5 Drinks You Should Try in Mongolia
1. Airag – Horse Fermented milk
If you travel to Mongolia in mid-summer or autumn, you will certainly come across this locally famous fermented mare milk called Airag. You can expect a bowl of Airag from any nomadic family you are invited to, as a traditional form of hospitality that Mongols are known for. Moreover, Airag is always offered abundantly during major festivals like the Naadam Festival, Lunar New Year, wedding ceremonies, etc.
It is believed that this particular drink has been used for over 2,000 years. Compared to cow's milk, it contains much less fat and is rich in vitamin C with easy digestive properties, while also improving the immune system. It is considered a traditional medicine. Airag also has detoxifying effects, improves skin condition, smoothens wrinkles, and improves sleep quality. However, if an individual has an alcohol allergy, it might not be suitable.
2. Khoormog - Camel fermented milk
This beverage is also fermented but made with camel's milk, which is full of vitamins C, B, calcium, iron, and potassium. Traditionally, Mongolians offer camel milk to pregnant women, as the low-fat but calcium-rich milk is considered ideal for supporting the healthy growth of the fetus. Camel milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, making it more tolerable for many people with lactose intolerance. Compared to Airag, it is thicker, sour, numbs your lips, and has more bubbles, as if it's carbonated. In the Gobi region, this drink is common among locals. You can also buy it in grocery stores in the city if you want to try it.
3. Sea-buckthorn juice/ tea
This is a family-friendly drink that everyone enjoys, especially in winter in Mongolia. Because of its rich antioxidants, this fruit is called the "king fruit" by Mongolians. Since this fruit prevents colds and lung diseases, sea buckthorn products can be found in grocery stores as well as pharmacies. There are various types of sea buckthorn products available, such as oil, instant tea, or extract. In addition to sea buckthorn, Mongolians love to drink various locally and naturally grown wild berry juices like blackcurrant, blueberry, cranberry, wild black cherry, etc.
4. Aarts – curd from yogurt
Aarts is one of the national dairy products. It is the best traditional beverage to fight colds and flu in the cold winter. However, you can also try it in the summer as a sweet drink. It's easy to find ready-made instant packets at any supermarket. Aarts is the thickened piece left over from traditional pure yogurt. People freeze it into little balls that can be used throughout the winter; these frozen balls are boiled with an equal amount of water. Aarts is typically consumed by boiling it in water or using it in soups to produce hot beverages during cold winters. When drunk frequently at night before bed, it offers numerous health benefits.
5. Milk tea
Milk tea is another famous traditional beverage. It is essentially black tea with milk, and sometimes a little salt is added, depending on the region. Since ancient times, Mongolians have used milk tea to improve vitality and reduce stress on the body. Milk tea can be made with rice, dried meat, and even animal bones filled with plenty of marrow, which is rich in calcium.
Not only is it a staple hot drink in the morning, but many also enjoy it with various foods. In the countryside, you might see people making milk tea with sheep fat or dumplings, as some prefer it fattier. People also like to eat boort-sog (traditional pastry) with milk tea, and some even combine the two for a full lunch experience. In restaurants, locals prefer milk tea before or during meals.
