Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs

Getting a taste of Mongolia’s culinary traditions while peeking into local daily life is what makes this cooking class in a Ger such a memorable experience. Set in a cozy, traditional round tent just outside Ulaanbaatar, this tour offers more than just cooking; it’s a true glimpse into the heart of Mongolian culture.

What we love about this experience is how personalized it feels — from warm welcomes by local hosts Bee and Soy, to the chance to create authentic dishes like steamed dumplings and noodle soup from scratch. Plus, the setting in a family home provides a genuine, off-the-beaten-path vibe. The only consideration? It’s a three-hour experience, so if you’re short on time, this might be a more relaxed way to connect deeply with local life. This tour is perfect for those eager to explore Mongolian culture through food and intimate home settings.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Insight: Experience Mongolian life in a traditional Ger home and learn about local customs.
• Hands-On Cooking: Make traditional dishes like noodle soup and steamed dumplings from scratch.
• Personalized Experience: Private tour with friendly, knowledgeable local hosts, Bee and Soy.
• Inclusive and Flexible: Vegetarian options available, with prior notice for dietary restrictions.
• Comfortable Transfers: All round-trip transportation from Ulaanbaatar hotels included.
• Extended Interaction: Beyond cooking, enjoy conversations about Mongolian traditions, food, and lifestyle.

Exploring the Heart of Mongolian Culture in a Ger

The highlight of this experience is the opportunity to enter a traditional Ger home, which itself is a window into Mongolian nomadic life. These portable, round felt tents are used throughout Central Asia and serve as cozy, family-centric dwellings. You’ll be greeted by your hosts, Bee and Soy, who open their family home with warmth and enthusiasm. Expect to be served nettles tea foraged from a nearby mountain, setting the tone for a genuinely local experience.

The hosts are lauded for their friendly and genuine hospitality—many reviewers mention feeling more like visiting friends than travelers. Bee and Soy are passionate about sharing their culture, from explaining the significance of Shagai (knucklebone) games to discussing daily life in Ulaanbaatar’s suburbs. As one reviewer put it, “They are very friendly, smart, and interesting, and provided me with a lot of interesting knowledge and insights into the daily life of Mongolians.” This personal connection makes the experience stand out.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Pick-up and Arrival: The tour begins with a hotel pickup, removing the stress of arranging transportation and allowing you to settle into the experience. The journey takes you to a quiet neighborhood outside Ulaanbaatar, where the traditional Ger awaits.

Welcome and Introduction: Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by Bee and Soy, who will offer you a warm drink and introduce the family. From reviews, it’s clear that the hosts prioritize creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere—many guests mention feeling like they’re visiting friends.

Cooking from Scratch: The core of the tour is a one-hour hands-on cooking session. You’ll learn to prepare two classic Mongolian dishes—most commonly steamed dumplings and noodle soup—using family recipes and fresh ingredients. The hosts adapt recipes based on seasonal ingredients, which adds an authentic, local touch. One guest noted, “The cooking was really fun, and I learned so much about Mongolian culture and food,” emphasizing how interactive and educational this part is.

Cultural Exchange & Exploration: Beyond cooking, Bee and Soy share stories about Mongolian traditions, daily life, and local customs. Reviewers often highlight how much they appreciated the insightful conversations—from discussions on ger life to traditional games and modern-day Mongolia.

Dining and Reflection: After preparing the dishes, everyone sits down together to enjoy the meal. Many guests mention how delicious the food was, often stating it was the best they’d had in Mongolia. The experience ends with a walk around the neighborhood or some additional chatting, leaving a genuine impression of local life.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $164 per person, the tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Ulaanbaatar, but considering the private, personalized experience and the opportunity to connect directly with local hosts, it’s well worth the price. The inclusion of round-trip transfers makes logistics seamless, and the chance to learn family recipes that you can recreate at home adds long-term value.

Many reviewers mention how the experience is more than just a cooking class—it’s a culture. For example, one guest described it as “far more than a cooking class, and you could tell our hosts enjoyed it as much as we did,” which underscores the genuine passion Bee and Soy bring to this experience.

Authenticity and Personal Touch

Several reviewers highlight the authenticity of the experience—visiting a real family home, seeing local neighborhood life, and learning about traditions firsthand.

One guest shared, “Bee waited over 40 minutes for me at the hotel because it took longer to get from the airport,” demonstrating the hosts’ dedication and personal approach. Others loved the chance to see locals’ everyday lives, with one reviewer mentioning their walk around the neighborhood after lunch.

Culinary Highlights: The dishes you learn to make are traditional and straightforward, emphasizing fresh ingredients and family recipes. Many guests describe the dumplings and noodle soup as “delicious,” and some even say they’ve mastered the techniques to recreate them at home.

The Experience Beyond the Kitchen

This tour is celebrated for its depth and personal connection. You’re not just clicking through a recipe; you’re gaining insights into Mongolian cultural practices, family life, and traditional food preparation. The hosts answer questions about local customs, share stories about their lifestyle, and make you feel part of the family.

One reviewer described it as “a never-to-be-forgotten experience,” illustrating how meaningful the connection can be. Many also appreciated the flexibility—vegetarian options are available, and hosts are accommodating of dietary restrictions if advised in advance.

Practical Details: Booking, Timing, and What You Need to Know

Duration: The experience lasts approximately three hours, which is ample time for preparation, eating, and conversation.

Availability and Booking: With an average booking window of about 28 days in advance, it’s recommended to plan ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons. The tour requires confirmation upon booking, and is a private excursion, meaning only your group participates.

Transport and Pickup: Round-trip transfers from your hotel are included, making logistics straightforward. You’ll be collected from a central location in Ulaanbaatar, then driven comfortably to the suburban home.

Menu Variations: The dishes cooked may vary depending on the season, ensuring freshness and authenticity. Always inform the hosts of any allergies or dietary preferences when booking, as vegetarian options are available.

Cancellation Policy: You can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund, which offers peace of mind should your plans change unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This cooking class in a traditional Ger offers more than just learning to cook Mongolian dishes. It’s a chance to step into a local family’s home, soak up their hospitality, and understand their way of life. The hosts’ evident passion and genuine warmth make the experience stand out, along with the opportunity to try dishes that have been passed down through generations.

If you’re curious about Mongolian culture, eager to learn authentic recipes, and enjoy meaningful interactions with local people, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers who thrive on cultural exchange, food lovers, or those seeking a softer, more intimate encounter with Mongolia’s traditions.

While it may not be suitable for those in a rush or with strict dietary restrictions (unless pre-arranged), it promises a memorable, enriching, and heartfelt experience. For anyone wanting to add a touch of local life to their Mongolia trip, this cooking class is certainly a highlight.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about three hours, including pickup, cooking, eating, and post-meal interactions.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your Ulaanbaatar hotel are part of the package, making it easy to participate without worrying about logistics.

Can I request vegetarian dishes?
Absolutely. Vegetarian options are available, just let the hosts know when you make your reservation.

What dishes will I learn to make?
Most guests learn to prepare traditional Mongolian dishes such as homemade noodle soup and steamed dumplings, with variations depending on the season.

Is this experience private?
Yes, it’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual clothing is recommended. If you wish to walk around the neighborhood afterward, bring appropriate shoes.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about a month ahead is advised, as the experience is popular and tends to fill up quickly.

This cooking class in a traditional Ger offers a genuine taste of Mongolia’s culinary and cultural traditions in a warm, inviting setting. Perfect for those looking to go beyond typical sightseeing and create meaningful memories in Ulaanbaatar.