Food & Dining in Paraguay
Paraguayan cuisine is hearty and meat-focused, influenced by indigenous Guarani traditions and Spanish colonial heritage. Food is affordable and portions are generous.
Paraguayan Cuisine
Signature dishes:
- Asado: Grilled meat, the centerpiece of social gatherings
- Sopa Paraguaya: Not a soup - it's a cornbread with cheese and onion
- Chipa: Cheese bread made with mandioca flour
- Mbeju: Crispy mandioca pancake with cheese
- Empanadas: Filled pastries (meat, cheese, etc.)
- Milanesa: Breaded meat cutlet (similar to schnitzel)
- Mandioca: Cassava, served with almost everything
National drink:
- Terere: Cold mate tea, essential to Paraguayan culture
- Shared communally with friends/colleagues
- You'll see people carrying termos everywhere
Dining Costs
| Type | Cost per Person |
|---|---|
| Street food (empanada, chipa) | $1-2 |
| Basic restaurant meal | $4-6 |
| Mid-range restaurant | $10-15 |
| Upscale restaurant | $25-50 |
| Asado for group (per person) | $10-15 |
| Fast food combo | $6-8 |
Eating Out
No tipping culture:
- Tips not expected but appreciated
- Some restaurants add 10% service charge
- Rounding up is common for good service
Restaurant scene in Asuncion:
- Villa Morra has the best variety
- International cuisine available (Japanese, Italian, etc.)
- Parrillas (steakhouses) for asado
- Growing craft beer and coffee scene
Popular areas:
- Paseo Carmelitas - restaurants and nightlife
- Villa Morra - upscale dining
- Centro - traditional, cheaper options
Grocery Shopping
Supermarkets:
- Stock SA - large chain
- Superseis - good selection
- Real - hypermarket format
- Casa Rica - smaller format
Markets:
- Mercado 4 - largest, cheapest, chaotic
- Abasto - produce market
- Local ferias - neighborhood markets
Grocery costs:
| Item | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Bread (loaf) | $1-2 |
| Milk (1 liter) | $1 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2-3 |
| Chicken (1 kg) | $3-4 |
| Beef (1 kg) | $6-10 |
| Rice (1 kg) | $1-2 |
| Beer (local, 1 liter) | $2-3 |
| Wine (decent bottle) | $8-15 |
Dietary Considerations
Vegetarians:
- Challenging but possible
- Many dishes are meat-based
- Empanadas de queso (cheese), chipa, mbeju are options
- International restaurants have more options
- Be specific - "sin carne" (without meat)
Vegans:
- More difficult
- Limited awareness of veganism
- Prepare to cook at home often
- Some specialty health food stores
Gluten-free:
- Mandioca (cassava) is naturally gluten-free
- Chipa and mbeju can work (check preparation)
- Growing awareness in restaurants
Food Culture
Meal times:
- Lunch: 12pm-2pm (often the main meal)
- Dinner: 8pm-10pm (lighter, later than US)
- Merienda: Afternoon snack (4-5pm)
Social aspects:
- Asados are major social events
- Terere sharing is daily ritual
- Sunday family lunch is sacred
- Food is about community, not just eating
Finding International Foods
In Asuncion:
- Asian markets in Mercado 4 area
- International section in large supermarkets
- Specialty import stores (expensive)
- Growing selection of international restaurants
What might be hard to find:
- Specific ethnic ingredients
- Some international brands
- Specialty items may require import
Pro Tips
- •Try terere - it's essential to understanding Paraguayan culture
- •Asados are social events - accept invitations when offered
- •Chipa and sopa Paraguaya are must-try traditional foods
- •Villa Morra and Paseo Carmelitas have the best restaurant variety
- •Markets are much cheaper than supermarkets for produce
Have questions about food & dining in Paraguay?