Asunción's Culinary Secrets | A Food Lover's Guide to Paraguayan Cuisine

Are your taste buds ready for an adventure? Welcome to Asunción, Paraguay, a city brimming with vibrant flavors and culinary delights! From hearty stews to cheesy treats, Paraguayan cuisine is a delicious fusion of indigenous traditions and European influences. This guide is your passport to the best food experiences in Asunción, revealing the must-try dishes, the dos and don’ts of dining etiquette, and the unique ingredients that make Paraguayan food so special. Get ready to savor the authentic tastes of Asunción!

A Brief History of Paraguayan Cuisine

Paraguayan cuisine, like its people, is a captivating blend of cultures. The indigenous Guaraní people, who inhabited the region long before the arrival of Europeans, laid the foundation. Their diet centered around corn, cassava, and a variety of native fruits and vegetables. The Spanish colonization in the 16th century introduced new ingredients and cooking techniques, which led to the integration of beef, dairy products, and wheat.

Later, the arrival of other European immigrants, including Italians, Germans, and Brazilians, brought additional culinary influences. Over time, these diverse threads wove together to create a unique and flavorful cuisine that is distinctly Paraguayan.

Local Specialties - “Must-Try” Dishes in Asunción

Paraguayan cuisine offers a delightful surprise for any visitor. Here are some dishes you absolutely must try during your time in Asunción:

Sopa Paraguaya (Paraguayan Soup)

Description: Don’t let the name fool you; Sopa Paraguaya is not a soup, but a savory cornbread or cake. It’s a dense, moist, and incredibly flavorful dish made from corn flour, cheese (often queso Paraguay, a local fresh cheese), onions, and milk or buttermilk. It has a slightly sweet and cheesy taste.
Origin/History: Legend says that a mistake in the presidential kitchen led to the discovery of this delicious dish. The cook added too much corn flour to a stew, and, rather than waste it, baked it!
Where to Find It: A traditional parrillada or a family-run restaurant.

Chipa (Cheese Bread)

Description: These small, round, cheese-flavored rolls are a national staple. Made with cassava flour, cheese, eggs, and anise seeds, they are delightfully chewy, cheesy, and slightly fragrant. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or to accompany any meal.
Origin/History: Chipa has indigenous origins, and its recipe has evolved over centuries.
Where to Find It: Street food stalls, bakeries, and even gas stations often sell fresh Chipa.

Asado (Barbecue)

Description: Asado is a South American institution, and Paraguay is no exception. It’s a communal barbecue feast featuring various cuts of grilled beef, often seasoned simply with salt. The meat is cooked over an open fire, giving it a smoky flavor. It is often served with sides like ensalada (salad) and sopa paraguaya.
Origin/History: Asado has strong cultural roots in the gaucho (cowboy) tradition of the region.
Where to Find It: A parrillada is the best place to experience a proper Asado.

Vori Vori (Meatball Soup)

Description: A comforting and hearty soup, Vori Vori features small dumplings made from corn flour, cheese, and sometimes eggs. It usually contains small meatballs and is often flavored with vegetables and herbs, creating a savory and satisfying broth.
Origin/History: This soup reflects the mix of indigenous and European (particularly Italian) influences.
Where to Find It: A family-run restaurant that serves traditional dishes.

Mbaipy (Cornmeal and Meat Stew)

Description: This hearty stew usually combines cornmeal with chunks of meat (often beef or chicken), vegetables (like onions, peppers, and tomatoes), and local seasonings. It’s a flavorful and filling dish, perfect for cooler evenings.
Origin/History: Mbaipy is a dish deeply rooted in the indigenous culinary traditions of Paraguay.
Where to Find It: A traditional restaurant or a home-cooked meal – this is often made at home for family.

Pastel Mandi’o (Cassava Pie)

Description: A savory pie made with a crust of cassava flour and a filling of ground beef, onions, peppers, and spices. The cassava crust is slightly sweet, offering a pleasant contrast to the savory filling.
Origin/History: Pastel Mandi’o shows the influence of European baking techniques on indigenous ingredients.
Where to Find It: You can find it at small restaurants specializing in local food.

Tereré (Cold Herb Tea)

Description: Not a dish, but a crucial part of Paraguayan culture. Tereré is a cold drink made from yerba mate (the same herb used for hot mate) and cold water, often with the addition of herbs like peppermint or aguaribay. It’s refreshing and is enjoyed throughout the day.
Origin/History: Tereré is the national drink of Paraguay, and its popularity stems from its refreshing properties and cultural significance.
Where to Find It: You will see people drinking it everywhere - you can find it at any supermarket or local markets.

