Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette in Mongolia is fairly relaxed, especially for foreigners, who the locals don't hold to their dining rules. The most important meal in Mongolia is breakfast and it is rare to be invited into a local's home as dining at a restaurant is more common for people outside of one's family. However, if you do by chance get invited to a Mongolian's home and they live in a ger, there are a number of very important rules you must know.
Before entering a ger you should shout "nokhoi khor!" which means "hold the dogs!" Of course you're probably in no real danger of an actual dog attack, but this is how the locals ask to enter a ger. Once you're invited in, completely enter as stopping in the entryway or threshold is bad luck. When inside you will notice two large beams, which stand near the center and are the primary supports for the ger; don't walk between these two poles as, again, this is bad luck. Also, always move to the left once inside and greet the elders first.
Although the locals are forgiving in regard to dining rules, you should still try your best to behave to their standards. Rules from one region to the next vary so pay particular attention to the behavior of others, but there are a few rules that exist across the country. Only use your right hand to eat, both when touching food and when using utensils. It is also rude to point your knife at another person. The final important thing to remember is that when passing dishes, hold the dish with your right hand and use your left hand to symbolically support your right elbow. This symbolizes the vast quantity of food and is a compliment to the host.
Finally, you may be offered an alcoholic beverage to drink and you are expected to drink this, especially men, whose manhood is in part determined by his ability to hold liquor.
Generally there is no tipping in Mongolia, however there are a couple exceptions. If dining in a western restaurant or staying at a western hotel tips are expected, 10% being a fairly generous tip.