Dear My Mongolian family new friends
706 1/1/2025 Rena Hashiguchi Japan
710 3сар23 Laura Kronz Germany
715 4 сар 8 Carly Harris US
716 4сар26 11am-4pm Barbara Reighard US
717 4сар28 12pm-5:30pm Laura Garassino US
719 5сар1 14:30 Julian Kulesh and Sa Lee Russia, Hongkong
721 5сар4 10:30 Rae Lin Hongkong
723 Fri, 09 May 2025 Nagafuji Madoka japan
724 5сар9 1430 Bob Ukiah England, London
727 5сар24 Owen Cox and E Lam US
728 5сар26 Sun Taiwan
730 6сар18 Azzet Yildirim Germany
731 6сар20 Lindsey Smitsdorff and Barbara Glasscock US,
732 6сар26 Marjorie US, Wisconsin
734 7сар3 Belinda, Juliet, Suzy Australia
736 7сар8 Lachlan McKenzie New zealand
737 7сар9 Peggy and Deborah US
738 7сар11 Cameron and Cortel Rockett US
739 7сар12 Andrea Gaspar and Sam Bishop US
740 7сар18 Richard Margolis US
741 7сар19 Anu Hasan India
742 8сар7 Georgia Erchul and Tim ORourke Australia
743 8сар13 Emily Atwood US
744 8сар15 Kazuko Nemoto Japan
747 8сар28 Steve Schussel US, NewYork
748 8сар29 Corinne Hickey, Carly Anders US, Sanfrancisco
749 9сар1 Amanda Wein, Samuel Wein US, Germany
751 9сар7 Gloria Kavanah US
754 9сар10 Martine JOUSSE, Rudy LEBOURG France
755 9сар11 Shelley and Bill Drennan US
756 9сар13 Chiharu and Takeyoshi FUJISHIRO Japan
759 9сар22 Doug Smith and Nancy East Smith US
760 9сар23 Marisha Eveland, Thomas Eveland US
761 9сар24 Barbara Borton US, Washington
762 9сар25 Joan Matheson, Wytold Lebing US
764 10сар1 Phil Leith-Tetrault and Colin Wiggins US, NewYork
767 10сар8 Lisa Borta US, Chicago
766 10сар7 Lynette Yee Malaysia
768 10сар11 Yihan Khoo Singapore
773 11сар8 Jennifer Roth US
775 11сар9 Clinton Stanley US
776 11сар18 Paul Tambeau Canada
778 11сар30 Robert Bart Canada
780 12сар28 Y Shore US
from Traveling Spoon Mongolian Cooking class + meal experience,
It was our big pleasure to meet you and cook together!
We truly enjoyed sharing my home, food, and culture with you by our hosting experience.
Attached are the recipes for the dishes we prepared and some photos to share with you.
We are sure you can have one more healthy habit licking your personal copper covered bowl with next benefits,
- body language "I am full"
- no food waste
- cleaning personal bowl, after licking do not need to wash, save water, only wipe by dry textile
- saliva is a special liquid, better than washing powder to clean
- save labor or time on washing bowl
- eat more saliva for better digestion
- tongue exercise for healthy heart
- no stomach virus/bacteria transfer from public bowl, and
- living less consuming habit, no need to have more bowls, plates, or cups, metal covered bowl can be lifelong property
- copper ion good for internal health support. It's called "internal nurse."
We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review.
Your review helps future travelers find unique and authentic experiences, and it supports us as a local host:
Share your energetic review for Bee and Soy
https://www.tripadvisor.com/UserReviewEdit-g293956-d15614151-Traveling_Spoon-Ulaanbaatar.html
Or you can send your review by email to Traveling Spoon company info@travelingspoon.com
We are always happy on communication.
Have a good day,
Bee Soy Mongols
host family
***
Subject: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Hosts
Date: 12/31/2025 1:31 PM
Dear Traveling Spoon Hosts,
We hope you are doing well and had a wonderful 2025. This year marks a special milestone for Traveling Spoon as we celebrate 10 years since launching our automated platform, and we truly could not have done it without you.
Thank you for being the heart of the Traveling Spoon community. We are deeply grateful for your dedication, generosity, and continued support, and for welcoming travelers into your homes to share your food, stories, and culture. It is because of you that our guests leave with truly unforgettable memories.
