical, surrounded by pine forests, sparkling lakes, and the peaceful sound of nature. Visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, was another memorable experience. The blend of ancient architecture and the serene spiritual atmosphere made it a powerful reminder of Mongolia’s rich history and culture. Finally, the hike up to Tuvkhun Monastery, perched high in the Khangai mountains, was both peaceful and inspiring. The view from the top was breathtaking, and it gave us a sense of tranquility that words cannot describe. We are deeply grateful to Luna and Eba for taking such good care of us throughout the journey — from comfortable accommodations to delicious meals and flexible travel arrangements. Their warm hospitality made us feel like family. Thank you, Lunas Tours, for organizing such a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and nature. We will definitely recommend your company to friends and family in Singapore who are seeking an authentic Mongolian experience. – On behalf of travelers from Singapore
