Eastern Asia
Food of Mongolia
The 6 most iconic national dishes of Mongolia — real photos, key ingredients and tasty facts behind every plate.
Asia
Buuz
These are Mongolia’s classic steamed dumplings, usually filled with minced mutton or beef and onion. They are juicy, hearty and especially associated with Lunar New Year celebrations.
Did you know?
Buuz are a central food of Tsagaan Sar, when families often prepare and eat them in very large quantities.
Khorkhog
Khorkhog is a traditional Mongolian meat dish cooked in a sealed container with hot stones, usually using mutton. The result is rich, tender meat with a lightly smoky, rustic flavor.
Did you know?
In the traditional method, the heated stones used for cooking are sometimes passed hand to hand afterward for their supposed health benefits.
Boodog
Boodog is a dramatic nomadic barbecue in which goat or marmot is cooked from the inside with hot stones. It has a deep roasted flavor and is one of Mongolia’s most famous ceremonial outdoor dishes.
Did you know?
Unlike khorkhog, boodog is traditionally cooked inside the animal’s own skin rather than in a separate metal container.
Tsuivan
Tsuivan is a beloved Mongolian noodle dish of hand-cut noodles stir-fried or steamed with meat and vegetables. It is filling, chewy and a very familiar everyday home meal.
Did you know?
Tsuivan is often made by steaming the noodles together with the meat and vegetables so they absorb the cooking juices.
Khuushuur
Khuushuur are deep-fried half-moon pastries stuffed with seasoned minced meat. Crisp outside and savory inside, they are one of Mongolia’s most popular festival and street foods.
Did you know?
Khuushuur are especially associated with Naadam, Mongolia’s biggest national festival.
Boortsog
Boortsog are small pieces of fried dough, sometimes slightly sweet, served as a snack or with tea across Mongolia and Central Asia. They can be puffy, crisp or breadlike depending on the recipe.
Did you know?
Boortsog is commonly arranged in decorative piles on celebratory tables during Tsagaan Sar.