best local food tours in Inner Mongolia

Discovering the Culinary Delights of Inner Mongolia with the Best Food Tours

Inner Mongolia, the northernmost province of China, is not only known for its vast grasslands and nomadic culture but also for its unique and delicious cuisine. The region offers a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes that combine the flavors of Mongolian and Chinese traditions. To truly immerse yourself in the local food scene, it is highly recommended to embark on a food tour. These tours not only introduce you to the amazing flavors of Inner Mongolia but also offer a glimpse into the rich culinary history and local way of life. Here are some of the best food tours in Inner Mongolia that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger for adventure.

Tour 1: A Gastronomic Journey through Hohhot

Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia, is a food lover's paradise. This food tour takes you on a gastronomic journey through the bustling streets of Hohhot, where you can savor a variety of local specialties. Start your day with a hearty breakfast of huoshao (pan-fried buns) and jamur (mutton soup). Then, make your way to a local market to sample an array of freshly prepared snacks such as bojue (grilled lamb skewers) and gebu daoxiaomian (hand-pulled noodles with fried lamb). Don't forget to try the famous sugar-coated haws, a local delicacy made from hawthorn berries coated in syrup. The tour also includes a visit to a traditional Inner Mongolian restaurant for a sit-down feast, where you can indulge in dishes like braised beef with potatoes and stir-fried wild mushrooms.

Tour 2: Exploring the Mongolian Steppe and its Culinary Traditions

If you're looking to combine adventure with gastronomy, this food tour is perfect for you. Embark on a journey through the stunning Mongolian steppe, where you can not only witness the breathtaking beauty of the grasslands but also experience the rich culinary traditions of the nomadic people. Start your day with a visit to a local herder's family, where you can learn how to milk a cow and make traditional Mongolian dairy products such as airag (fermented mare's milk) and arul (yogurt). Enjoy a picnic lunch with the herders, feasting on koumiss lamb (roasted lamb) and tsuivan (stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat). In the evening, gather around a bonfire to roast khorkhog (traditional Mongolian barbecue) and enjoy the warm hospitality of the nomads.

Tour 3: Unveiling the Street Food Scene in Baotou

Baotou, a bustling industrial city in Inner Mongolia, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of food tours. However, the city has a vibrant street food scene that is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This tour takes you on a culinary adventure through the lively night markets of Baotou, where you can sample an eclectic mix of local and international flavors. Start with a bowl of lamb bone hotpot, a savory and aromatic soup made with lamb bones, herbs, and spices. Then, indulge in guchengbao, a Baotou specialty that consists of crispy pancakes filled with minced meat and vegetables. Don't miss the chance to try stinky tofu, a pungent fermented tofu dish that is a favorite among locals. End your food tour with a refreshing bowl of wuhe frozen yogurt, a sweet treat that helps cool down after a spicy feast.

Tour 4: Tasting the Flavors of Ordos

Ordos, a city located in the northeastern part of Inner Mongolia, is known for its unique blend of Mongolian and Chinese culinary traditions. This food tour takes you on a tasting adventure through the streets of Ordos, where you can sample a variety of flavorsome dishes. Start your tour with a visit to a local dairy farm to taste the city's famous condensed milk and other dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Then, make your way to a traditional Mongolian restaurant to try boodog, a dish made by stuffing a whole goat with hot stones and herbs, and dumplings filled with a delicious mixture of meat and vegetables. To satisfy your sweet tooth, don't forget to indulge in sanzi, a deep-fried pastry soaked in sweet syrup.

In Conclusion

Inner Mongolia's food tours offer a delightful way to explore the region's culinary treasures while immersing yourself in the local culture. Whether you choose to venture into the bustling streets of Hohhot, the peaceful Mongolian steppe, the hidden street food scene of Baotou, or the flavorsome city of Ordos, each food tour promises a unique and unforgettable experience. So, pack your appetite and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other in Inner Mongolia!

Tags： Adventure Activities