LifestyleUpdated 2025-01
What is the food like in Paraguay?
Paraguayan food is meat-heavy with grilled beef, empanadas, and sopa paraguaya (cheese cornbread). International cuisine widely available in Asunción.
Key Takeaways
- Meat-heavy cuisine - excellent beef
- Traditional dishes: asado, sopa paraguaya, chipa
- International food widely available in Asunción
- Restaurant meals very affordable ($5-20)
- Good supermarkets stock imported goods
Paraguayan food is hearty, meat-centric, and influenced by Guaraní traditions and Spanish/Argentine cuisine. Here's what to expect.
Traditional Paraguayan Dishes
**Asado** (Grilled Meat)
- Heart of Paraguayan cuisine
- High-quality beef, often grass-fed
- Served at parrillas (grill restaurants)
- Social event, usually Sundays
- Much cheaper than in US
**Sopa Paraguaya**
- Despite name, it's a solid bread
- Corn, cheese, egg, onion
- Rich and dense
- Served alongside most meals
- A must-try
**Chipa**
- Cheese bread/rolls
- Made with tapioca starch
- Slightly chewy texture
- Everywhere - street vendors, gas stations
- Best fresh and warm
**Empanadas**
- Meat or chicken filled
- Fried or baked
- Common snack or light meal
- ~$1-2 each
**Milanesa**
- Breaded and fried meat cutlet
- Beef or chicken
- Often huge portions
- Comfort food staple
**Bori Bori**
- Traditional soup
- Corn-ball dumplings
- Chicken or beef broth
- Hearty and filling
**Mbeju**
- Cassava and cheese flatbread
- Crispy outside, soft inside
- Breakfast or snack item
International Cuisine in Asunción
**Widely Available**:
- Italian (excellent)
- Japanese/Sushi (good quality)
- Korean (growing scene)
- Chinese
- American (burgers, etc.)
- Mexican
- Indian (limited)
- Middle Eastern
Restaurant Scene
Villa Morra and Carmelitas have:
- Upscale international restaurants
- Trendy cafes
- Food courts in malls
- Fast food chains (McDonald's, Burger King)
Dining Costs
| Meal Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Street food/chipa | $0.50-2 |
| Local restaurant | $5-10 |
| Mid-range restaurant | $10-20 |
| Upscale dining | $25-50 |
| Asado meal | $10-20 |
Grocery Shopping
**Major Supermarkets**:
- Stock (best selection)
- Real (good prices)
- Superseis
- Biggie
**What's Available**:
- Local produce (excellent)
- Imported goods (more expensive)
- Most American brands
- Good cheese and dairy
- Quality beef
**What's Hard to Find**:
- Some specialty items
- Certain Asian ingredients
- Some US-specific brands
- Fresh seafood (landlocked country)
For Health-Conscious Expats
**Easy**:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Quality meat (grass-fed beef)
- Basic healthy cooking
- Vegetarian options in restaurants (improving)
**Challenging**:
- Traditional food is heavy
- Large portions everywhere
- Not many low-carb options traditionally
- Vegan can be harder outside Asunción
Coffee Culture
- Good coffee available
- Growing specialty scene
- Many cafes in expat areas
- Starbucks exists
Yerba Mate
- National drink
- Tereré (cold) in summer
- Mate (hot) in winter
- Social ritual
- Acquired taste for some
Alcohol
- Local beer: Pilsen, Brahma
- Wine: Import from Argentina/Chile
- Caña: Local sugarcane liquor
- Bars and clubs in Carmelitas
Dining Tips
- Lunch is main meal (1-3pm)
- Dinner often late (8-10pm)
- Portions are large
- Service may seem slow (relax)
- Tipping: 10% appreciated, not mandatory
- Many places cash-preferred
Have More Questions?
Explore our comprehensive guides to Paraguay
More Lifestyle Questions
Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Paraguay?
Basic Spanish helps significantly, but you can manage initially with English in expat areas of Asunción.
What is internet speed like in Paraguay?
Internet in urban Paraguay is good for remote work. Fiber up to 300 Mbps available in Asunción. Rural areas are limited.
Do I need a car in Asunción?
No, you can live well without a car using Bolt/MUV ride apps. But a car adds convenience for exploring Paraguay.
What is the weather like in Paraguay?
Paraguay has a subtropical climate: hot summers (Nov-Feb, 35-40°C), mild winters (Jun-Aug, 10-20°C). Humidity is high year-round.