What foods do you order at your school cafeteria? Maybe pizza? Perhaps a sandwich?
In Mongolian school cafeterias, the options are very different from what I’m used to! I can order mantuun buuz (steamed meat dumplings) or tsuivan (stir-fried noodles with meat). These delicious dishes come out fast, hot and with a cup of suutei tsai (salted milk tea).
I love going to the cafeteria to enjoy a comforting, home-style meal and talk with my students. While we eat, we usually chat about new songs we’ve discovered or movies we’re currently watching. Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar are really popular in Mongolia!
Most Mongolian foods are made from meat, dairy and animal fat. This is connected to Mongolia’s long history of nomadic herding. Many families move with the seasons and care for animals like sheep, goats, cows, horses and camels. These animals provide almost everything a family needs: food, clothing materials and even transportation. Who needs a car when you have a camel?
Last weekend, I went over to my friend Zoloo’s house to make buuz, a traditional Mongolian dumpling. First, we prepared the filling by mixing shredded carrots, chopped onions and ground mutton. Next, we made the dough using water, flour and a pinch of salt.
