Most travelers know very little about Mongolian cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Mongolia, it’s natural to wonder what you’ll eat during your stay in the country. Mongolian cuisine relies heavily on lamb; in fact, Mongolian soil isn’t particularly fertile, and the low temperatures make farming very difficult. Here are the different dishes you can enjoy in Mongolia.

Buuz

When you see them for the first time, they’ll remind you of Chinese steamed buns or dumplings. In Mongolia, they are usually stuffed with lamb or sometimes even beef. They can be found in virtually every corner of the country and are inexpensive. Unlike Chinese buns, buuz are a bit fattier. In fact, you’ll find pieces of fat inside the dumplings in Mongolia.

Boortsog

This pastry, made with wheat flour, can be sweet or savory and filled with meat, butter, or honey. Although restaurant menus often translate Boortsog as “Mongolian cookies,” don’t be fooled—they have little in common with the cookies you’re familiar with. These small pastries are fried, not baked.

Yak Butter

A staple of Mongolian cuisine. The truth is, it’s not easy to find yak butter unless you head to the center of the country. In Mongolia, by the way, you won’t find much bread, so you’ll only be able to spread it on the fried dough of the boortsog, for example. But the experience is worth it. It has a slightly saltier and stronger flavor than the cow’s milk butter you’re used to.

Gambir

If you miss pancakes during your trip to Mongolia, you can order Gambir. They’re very similar. These are pancakes made from fried wheat dough that may also contain pieces of meat.

Aaruul or Qurut

If you’re lucky enough to share a traditional meal, you’ll surely have the chance to try Aaruul. This dish is one of the most common and well-known snacks in the country. It’s curdled milk that’s left to dry in the sun until it becomes somewhat firm. Its appearance and texture are similar to those of cheese or yogurt. It has a slightly tangy taste.

Budaatai Khuurga

The main ingredient in this dish is cooked or sautéed lamb served with cabbage, onions, paprika, and rice. You’ll find it in every restaurant across the country, and it’s absolutely delicious.

Chanasan makh

This is one of the most common dishes in families. This is largely due to how simple it is to prepare. It consists of pieces of lamb cooked in boiling water with salt. Often served with potatoes, this dish is very filling. It’s just what you need to regain some energy after a long hike. It’s not uncommon, however, to see Chanasan served without any side dishes and eaten solely with the hands. A must-try among all Mongolian dishes

Tsuivan

Once again, lamb is at the heart of this dish, either sautéed or boiled. Mongolians often enjoy it with noodles. They also serve it with cabbage, onions, and a paprika-based dressing.

Öröm

Often compared to hummus for its creamy texture, Öröm is actually not made from chickpeas at all. It is a very thick, creamy substance made from cow’s, goat’s, or yak’s milk that is eaten with bread. It is generally consumed as a dessert with sugar or jam.

Airag

Airag is the country’s most popular drink and is made from fermented mare’s milk. Fermentation turns it into an alcoholic beverage, and it serves the same purpose as beer. But don’t be fooled: it has nothing to do with Western beer. Its taste is quite tart.

Suutei Tsai

This drink, which is also very common in the country, contains no alcohol. It is a type of milk tea that also contains salt and butter. It is drunk at any time of day, between meals or to accompany meals.