Food

Out in the countryside vegetables are scarce and meals usually consist of nothing more than boiled mutton and boiled or fried noodles with a healthy dose of fat to keep you warm in the winter! As you approach the towns, noodles may be replaced with rice. And potatoes and onions will come into the equation. Milk and dairy products are consumed in huge quantities. As a positive result of this most Mongolians have sparkling white teeth, but on the negative side they also have their fair share of kidney problems. It is possible to find food for vegetarians but don’t be surprised if people look at you in a strange manner.

This combined with the lack of vegetables and a high consumption of salt – which goes in everything, including the tea – does not make a healthy diet. Thankfully, vegetable-growing projects are becoming popular in the countryside. But they are limited to areas with suitable soil and adequate water mainly based in the north and central regions. In Ulaanbaatar vegetables are readily available, both home grown or imported from China. The majority of families, however, cannot afford to buy vegetables other than potatoes, onions and carrots. Fruits are also readily available during the summer months, and are very popular with children.

The traditional Mongolian food is called a ‘guanz’ and is available all over the countryside, at the side of the roads and in towns. Only some dishes of their menu will be available (sometimes only one dish), and they vary in quality. But the food is cheap and always in big quantities.

The Mongolian countryside is really astounding. With its ​​1,566,500 sq km, Mongolia offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains, trees and lush meadows in the north to the expanse of sand and rocks of the Gobi desert in the south. The country also boasts some staggeringly beautiful lakes. As most of Mongolia has little or no infrastructure, the visitor will see views of endless unspoiled countryside, dotted with gers and wandering herds. Combine this with the fascinating culture and you will understand why Mongolia really is a destination not to be missed.