| Type | Fermented Yogurt (literal translation); actually kefir [1] |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Mongolia |
| Colour | Clear-white |
| Ingredients | Milk from cattle and yaks, less often from goats and sheep |
| Variants | Airag, kefir |
Isgelen tarag (Mongolian: исгэлэн тараг, ᠢᠰᠬᠦᠯᠡᠩ ᠲᠠᠷᠠᠭ, or kefir) is a yogurt drink made by the Mongolian people, most commonly by nomadic families. It often uses the milk of a mare, donkeys, sheep, cows, the yak, camels[2] (specifically, khormog, or of reindeer, depending on local traditions or availability.[3] It holds special status in Mongolia, Buryatia, and Inner Mongolia, both as the prime spirit of choice among pastoral units[1] and served to esteemed guests.
The difference between airag or Kumis and isgelen tarag is mostly in the milk used (mare's milk vs. cattle milk). However, the two products are consumed in a very similar manner. Isgelen tarag is a refreshing beverage containing about 2 % alcohol. Very often though it gets distilled to Arkhi (milk liquor).[4]