Paraguay may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about Latin American food, but this small country is packed with rich and unique flavors. Its food scene is influenced by indigenous Guaraní traditions and Spanish colonizers. Offering hearty, filling dishes and a range of exciting street food, Paraguay is a hidden culinary gem in the heart of South America. If you’re planning your visit, here’s what you should definitely eat while you’re there.
Traditional Paraguayan Dishes You Need to Try
1. Sopa Paraguaya
Despite its name, “sopa paraguaya” is not a soup but rather a type of cornbread. It’s made with corn flour, cheese, onions, and milk. It’s filling, moist, and served in squares. You’ll find it everywhere: in homes, restaurants, and on the street.
2. Chipa
Chipa is a dense, cheese-filled bread that’s commonly eaten as a snack. It’s made from cassava (yucca) flour and is shaped into small, semi-circles or doughnut-shaped pieces. You’ll come across vendors selling this ubiquitous snack everywhere—on buses, in markets, and at roadside stalls. It’s especially popular during religious holidays like Easter, but you’ll find it year-round.
3. Bori Bori
Bori bori is a tasty chicken soup that comes with thick ball-shaped dumplings made of cornmeal and cheese. This dish is a comforting option, especially on a cold day, and it’s a great example of Paraguayan cuisine influenced by Guaraní and Spanish traditions.
4. Mbejú
This is another popular snack or side dish made from starch and corn flour, combined with eggs, cheese, and milk. The result is a flat, pancake-like food that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s commonly eaten at breakfast or as a snack to go with yerba mate, the traditional tea-like drink of Paraguay.
5. Asado
Grilled meat is popular across Latin America, and Paraguay is no exception. Known simply as “asado,” this barbecued meat is cooked over an open flame and usually served with sides like yucca, seasoned with chili pepper, and garnished with herbs. If you’re invited to a Paraguayan gathering or family event, expect to be offered an asado.
6. Milanesa
Originally from Europe, this breaded and fried meat cutlet has been wholeheartedly adopted into Paraguayan cuisine. Milanesa can be made with beef or chicken and usually comes with a side of fries or rice. It’s a crunchy, satisfying meal that’s commonly found in local restaurants and fast food spots.
Street Food in Paraguay
1. Empanadas
No visit to Paraguay is complete without tasting empanadas. These savory pastries are filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They’re easy to eat on the go and are commonly sold by street vendors. The crunchy exterior and juicy filling make for the perfect quick meal or snack. Empanadas are one of the most popular street foods across the country.
2. Lomito
Lomito is Paraguay’s version of a steak sandwich. It’s stuffed with tender beef, lettuce, tomato, cheese, fried egg, and a variety of sauces. You’ll find lomitos at street stands and food trucks, serving this hearty sandwich to hungry locals and visitors alike. It’s a filling and affordable street food, perfect for when you’re exploring the city.
3. Pira Caldo
This traditional fish stew is a street food staple on colder days. The main ingredient is fish from nearby rivers, usually catfish, combined with onions, tomatoes, and peppers. It’s spicy, full of flavor, and a great way to savor Paraguayan river cuisine.
4. Pastel Mandi’o
Pastel mandi’o is a type of fried pastry filled with seasoned meat and vegetables. The dough is made from cassava flour, giving it a unique flavor. It’s commonly sold at street stalls and is perfect for a snack on the go. It’s crispy, flavorful, and incredibly filling.
Regional Specialties
1. Soyo
Soyo is a thick meat soup that comes from the Guaraní traditions. Made with ground beef, it’s seasoned with vegetables, herbs, and spices. Locals traditionally use a large stone mortar (“soyojel” in Guaraní) to grind the ingredients, giving the soup its name. The soup is hearty and filling, making it a perfect meal after a long day of exploring.
2. Puchero
Puchero is another hearty soup dish, but this one is packed with various cuts of beef, vegetables, yucca, and herbs. It’s widely consumed in cold weather, and you can find it in many local restaurants, especially in rural areas. This dish embodies the farm-to-table eating habits of most Paraguayans.
3. Kosereva
If you have a sweet tooth, you need to try kosereva. This traditional dessert is made from sour orange cooked in dark molasses. The bitterness of the orange pairs well with the sweetness of the molasses, making for a complex but delightful flavor. It’s a dessert you won’t find anywhere else.
Where to Eat in Paraguay
1. Local Markets
Markets in Paraguay are treasure troves of fresh ingredients and street food. One of the best markets to visit is Mercado 4 in Asunción. Here, you’ll find stalls selling chipa, empanadas, and dozens of other local snacks. The atmosphere is lively, and it gives you a chance to experience the real flavors of Paraguay while mingling with locals.
2. Comedor Economico
If you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, head to a comedor economico. These are affordable, no-frills eateries that cater to locals. Here, you can get a plate of hearty Paraguayan food like milanesa, asado, or bori bori without breaking your wallet. These spots are mostly frequented by locals, so you know the food is authentic.
3. Fine Dining
For a more upscale experience, try some of Paraguay’s fine dining options in Asunción. Restaurants like Tierra Colorada and Lo de Osvaldo offer creative takes on traditional Paraguayan cuisine, blending local ingredients with international flavors. Though a bit more expensive than street food, it’s worth trying at least once to see how modern chefs are turning Paraguayan food into something truly special.
4. Traditional Homes
Paraguay is a country where hospitality is taken seriously. If you ever find yourself invited to a local home, do not miss the opportunity. Many families still prepare meals passed down over generations, giving you a taste of real, homemade Paraguayan dishes like puchero, bori bori, and especially chipa during holidays. Dining with a local family offers one of the most authentic experiences you can get.
Final Thoughts on Paraguayan Cuisine
When traveling through Paraguay, one thing is clear: the food is simple, hearty, and filled with tradition. From street food like empanadas and chipa to regional specialties like soyo and kosereva, Paraguayan cuisine will keep you satisfied while giving you a deep taste of the country’s culture. Whether you’re grabbing a bite from a market stall or sitting down for a meal in a family home, Paraguayan food is an experience worth savoring multiple times during your trip.
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