Mongolia, a land shaped by winters as harsh as its summers are intense, has always felt mysterious to travelers. Amid unfamiliar cultures and striking landscapes, it is not only the vast natural scenery that captures attention, but also the distinctive flavors and aromas woven into everyday life—elements that add depth and richness to the country’s identity.
The focus of today’s culinary journey is Ujamni Shus, a revitalizing summer drink that represents Mongolia’s warm season. Though its name may sound unfamiliar, this beverage is surprisingly made from a well-known ingredient: raisins. Valued as a source of energy during the hot summer months, Ujamni Shus plays a meaningful role in supporting the health and vitality of Mongolians.
What secrets lie behind this simple yet unique drink? Adding to its charm is an unusual way of enjoying it—much like bubble tea, the raisins are meant to be chewed through a straw, turning each sip into a playful and memorable experience.
The key ingredient of Ujamni Shus, raisins, can be seen as a natural storehouse of nutrients. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamin A. During Mongolia’s hot summers, when electrolytes are easily lost through perspiration, raisins are especially effective in replenishing potassium.
Adequate potassium intake helps reduce symptoms of deficiency and may aid in preventing sudden muscle cramps. Raisin-based drinks are also widely recognized for their benefits to heart health. The combination of potassium and magnesium supports healthy blood pressure levels, while their naturally low sodium content and antioxidant compounds contribute to cardiovascular well-being and may help lower the risk of heart-related conditions.
In this sense, Ujamni Shus represents more than a refreshing summer drink—it is one of the reasons Mongolians are able to maintain energy and vitality even under the intense summer sun.
Ujamni Shus is more than a simple thirst-quencher—it is a versatile drink that supports multiple functions of the body. The plant-based fiber found in raisins helps stimulate digestion and promotes healthy intestinal movement, while tartaric acid aids nutrient absorption and waste elimination, supporting both the small and large intestines and helping regulate digestion.
In addition, vitamin C and zinc contribute to immune support, helping the body defend itself against common illnesses. Vitamin A supports clear, healthy skin, while B vitamins and magnesium play a role in reducing nervous tension and supporting mental well-being. The potassium naturally present in grapes is known to support kidney and liver function, and compounds such as adiponectin are associated with fat metabolism and detoxification processes, making raisin-based drinks a favorable option even for those mindful of blood sugar balance.
In this way, a single glass of Ujamni Shus reflects a form of natural wisdom—one that has long helped Mongolians maintain health and vitality in their everyday lives.
Ujamni Shus is widely loved for its ability to quench thirst under Mongolia’s intense summer sun while replenishing electrolytes lost through perspiration.
To preserve the nutrients of raisins and extract their deep flavor, Mongolians traditionally prepare Ujamni Shus by steeping raisins in boiling water.
What makes this drink especially memorable is the way it is enjoyed. Much like drinking bubble tea in Korea, it is commonly consumed through a wide straw, allowing the chewy raisin pieces to be drawn up and eaten along with the juice. This combination of sweet liquid and textured fruit creates a multi-sensory experience that engages both taste and texture, making Ujamni Shus distinctly satisfying.
Beyond everyday refreshment, Ujamni Shus plays an important role in Mongolian society. It is commonly served in hospitals and care facilities to support recovery and nutritional intake, and it is also a staple at youth camps, where it helps sustain children’s energy during active outdoor programs. These practices highlight how deeply Ujamni Shus is valued as a health-supporting drink across many aspects of Mongolian life.
In this way, Ujamni Shus is far more than a simple drink for enduring Mongolia’s intense summer heat.
Rich in nutrients, it helps support the health of Mongolians, while its distinctive way of drinking adds an element of enjoyment and cultural character. It is, in many ways, a concentrated expression of Mongolian life and wisdom.
If you are planning a trip to Mongolia, we highly recommend experiencing a chilled glass of Ujamni Shus beneath the vast blue sky and endless grasslands. The natural sweetness of raisins, the pleasure of chewing them as you drink, and the sense of renewed energy that follows will make your summer journey even more memorable.
Take a moment to experience the warmth of Mongolian hospitality and the wholesome vitality captured in a single glass of Ujamni Shus. It is sure to become a lasting memory—one that nourishes both body and spirit.
