Few experiences are as exciting as setting out on a culinary adventure in search of unfamiliar flavors—much like traveling to an uncharted land.
Mongolian cuisine, in particular, still feels largely unexplored to many of us. Yet once tasted, its deep, rustic, and honest flavors have a way of leaving a lasting impression.
Still, when faced with a Mongolian menu for the first time, many people find themselves unsure of where to begin. A meat-centered diet and distinctive cooking methods can raise concerns about strong spices or pronounced gamey aromas.
But there’s no need to worry. Today, we introduce two dishes that serve as perfect gateways into the world of Mongolian food: Tefteel (Тефтель) and Beef Steak (Бифштекс). Loved by locals and ideal for first-time diners, these dishes offer an approachable introduction to Mongolian flavors. Similar yet distinct from the Korean hamburg steak, they allow you to enjoy the rich essence of meat without feeling overwhelmed.
Through the familiar yet exotic harmony of these two dishes, let’s open the door to Mongolian cuisine together. Their comforting flavors may just lead your palate into an entirely new dimension. Now, let’s begin this delicious journey into the tastes of Mongolia.
The defining feature—and greatest appeal—of Mongolian cuisine is undoubtedly meat.
Raised on vast open steppes, livestock meat reflects the lives and culture of the Mongolian people themselves. However, for many Koreans, the perception of meat aroma can feel unfamiliar. In Korean cooking, it is common to remove blood and eliminate strong odors, whereas Mongolian cuisine often preserves these elements to highlight the meat’s natural depth and richness.
As a result, the bold flavor and aroma beloved by Mongolians can sometimes feel intense to first-time diners. That said, not all Mongolian dishes present this challenge. There are dishes that soften the intensity while still capturing the essence of Mongolian cuisine.
Tefteel and Beef Steak are perfect examples. By combining minced meat with well-balanced sauces, these dishes retain the richness of the meat while minimizing unfamiliar aromas. They offer a safe and enjoyable way to experience Mongolian flavors.
Through these two dishes, we invite you to taste Mongolian meat and open your palate to the broader world of Mongolian cuisine.
Tefteel (Тефтель) is a Mongolian-style meatball and one of the most highly recommended dishes for first-time explorers of Mongolian cuisine.
At a glance, it may resemble Western hamburg steak or meatballs, but it carries a character that is distinctly Mongolian.
Tefteel is made by finely mincing meat and mixing it with rice before shaping it into patties. The rice plays a key role, softening the texture of the meat and creating a well-balanced bite. The meatballs are then pan-seared until golden and served with a rich, deeply flavorful sauce unique to Mongolian cooking.
This sauce enhances the natural taste of the meat while effectively mellowing the strong meat aroma that some beginners may find challenging. The combination of tender minced meat, the satisfying texture of rice, and the savory, umami-rich sauce feels surprisingly familiar to Korean palates. Served with rice, Tefteel becomes even more comforting—placing a sauce-coated piece over a bowl of rice is irresistibly delicious, much like a classic Korean “rice thief” dish.
If you feel hesitant about Mongolian food or are cautious about trying unfamiliar flavors, Tefteel is a safe and rewarding choice. It may well become your first memorable step into the pleasures of Mongolian cuisine.
In Korean cooking, removing blood to eliminate unwanted odors is considered an essential step. In Mongolia, however, what Koreans might perceive as a “strong smell” is often regarded as the true taste of meat. The deep, robust flavor that comes from meat cooked without draining the blood is not avoided but appreciated as a sign of quality.
This perspective is closely tied to Mongolia’s nomadic way of life and reflects a philosophy that values livestock as precious companions in daily survival. Understanding this cultural difference allows for a deeper appreciation of Mongolian cuisine and its honest approach to ingredients.
That said, dishes such as Tefteel and Beef Steak, which incorporate rich sauces, gently balance and soften the meat’s natural intensity. They serve as an accessible bridge, allowing newcomers to enjoy the essence of Mongolian meat without feeling overwhelmed.
Beef Steak (Бифштекс) may sound like a Western-style steak at first, but the Mongolian version is quite different from the thick cuts of sirloin or ribeye many people imagine. In fact, it closely resembles a hamburg steak and shares a similar form with Tefteel.
The key difference between the two lies in the presence of rice. While Tefteel is made by combining minced meat with rice, Mongolian Beef Steak is formed using only pure minced meat. Like Tefteel, it is pan-grilled into a patty and served with a rich, deeply flavored Mongolian-style sauce. In some cases, it appears as Egg Beef Steak (Өндөгтэй Бифштекс), topped with a fried egg for added richness.
Both Tefteel and Beef Steak are ideal choices for beginners to Mongolian cuisine, yet each offers a distinct experience. Tefteel, with rice mixed into the meat, has a softer, juicier texture. The rice gently rounds out the meat’s flavor, creating a comforting and hearty bite—similar to a well-made Korean donggeurangttaeng or a tender tteokgalbi with grains of rice blended in.
Beef Steak, on the other hand, is made entirely from minced meat, highlighting the meat’s natural chewiness and concentrated flavor. It delivers a more direct taste of rich meat and savory juices, making the meatiness feel bolder than in Tefteel. Still, because it uses minced meat, it remains tender rather than tough like a traditional steak.
Both dishes are served with Mongolia’s signature rich sauce, which effectively balances the meat aroma and pairs well with rice. Whichever you choose, you can enjoy the essence of Mongolian meat dishes without feeling overwhelmed. If you prefer a softer texture with a comforting, filling feel, Tefteel is the way to go. If you’re drawn to a stronger meat flavor and satisfying bite, Beef Steak is the better choice. Either option makes an excellent starting point for a journey into Mongolian cuisine.
Tefteel and Beef Steak are dishes you can also find at Mongolian restaurants in Korea. One helpful tip: many Mongolian restaurants tend to offer either Tefteel or Beef Steak, not both. If that’s the case, there’s no need to hesitate—simply choose whichever is available. Their flavor, appearance, and way of eating are very similar, so you’re unlikely to be disappointed no matter which one you order.
If you’re trying Mongolian food for the first time and are sensitive to strong meat aromas, we highly recommend starting with Tefteel, Beef Steak, or Goulash (Гуляш). Goulash is a Mongolian-style beef stew in which tender meat and vegetables come together in a comforting, approachable dish that suits Korean palates well. These three menu options are among the best choices for experiencing the unique flavors of Mongolian cuisine in a gentle, approachable way.
If you spot these names on the menu, don’t hesitate—go ahead and order. The Mongolian table may open the door to an entirely new culinary world for you. What once felt unfamiliar or intimidating will begin to feel inviting. The moment you take that first step, your palate will be rewarded with richer, more diverse experiences. Through the honest and comforting flavors of Mongolia, you may even create memories that last.
So far, we’ve taken a close look at Tefteel and Beef Steak, two of the best entry-point dishes for those new to Mongolian cuisine.
Both dishes allow you to enjoy Mongolia’s signature meat flavors in a softened, approachable way, reducing the intensity of unfamiliar tastes. Whether you choose the extra-soft, comforting Tefteel made with rice, or the more robust Beef Steak that highlights the pure essence of meat, your first encounter with Mongolian food is likely to be a success.
We sincerely hope your Mongolian culinary journey becomes richer and more enjoyable through these two dishes. Savor the deep flavors of healthy meat raised on Mongolia’s vast steppes, and create unforgettable food memories along the way.