To celebrate this anniversary, we are excited to share messages from a few of our longest-serving hosts (please see the attached PDF): Putu, Isi, Sundari, Pea, and Christina.
With heartfelt thanks for being such an important part of our journey, we wish you and your families a joyous New Year. We look forward to welcoming many more travelers together in 2026.
Warmest regards,
Neha & The Traveling Spoon Team
Customer Experience Team, Traveling Spoon
Travel off the eaten path
www.travelingspoon.com
***
Subject: Congratulations on being a top 20 host!
Date: Tue, Dec 23, 7:49 AM
Dear Bee,
I’m delighted to share that you are one of our top hosts this year! The outstanding feedback from your guests reflects the care, expertise, and genuine hospitality you bring to every experience.
Thank you for opening up your home and for sharing your region’s culinary traditions and cultural heritage with such authenticity. Hosts like you are at the heart of what makes Traveling Spoon so special, and we are truly grateful to have you in our family.
If there is ever anything we can do to support you or make hosting even easier, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Happy holidays!
Warmest regards,
Aashi
Founder, Traveling Spoon
Travel off the eaten path
www.travelingspoon.com
780 12сар28 Y Shore US
#1 Mongolian Experience
y_S, Dec 2025
The BEST experienced in all of Mongolia!!!!
This is no mere cooking class. It is an indoctrination to traditional Mongolian living. Sadly, this way of life is dying. If you want to understand millennia aged traditions including OUTSTANDING cuisine, (They will accommodate vegetarians but vegetarians - seriously, this is Mongolia!) music, philosophy, games, and incredible conversation; this couple see themselves as Mongolian ambassadors.
They do not disappoint!!! Book early!!!
November
776 11сар18 Paul Tambeau Canada
Paul T
London, UK
100 contributions
Must-Do in Ulaanbaatar!!
Nov 2025 • Solo
What an amazing experience. Not only did I get to learn how to make traditional dishes, Bee & Soy shared a lot of their culture, beliefs and way of living. It was the highlight of my time in Mongolia!
Written November 24, 2025
775 11сар9 Clinton Stanley US
This experience was the...
Clinton_S, Nov 2025
This experience was the highlight of my trip to Mongolia. Bee and Soy were so kind and welcoming! The food was so delicious and everything about this experience was absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to return to Mongolia and visit them again one day soon.
October
766 10сар7 Lynette Yee Malaysia
Lynette Y
321 contributions
Had the best time with Bee & Soy!
Oct 2025 • Solo
It was so much more than just a cooking class! Bee & Soy shared their culture, their music, and their humor. Best time ever
Written October 31, 2025
768 10сар11 Yihan Khoo Singapore
Global27906580360
18 contributions
Worth it 💯
Oct 2025 • Solo
Extremely hearty sharing by the lovely couple on Mongolian culture, history and way of life. 100/10 experience 😊 would do again with friends
Written October 12, 2025
767 10сар8 Lisa Borta US, Chicago
Lisa Borta
Chicago, IL
35 contributions
An Extraordinary Opportunity
Oct 2025 • Solo
Bee and Soy exuded warmth, kindness, and hospitality during this fascinating cooking class that delved into Mongolian philosophy and culture. They shared tea, breads, and milk-based snacks, then together we prepared and ate traditional Mongolian foods. While we cooked, Bee offered much insight into human communication and connection; there is meaning and intention in these foods. I loved the sharing of songs and wishes, and I continue to think about all the events and actions that somehow led to us happening to meet today, of all days. I greatly enjoyed my time spent with this sweet couple. This class is an extraordinary opportunity you should not miss!
Written October 8, 2025
764 10сар1 Phil Leith-Tetrault and Colin Wiggins US, NewYork
Phil L
5 contributions
An authentic and inspiring class on nomadic cooking and culture!
Oct 2025 • Friends
We had an amazing experience with Bee and Soy! In the ger, Bee and Soy not only taught us how to cook traditional Mongolian soup and dumplings, they shared knowledge of their nomadic culture. I found the experience very inspiring and beautiful thanks to our enthusiastic, knowledgeable hosts!
