Mongolia is known for its vast steppes, nomadic lifestyles, and deep cultural ties to horses, but its unique culinary traditions are lesser-known. Unlike most of Asia, Mongolians have evolved to be almost entirely carnivorous, with their diet centered on large animals, not smaller game like birds or rodents. This stems from their Buddhist belief that one can take only 108 souls in a lifetime, so larger animals like cows and sheep are preferred, as they can feed more people.
We visited the Genghis Khan Retreat in the Orkhon Valley to learn more about the Mongolian nomadic diet. Managed by D’Artagnan Giercke, who grew up in both Mongolia and Nepal, the retreat offers insight into traditional dishes such as tsuivan, a stir-fried noodle dish with meat and vegetables. Mingmar Sherpa, the retreat’s head chef, demonstrated how the dough is prepared, cut into noodles, and stir-fried with meat for a thick, filling dish.
Other popular Mongolian dishes include booz, steamed dumplings filled with mutton, and khuushuur, deep-fried meat pastries. The Mongolian diet is high in fat, especially during the harsh winters when temperatures can plummet to -40°C (-40°F). One family we met, renowned horse breeders, explained that the consumption of animal fat is encouraged, believing it makes them stronger. As Palam, the son of the family, explained, his father never eats brown meat—only fat.
A key element of Mongolian life is airag, or fermented horse milk, which is both a drink and a cultural staple. Containing 3-10% alcohol depending on fermentation, airag is consumed by everyone in the community, including children. It also plays a role in celebrations, such as the Naadam festival, where traditional games like horse racing, archery, and wrestling are followed by a communal feast.
One highlight of Mongolian feasting is the boodog, where a goat is cooked from the inside with hot stones. This method, which doesn’t require pots or pans, suits the nomadic lifestyle perfectly. The goat is cooked alongside vegetables, and everyone shares in the meal, along with stories, songs, or poems, emphasizing the importance of community.
Ultimately, the Mongolian nomadic diet is about more than just food—it’s about survival, sharing, and maintaining deep connections with both animals and fellow community members.
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