Dining Etiquette and Cultural Norms in Asunción

Navigating the dining scene in Asunción is easy when you know the local customs:

Tipping: Tipping is customary. A 10% tip is generally expected for good service, though service charges may sometimes be included on the bill. Tipping is usually given directly to the waiter.
Greetings: When entering or leaving a restaurant, a simple greeting (e.g., “Hola” or “Buenas tardes/noches”) is polite.
Table Manners: Using cutlery is expected, and elbows on the table are generally discouraged. Don’t start eating until everyone at your table has been served.
Pace of Dining: Meals are often enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so don’t rush. Relax and savor the experience.
Appropriate Attire: Dress codes are generally casual. For upscale restaurants, smart casual attire (no shorts) is usually fine. For casual restaurants and street food, anything goes.
Dining Times: Lunch is typically eaten between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Dinner is usually between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, though restaurants are open later.
Bread and Water: Bread is not always offered complimentary. If it is offered, it may be an additional charge. It is polite to ask for the bill when you are finished with your meal by getting the waiter’s attention (see next point).
Getting the waiter’s attention: Waiters usually do not come around to the table too frequently. The best way is to catch the waiter’s eye or by gently raising your hand.
Conversation: Most conversations are lighthearted. However, it is better to avoid controversial topics like political issues.
Taking food photos: It is acceptable to take pictures of food, and in fact, it is usually encouraged.

Key Local Ingredients to Taste in Asunción

Here are some of the stars of Paraguayan cuisine:

Queso Paraguay (Paraguay Cheese): A fresh, semi-hard cheese, often used in Sopa Paraguaya, Chipa, and various other dishes. It has a mild, slightly salty flavor. If you can’t find it: Use a mild, fresh cheese like ricotta or mozzarella.
Mandioca (Cassava): A starchy root vegetable, used in many forms (boiled, fried, baked, or as flour) and a staple food of Paraguay. If you can’t find it: Substitute with potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Yerba Mate: The leaves of a tree, used to make a traditional, caffeinated drink – Mate, which is drank hot, or Tereré, which is drunk cold. If you can’t find it: Substitute with coffee (for the caffeinated effect) or a strong green tea.
Maíz (Corn): Corn is a very important ingredient to make sopa paraguaya, mbaipy, and other local specialties. If you can’t find it: Substitute it with other grains such as oats.
Cebolla de Hoja (Green Onion/Scallions): Cebolla de Hoja is often used as a flavour enhancer, and is frequently used to add flavour to several dishes. If you can’t find it: Substitute it with the bulb and some of the stems of the normal onion.

5 Fascinating Facts About Asunción You Might Not Know

Asunción is known as the “Mother of Cities,” as it was one of the first Spanish colonial cities in South America and has served as the starting point for many other settlements.
The Gran Chaco region of Paraguay is home to a diverse range of indigenous cultures and unique wildlife, including jaguars and tapirs.
Asunción is a very green city, with plenty of trees and parks, and is a surprisingly walkable place to live.
The Guaraní language is still widely spoken alongside Spanish in Paraguay, and the country is officially bilingual.
The Palacio de López, the presidential palace, is a stunning building on the waterfront, reflecting a blend of architectural styles.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dining in Asunción

Are reservations required at most restaurants? For casual restaurants, reservations are usually not needed. However, for more upscale establishments, especially on weekends or holidays, it’s a good idea to reserve a table.

Is it safe to drink the tap water? It’s generally recommended to drink bottled or filtered water. Many restaurants also serve bottled water.

What’s the best way to find authentic local food markets? Visit the Mercado 4 (Cuatro) which is a major market known for its local produce, street food, and crafts. It is very vibrant and a good place to try many different foods.

Are there any food-related festivals I should know about? Check for regional festivals that often highlight local cuisine, music, and cultural events. These will vary by season.

How do I ask for the bill in Paraguayan Spanish? Say “La cuenta, por favor.” (pronounced “la KWEN-ta, por fah-VOR”)

Is it common to order multiple courses? It is common to order multiple courses, particularly in the evening. Lunch is usually a simpler affair.

Are credit cards widely accepted? Credit cards are accepted at many restaurants and shops, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments. However, it’s always wise to carry some cash for smaller places and street vendors.

What is the policy on bringing your own wine? Some restaurants allow you to bring your own wine (often with a corkage fee), while others do not. It’s always best to ask beforehand.

Conclusion: Embark on Your Culinary Journey in Asunción!

So there you have it – a taste of Asunción’s culinary heart! From the savory Sopa Paraguaya to the refreshing Tereré, Paraguayan cuisine is a delightful journey for your taste buds. Now, go out there, explore the flavors, and immerse yourself in the local dining scene. Share your favorite Asunción dish with us in the comments below! Enjoy your culinary adventure!