Written October 1, 2025
September
761 9сар24 barbara borton US, Washington
Food and Friends
barb, Sep 2025
This is more than just a cooking class, it is a cultural experience that reveals the heart of Mongolian traditions. It is a must do for Ulaanbaatar. I not only had a lovely time but made 2 new friends.
749 9сар1 Amanda Wein, Samuel Wein US, Germany
Absolutely incredible...
Amanda_W, Sep 2025
Absolutely incredible experience!! Bee and Soy made us feel so welcome in their home, teaching us about Mongolian culture as well as how to cook delicious Mongolian foods. Highly recommended!
759 9сар22 Doug Smith and Nancy East Smith US
Nancy Smith
6 contributions
Fabulous cooking class for an authentic experience
Sep 2025 • Family
Our
cooking class with Bee and Soy was fabulous. They were so welcoming and
we learned a lot about the Mongolian culture, traditions, and history. I
highly recommend this unique and unforgettable experience
Written December 15, 2025
754 9сар10 Martine JOUSSE, Rudy LEBOURG France
10/09/25 My son and I were received by Soy and Bee, a very warm couple, proud to be Mongolian and passionate about Mongolia. They gave us all a gift: a copper cup. The cooking class took place in their ger (yurt). We learned with good humor and laughter to make steamed ravioli or "Buuz" (dumplings) and to cook a soup, all made from sheepmeat. But it was more than a cooking class. Indeed Bee told us about knowledge, traditions, beliefs of the Mongolian population, communion with nature, songs and it was fabulous! We tasted our steamed ravioli as well as the fried ones that had to be taken in our hands by rolling them on our fingers so as not to get burned. It was great, because my fingers didn't hurt anymore because of osteoarthritis (I'm 75). We learned a method to lick the inside of our cup so as not to lose a drop of soup. We even played ossicles, which I hadn't done in a long time. Bee also taught us and showed us how to count down the walls of a ger. Afterwards, we had fun counting the walls in the other gers where we were hosted. For the return, we discovered the Mongolian hitchhiking. It was a very rich day where we had the chance to get to know exciting people, intelligent and very attached to their customs. Thank you to Soy and Bee for these rewarding moments!
751 9сар7 Gloria Kavanah US
DGGKtravel
5 contributions
Fun Cultural Experience and Cooking Lesson
Sep 2025 • Solo
This day is so much more than a cooking experience. Bee and Soy were delightful. They made me feel right at home in their ger and shared their culture and traditions through telling me about their own history, our interactive food prep and cooking lesson and shared meal, playing traditional games, etc. They never tired of answering my questions. The day was full of smiles and laughter. Bee met me at my hotel and brought me back -- the transportation makes this an easy experience to add into any Ulaanbaatar itinerary.
Written October 11, 2025
August
744 8сар15 Kazuko Nemoto Japan
AngelaWorld
34 contributions
Bee & Soy との豊かな時間 ・ Quality Time
Aug 2025 • Solo
It was quite an experience to visit the Gel of Bee and Soy. Needless to say, the food per se was exquisite and cooking class was actually fun!
They are really good-natured, professional host. They welcome you with friendly smile and you will never forget their kind hospitality.
The culture, language, history reflects eco-friendly daily life. I learned what is life, the meaning of living through them. Indeed, one of the kinds! Eternally grateful.
本当に貴重な、楽しい時間でした！
他の方も書かれておりましたように、私もできるだけ沢山の方に参加していただきたいと感じました。
料理だけでなく、ゲルの中での生活、彼らの動物や自然に対する考え方、「エコ」という言葉が浮かんできました。
世界には多種多様な人々がいて、それぞれの暮らしがあることを改めて学びました。（言葉で上手に表現できないのがもどかしいのですが）
冬の寒さの過ごし方も想像できました。歌を歌ってくれたり、バラエティに富んだ豊かな内容でとても満たされた気分になりました。心からの感謝を込めて。
( ↓ の サイトも参考に、と教えていただきました。）
Traveling Spoon - Travel off The Eaten Path
Written August 24, 2025
742 8сар7 Georgia Erchul and Tim ORourke Australia
Georgia E
2 contributions
An unforgettable, warm, and authentic Mongolian cooking experience
Aug 2025 • Couples
My husband and I joined Bee and Soy in their traditional ger just outside Ulaanbaatar, and it was without doubt one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. From the very start, they welcomed us like old friends, inviting us into their home and sharing tea.
