Drinking Etiquette

Mongolian culture is a lot like Russian culture when it comes to drinking. Vodka is extremely popular – to excess. Stating “no” doesn’t cut it, culturally speaking, it’s considered rude not to have at least one drink with your host. If you’re up for it, ask for “nermel areehk” or “changa yum” if you want to try homemade Mongolian vodka.

The national drink of Mongolia is known as Airag, this is a summer seasonal drink made from fermented mare’s milk. Obviously, Mongolia is incredibly different than most Western countries, and it might seem like a very strange place. Mongolians will generally be forgiving if you mess up any of the etiquette rules, but by attempting to follow them respectfully.

If given a glass of vodka, dip your finger into it, flick it once toward the sky, once toward the ground, and then splash some on your forehead in remembrance of the regional booze. Put your finger to your forehead, say "thank you," and set the glass back on the table if you don't want any vodka. Typically, airag/khomis is served in a big bowl after being spooned out of a big container. It is frequently distributed in a communal bowl.