Bizarre Foods America Season 5 Episode 3 Mongolia

On the third episode of the fifth season of Bizarre Foods America, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Mongolia to explore the unique cuisine and culinary culture of the landlocked country. Mongolia is known for its vast, open grasslands, rugged terrain, and nomadic way of life, and Zimmern immerses himself in the traditional customs and foods of the region.

Zimmern begins his journey in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where he visits a bustling food market to sample some of the local delicacies. He tries a dish called buuz, which are steamed dumplings filled with ground meat and onions, and khuushuur, which are fried dough pockets stuffed with diced mutton and served with hot tea. He also samples a variety of dairy products, including yak yogurt, milk tea, and a curdled milk cheese called aaruul.

Next, Zimmern travels to the grasslands outside of the city to meet with nomadic herders who live in felt tents called gers. He learns about the central role that livestock plays in the Mongolian diet and economy, and helps milk a herd of cows and goats. He also tries his hand at hunting with an eagle, a traditional Mongolian practice that involves training a bird of prey to catch small animals like rabbits and foxes.

Throughout his journey, Zimmern discovers that Mongolian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's nomadic lifestyle and harsh climate. Meat and dairy products are staples of the diet, as they can be easily preserved and provide much-needed sustenance during the long, cold winters. Many of the dishes also incorporate local herbs and spices, like cumin and dill, which add flavor and nutritional value to the meals.

Zimmern's final stop is at a traditional Mongolian feast, known as a buuz khorkhog. The feast involves marinating meat and vegetables in a mixture of spices and hot stones, which are then cooked inside a metal vessel and served with steamed buns. Zimmern tastes a variety of different meats at the feast, including mutton, beef, and horse, which are all popular in the Mongolian diet.

Overall, the episode provides an in-depth look at the unique culinary traditions of Mongolia, from the bustling markets of the capital city to the vast grasslands of the countryside. Zimmern's exploration of the country's cuisine provides viewers with a greater appreciation for the diverse and often unexpected foods that can be found around the world.