Bee and Soy patiently explained each stage of the cooking process, giving background to the ingredients and their significance. We made sheep meat buuz, warming our hands on the cooked dough and used the dumpling oil to soften our skin, just as Mongolian families traditionally do. We also tasted a variety of fermented milk products, which gave us a fascinating introduction to flavors that are central to Mongolian cuisine.
We especially loved the family interaction, including learning traditional games played with animal bones and how nothing from the animal is ever wasted, a reflection of their respect for nature and resourcefulness. Bee and Soy also generously shared stories about nomadic life in Mongolia, how gers are constructed and maintained, and the traditional belief systems of Mongolian peoples.
Perhaps the most special moment came at the end of our time together, when we shared Mongolian alcohol and each made a wish for the future. It was a heartfelt ritual that left us feeling truly connected, not just to Bee and Soy, but to Mongolia itself.
For anyone visiting Ulaanbaatar, I cannot recommend this experience highly enough, especially at the start of your trip.
Written August 20, 2025
July
741 7сар19 Anu Hasan India
Anu Hasan
Chennai District, India
34 contributions
Not just cooking 😊💕
This is an experience curated by Bee and Soy straight from the heart. ♥️There is so much thought that has been put not only into structuring the experience but also the little touches that make you feel like they have opened their home and heart to you.
And believe me it isn't just cooking, you talk you share you learn and introspect
To be honest I was moved to tears by some of the things we spoke about
I went for the cooking but came back with memories of shared affection and warmth.
Thank you Bee and Soy for all that you do. The world is a better place because of people like you 💕
Written July 19, 2025
736 7сар8 Lachlan McKenzie New zealand
Lachlan
Wellington, New Zealand
146 contributions
More than just fun with food!
Bee met me at my hotel and took me to his beautiful ger, where I helped he and Soy prepare our dumplings and soups. There was also a fine selection of traditional snacks. Bee also introduced me to other cultural concepts with which I was unfamiliar - like the myriad games of ankle bones! These came in handy for the rest of my trip. A great experience, and a great "first activity" for my visit to Mongolia. Plus, I've got delicious recipes to replicate back home!
Written July 18, 2025
738 7сар11 Cameron and Cortel Rockett US
Cameron R
17 contributions
Brothers Review of the Cooking Class.
Bee and Soy were amazing hosts. If you are looking for a truly authentic Mongolian experience this is the one for you. My brother and I not only got hands on experience cooking traditional Mongolian cuisine but Bee did an outstanding job teaching us about Mongolian culture. They are a wonderful and genuine couple.
Written July 17, 2025
739 7сар12 Andrea Gaspar and Sam Bishop US
Andrea G
1 contribution
Wonderful and educational half day in Ulaanbaatar
Jul 2025 • Couples
This was truly an amazing experience - we not only got to make dumplings and soup but learned so much through cooking and through Bee's vast knowledge about the
Mongolian nomadic culture and beautiful way of life. I highly recommend this experience - you won't regret it!
Written July 12, 2025
737 7сар9 Peggy and Deborah US
P C
Tijeras, NM
3 contributions
A cultural experience.
This was much more than a cooking class. It was a cultural experience. From the time we met Bee in the lobby of our hotel until we returned many hours later we experienced part of the Mongolian culture. From the thrill of traveling through the city on one of the busiest traffic days to sampling, preparing and eating Mongolian food. Bee explained what we were looking at, what some of the Mongolian traditions are and why they are important. He answered our many questions and had us participate in some rituals. We were given many gifts and even a puzzle to solve. We were glad we took this tour at the beginning of our Mongolia vacation so we have a better understanding of the adventures to come.
Written July 11, 2025
734 7сар3 Belinda, Juliet, Suzy Australia
Juliet O
1 contribution
Thoroughly enjoyable and memorable
Jul 2025 • Friends
Bee and Soy were genuinely enthusiastic and kind throughout our cooking and cultural experience. They answered questions, explained customs and even sang for us, as well as showing us how to prepare delicious Mongolian delicacies. We had a fabulous time with them and thoroughly enjoyed their hospitality.
