Exploring Vegetarian Options in Mongolia
Being vegetarian in Mongolia is more possible than many travellers assume. Although the country’s traditional cuisine is rooted in meat and dairy, changing food culture, better access to fresh produce, and a growing number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants — especially in Ulaanbaatar — mean there are now far more options than in the past.
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Mongolia’s Traditional Diet and Why It Matters
Mongolia’s cuisine is shaped by its nomadic heritage, where the essentials of life have long influenced what people eat. Simple ingredients are transformed through a surprising range of cooking techniques, with vegetables, handmade noodles, and other flour-based foods all playing a role in everyday homemade dishes. While traditional Mongolian food is not naturally vegetarian-friendly, there are now more vegetarian options in Mongolia than many people expect, particularly in Ulaanbaatar.
Why Meat and Dairy Have Long Dominated Mongolian Cuisine
The reasons for Mongolia’s strong meat and dairy tradition are rooted in both history and geography. A nomadic herding way of life, closely tied to livestock, naturally centred food around animal products. At the same time, Mongolia’s harsh climate — with only around 90 to 120 frost-free days each year on average — along with the challenges of the Gobi Desert and the country’s mountain and steppe landscapes, has long limited the amount of land suitable for growing crops.
Vegetable Growing and Crop Production in Mongolia (Because Jess, Who Is Writing This, Likes Statistics!
As of 2020, Mongolia’s National Statistical Information Office reported a harvest of around 121.5 thousand tonnes of vegetables, excluding potatoes and smaller-scale market garden produce. Other major harvests included around 430 thousand tonnes of cereals, 244 thousand tonnes of potatoes, and 182 thousand tonnes of fodder crops.
Is It Easy to Find Vegetarian Food in Mongolia?
Fortunately, being vegetarian in Mongolia is now much easier than it once was. The variety of fruit and vegetables available has grown steadily, especially in Ulaanbaatar. You will still notice that much of the fresh produce on display is imported from China and Russia, but you will also see local market stalls and Western-style supermarkets with shelves proudly labelled “Made in Mongolia.” Seasonal local produce can include blueberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, wild onions, rhubarb, pine nuts, small sweet watermelons, cucumbers, tomatoes, and salad leaves. This variety is most noticeable in the capital, though it is increasingly visible in the countryside too — even if you still occasionally come across a rural shop with only a single onion on the shelf.
Seasonal Produce to Look Out for in Mongolia
One ingredient worth looking out for is sea-buckthorn, a hardy medicinal plant that grows naturally in Mongolia and across the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Known for its bright orange-yellow berries, it is widely valued for its nutritional qualities and is often described as a superfood.
In Mongolia, sea-buckthorn is not just admired for its resilience but also enjoyed as part of daily life. It is commonly sold as a sharp, refreshing juice, and in autumn you may also see the berries themselves for sale in local markets.
Vegetarian Options In Ulaanbaatar
In Ulaanbaatar, the culinary landscape is evolving to cater to diverse tastes, including vegans and vegetarians. Notable establishments include:
As well; as the experience, you’ll receive our 24-page Mongolian recipe guide, including links to recipes for some of Mongolia’s most famous dishes. We look forward to sharing Mongolian dishes (vegetarian versions!) with you.
Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
