On Go Beyond tours, private tours and group tour independent extensions, meal inclusions are listed in your itinerary.
Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Mongolia.
Mongolian cuisine is an integral part of the country's culture and reflects the unique nomadic lifestyle of the Mongolian people. The cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, hearty flavor, and the use of locally available ingredients. One of the most iconic dishes in Mongolian cuisine is "buuz," which is a type of steamed dumpling filled with minced meat and vegetables. Buuz is often served during special occasions and celebrations and is a staple food for Mongolian families.
Another popular dish is "khuushuur," which is a type of fried pastry that is also filled with minced meat and vegetables. Khuushuur is a popular street food and is often enjoyed with a cup of Mongolian milk tea. Mongolian milk tea is a traditional beverage that is served with nearly every meal. It is made with black tea leaves, salt, and milk, giving it a unique and savory flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Overall, Mongolian cuisine is a reflection of the country's rugged and beautiful landscape, its nomadic traditions, and the resourcefulness of its people. Whether you're sampling traditional dishes like buuz and khuushuur or trying something new, the cuisine of Mongolia is sure to offer a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.
You may like to drink beer, wine, soft drinks, fruit juice or bottled water with your meals – please note drinks are not included in your tour price so payment for these is made directly to the restaurant staff.
Breakfast is served in the hotel and usually includes a mix between local and western dishes. Lunches and dinner is feature a wide selection of high-quality local and Western dishes. We find this style of dining suits the wide and varied tastes of our customers. You may even find that there is too much food, to which we suggest you eat as much or as little as you like.
On some days where lots of sights are covered, dinner times may be early and your tour group may head directly to the restaurant after sightseeing without stopping at your hotel to freshen up.
All the restaurants we visit will be researched and inspected regularly to ensure that they follow the strictest health, cleanliness, and safety guidelines.
Tap Water
In Mongolia, the tap water does not live up to the western standards and it is not safe to drink. It is strongly recommended to only drink bottled water in Mongolia, especially in more rural areas.
Food allergies & dietary preferences
Any food allergies or dietary requirements must be specified at the time of booking and you should mention it again to the National Escort/Local Guides when you meet them. Although taken seriously, food allergies are much less common, and therefore less understood in Mongolia. Therefore, you are likely to need to explain quite clearly what you cannot eat.
People on restricted diets or vegetarian diets can be catered for on a limited basis with foods such as noodles, rice and steamed vegetables. Please be aware that restaurants may not always be able to accommodate these. Wendy Wu Tours cannot guarantee that there will be no cross-contamination for travellers with severe allergies, and suggest you remind each restaurant of your requirements. Gluten-free food may not be as readily available as in Australia.
Whilst travelling away from major cities, it is highly recommended that passengers with food intolerances take additional food items, as not all dietary requests will be met due to the limited foods available.
Please contact us to discuss this if you are concerned.