Written July 7, 2025
BelWDuns
Dunsborough, Australia
72 contributions
Thank you for welcoming us to your home
This was such a special way to spend our last day in Ulaanbaatar.
Bee and Soy welcomed us to their ger and shared traditions, food, recipes and gifts.
So very friendly and generous, it felt very warm and authentic.
I should also say that Bee was very open to helping us sort out scheduling issues and we were able to start our experience earlier in order to be on time to catch our plane. Communication was excellent.
Written July 7, 2025
June
731 6сар20 Lindsey Smitsdorff and Barbara Glasscock US,
Lindsey S
2 contributions
Great Experience!
Jun 2025 • Friends
Bee and Soy were so wonderful! Definitely a highlight of our trip. They made us feel so welcomed in our home and taught us so much about Mongolian culture.
Written June 24, 2025
732 6сар26 Marjorie US, Wisconsin
Once in a lifetime opportunity to bond with a nation over a meal.
Marjorie_D, Jun 2025
A spectacular day with Bee and Soy. Sometimes you have an experience that you’ll carry for a lifetime. This was that day. Food, culture, customs, beliefs of the Mongolian people. Salted mountain gathered chives, steamed and fried sheep heart dumplings, boiled sheep leg, and steamed soup. In case you were wondering. BTW, if you scrape every particle of meat, gristle, and ligament off the bone it’s good for your health. Assuming it is a pasture raised animal that has grazed the wild steepes of Mongolia. Did I mention the evening ended with milk vodka, a distillation of buttermilk? Did I mention Genghis Khan and his son held that people under 40 shouldn’t drink, people over 60 can drink as much as they want, and people in their 50s should drink in moderation? Did I mention I may be under the influence of this delightfully tasty, spring water clear beverage as I write this review? In justification I am 68 years old. Bee taught the history of his nation, its underlying values, how the great Khan won control of half the known world, and how those values are a potential solution to today’s problems. I am literally halfway around the world and a lifetime of experience from my small, Midwest farm childhood but today I could feel the spirit of my Grandparents sharing this table.
May
727 5сар24 Owen Cox and E Lam US
Owen C
1 contribution
Good time
May 2025 • Friends
Great experience! The hosts are very helpful, friendly, funny, and knowledgeable. Great time to experience mongolian Ger life!
Written May 25, 2025
723 Fri, 09 May 2025 Nagafuji Madoka japan
Connector11582579368
1 contribution
Best Time
May 2025 • Solo
I wanted to have a special experience in Mongolia, so I found this cooking class. Mongolian traditional cuisine taught me many things, such as eating, valuing life, and thanking my ancestors.
Hosts bee & Soy taught us a lot about Mongolia. I felt comfortable and felt like I was coming to visit a relative. He was very kind. I was moved by the two of you singing.
The seasoning of the menu is natural and I think Japanese people are familiar with it. It was perfect for me.
It took 2.30 minutes from the hotel to Citigel, and it was comfortable to get around.
I am the 10th Japanese person, and I hope more Japanese people will know about this wonderful experience.
Recommended
Automatically translated
最高の時間
モンゴルで特別な体験をしたいと思い、こちらの料理教室を見つけました。モンゴルの伝統料理は、食べること、命を大切にすること、先祖に感謝すること等、様々な学びがありました。 ホストのbee&Soyは、モンゴルのことをたくさん教えてくれました。居心地が良く、親戚の家に遊びに来ているような感覚を覚えました。とても優しかったです。お二人の歌声に感動しました。 メニューの味付けは、ナチュラルで日本人は親しみがあると思います。私にとってはパーフェクトでした。 ホテルからシティゲルまで2.30分で、移動も快適でした。 日本人は私で10人目とのことでしたが、さらに多くの日本人にこの素晴らしい体験を知ってほしいです。 お勧めです！
Written May 11, 2025
719 5сар1 14:30 Julian Kulesh and Sa Lee Russia, Hongkong
Evelyn L
1 contribution
10/10 Intellectual feast of Mongolian Culture
May 2025 • Couples
Bee and Soy were amazing hosts, and we were truly lucky to have encountered them.
