The Traveler's Guide to Inflight Dining on the Way to Mongolia
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"Whenever I travel abroad, I always wonder what the inflight meal will be. Do you do the same? Well, let's take a look at what to expect on a flight to Mongolia!"
For many travelers, the adventure begins the moment they step onto the plane. If you are flying into Ulaanbaatar via MIAT Mongolian Airlines or major regional partners, there is absolutely no need to worry about the food. While Mongolia is famous for its rich, hearty, meat-heavy cuisine on the ground, inflight meals are carefully catered by global flight kitchens to keep international travelers completely comfortable and satisfied.
What’s on the Tray?
You will always have a choice between a familiar Western meal and a mild Asian dish:
The Western Choice: Typically, grilled chicken or beef paired with standard roasted potatoes, pasta, or vegetables.
The Asian/Local Choice: Usually a mild, savory stir-fried beef or chicken served over rice or noodles. Because Mongolia takes immense pride in its high-quality livestock, the beef dishes on these flights are exceptionally tender and flavorful.
Sides & Snacks: Your tray comes with universally loved sides like a fresh salad (often a Russian-style potato salad), a warm bread roll with butter, and a sweet slice of cake or fruit cup. Short-haul flights (like quick connections from Beijing) feature lighter cold snack boxes with deli cuts and a bun.
A Local Drink to Try
Keep an eye out for sea buckthorn juice (chatsargana) when the drink cart rolls by. This bright orange berry grows in the harsh Mongolian climate and makes a tart, sweet, vitamin-C-packed juice. It is the perfect, refreshing alternative to standard orange or apple juice. Standard soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, and wine are also readily available.
Quick Tip for Dietary Restrictions
If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have religious dietary restrictions, the standard meat-centric menu won't work for you. Be sure to log into your flight booking and pre-order a special meal at least 24 to 48 hours before departure to ensure a healthy mix of steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles is waiting for you.
Landing at the Airport
The comforting food experience continues when you touch down. The modern, bright Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) is clean, compact, and very easy to navigate. If you aren’t quite ready to dive headfirst into local delicacies or just need a quick, comforting pick-me-up before your drive into the city, the airport arrivals lobby has you covered:
Familiar Fast Food: There is a fully equipped Burger King located right at the terminal, perfect if you are craving a classic burger and fries.
Coffee Shops: Several excellent coffee spots, including popular chains like Tom N Toms Coffee, are readily available to pour you a fresh espresso, latte, or iced coffee to cure your jet lag.
Diverse Restaurants & Shopping: You will find a Carrefour supermarket for quick snacks, alongside a handful of sit-down options right outside baggage claim, ranging from Japanese noodle bars like Ajisen Ramen to cozy spots serving local Mongolian fare.
You can fuel up with a familiar meal entirely at your own pace before you start your journey out into the beautiful Mongolian wilderness!
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