Bee was highly knowledgeable and He took every opportunity to share with us all the stories and information to introduce Mongolia to us. He also went extra miles to provide us the best hospitality - literally from picking up to dropping off.
Regarding the cooking experience, it was unique and memorable. We enjoyed cooking and tasting the traditional Mongolian recipes in Bee and Soy’s ger. While the food was super delicious, it was more than just cooking and eating. Bee carefully structured the experience to weave in related information about Mongolians’ way of living. It was totally an intellectual feast. Bee also make sure everything is clean and hygienic, so we could enjoy food in rural areas with no worries at all.
Bee’s perfect English and willingness to share makes the entire experience very engaging.
We started our journey in Mongolia with Bee’s hospitality on the first day, and we highly recommend this arrangement to everyone. Bee’s well-designed storytelling can perfectly acquaint any travellers with beautiful Mongolian culture, which will definitely make upcoming journey more enjoyable for you.
Written May 11, 2025
724 5сар9 1430 Bob Ukiah England, London
Bob
London, UK
282 contributions
A fantastic cultural experience
Apr 2025 • Solo
I spent a wonderful afternoon with Bee and Soy in their traditional ger on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. I was picked up from my hotel for the 20 minute drive to Bee’s home. I then spent about four hours there learning and chatting about Mongolian nomadic culture. It was much more than a cooking experience, more of a cultural experience. We did cook a traditional meal of lamb dumplings and other dishes; these were delicious. Despite the fact that I was their 724th (!) visitor, I was made to feel special and it was the highlight of my trip to Mongolia.
Written May 9, 2025
721 5сар4 10:30 Rae Lin Hongkong
Rae_L
Hong Kong, China
21 contributions
Life changing experience
I can’t think of any better words to describe the experience Bee and Soy provided us! They are very friendly, smart and interesting, and provided me with a lot of interesting knowledge and insights into the daily life of Mongolians. In addition to cooking, they never let me feel bored for a moment. They told me a lot about ger, Shagai games, food, and the culture of admiring and respecting nature, which touched me deeply. At the end of the trip, I was given many gifts, including tsampa, Shagai and a few books. I have attended cooking classes in many countries, but Bee and Soy’s is definitely the best experience.
Written May 4, 2025
April
717 4сар28 12pm-5:30pm Laura Garassino US
Laura
Munich, Germany
1 contribution
Wonderful cooking journey
Apr 2025 • Solo
I had a very special cooking experience with Bee & Soy! I learned a lot from their way of living, culture, traditions, history, and food! I loved it and would highly recommend this experience for anyone visiting Mongolia! More than grateful for your time and energy you shared with me! Good luck with everything!!!!
Written April 29, 2025
716 4сар26 11am-4pm Barbara Reighard US
barbara r
Saint Simons Island, GA
5 contributions
Cooking in a gert
A
wonderful visit with a family and i learned to cook native Mongolian
dishes. SOUP, DUMPLINGS AND APPETIZERS. AND A MONGOLIAN ENERGY BAR!!
This experience gave me insite into the past and present life of a
working family and living in a gert. It was an experience I will
treasure just as I will treasure the gifts from them. It's not for the
beginner but the serious experienced traveler
Written May 14, 2025
March
710 3сар23 Laura Kronz Germany
laura12121212
Philadelphia, PA
4 contributions
What a nice experience
Mar 2025 • Solo
From the beginning the communication was very good and Bee even picked me up himself at my home.
He then showed me their home and we prepared a few meals together. Bee and Soy are really lovely and welcoming and the morning was a great pleasure. Bee also showed me some more mongolian traditions (games, songs, ...) and last but not least, of course the food was very tasty as well ;)
Written March 26, 2025
Emails
Hello Soy and Bee !
I use Google Translate to communicate with you.
We returned to France on Saturday, September 20th, very tired after a day that started at 5:00 a.m. We arrived the same day we left due to the six-hour time difference. On the outward journey, it took us two days to reach Ulaanbaatar.
We warmly thank you for your welcome in your ger. It was a memorable experience and truly wonderful to have met you.
We published a review on the Viator website. Below is a copy of that review. We will never forget you.
If we ever return to Mongolia, we will be sure to let you know so we can have a great time together.
1000 thanks.
Lots of kisses from France.
Martine and Rudy
Comments