Food in Paraguay

Paraguay, a landlocked gem in the heart of South America, offers travelers an authentic culinary journey that remains one of the continent's best-kept secrets. Paraguayan cuisine is a robust blend of indigenous Guarani culture, Spanish influence, and immigrant traditions, reflecting a rich history in every dish. As a visitor, you'll encounter a variety of flavors, from hearty soups and stews to delicate desserts and refreshing beverages. Discover the must-try Paraguayan specialties that promise to be a highlight of any trip to this welcoming country.

Paraguayan Dishes

Sopa Paraguaya

Sopa Paraguaya is a traditional Paraguayan dish that, despite its name, is not a soup at all. It's actually a savory cornbread made from corn flour, cheese, milk, eggs, and onions. This dense, cake-like bread is a staple at family gatherings and is often served alongside other Paraguayan dishes.

Chipa

Chipa is a cheese bread that is a national favorite in Paraguay. These small, baked rolls are made from cassava flour, eggs, cheese, and sometimes anise seeds for added flavor. Chipa is typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack during the Holy Week celebrations, but it's available and savored year-round.

Mbejú

Mbejú is a starchy cake that's a part of the traditional Paraguayan diet, especially among the Guarani people. It's a flatbread made from cassava starch, which is combined with cheese, milk, eggs, and lard or butter. Mbejú is often enjoyed with a cup of mate or coffee.

Vori Vori

Vori Vori is a hearty soup or stew that is particularly popular in the colder months. Its name comes from the small, round, cornmeal dumplings (vori) that are a key ingredient. The dish also typically includes chicken, vegetables, and plenty of herbs and spices, creating a comforting and flavorful meal.

Guiso de Lentejas

Guiso de Lentejas, or lentil stew, is a common dish in Paraguayan cuisine. It's a rich and savory stew made with lentils, vegetables like carrots and onions, and often includes chorizo or beef. This dish is both nourishing and satisfying, perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.

Pastel Mandi'o

Pastel Mandi'o, also known as yuca pie, is a dish made from grated cassava that's layered with a meat filling, typically beef or chicken. The cassava layers are mixed with eggs and sometimes cheese, creating a pie that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Asado

Asado refers to the traditional barbecue technique that's a social event in Paraguay. Various cuts of beef, pork, and sometimes lamb or goat, are slow-cooked over an open flame. The meat is seasoned simply with salt and often accompanied by mandioca (cassava) and a salad.

Bori Bori

Bori Bori is a variant of Vori Vori, with the principal difference being the addition of cheese to the cornmeal balls. This soup is enriched with chicken broth and vegetables, making it a thick and creamy dish that's both comforting and flavorful.

Payagua Mascada

Payagua Mascada, also known as Paraguayan pie, is a savory snack made from cassava flour and beef. The dough is filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, and spices, then deep-fried until golden brown. It is a popular street food and is often enjoyed as a quick meal on the go.

Paraguayan Desserts

Kosereva

Kosereva is a citrusy marmalade that's made from the peel of bitter oranges, which are boiled, sweetened, and then cooked down into a thick spread. This tangy dessert is a favorite way to end a meal in Paraguay and is often eaten with bread or crackers.

Dulce de Guayaba

Dulce de Guayaba is a sweet guava paste that's commonly found in Paraguayan desserts. It's made by cooking down guava fruit with sugar until it reaches a thick, jelly-like consistency. This paste is often paired with cheese, served as a dessert, or used as a filling for pastries.

Dulce de Mamón

Dulce de Mamón is a dessert made from papaya, which is cooked down with sugar to create a jam-like consistency. This sweet treat is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the tropical flavors of Paraguay, and it's often used as a topping for bread or crackers.

Dulce de Leche

While not unique to Paraguay, Dulce de Leche is a beloved sweet throughout the country. This rich caramel-like sauce is made by slowly simmering milk and sugar until it becomes thick and creamy. It's used in a variety of desserts, from spreading on toast to filling for cakes and pastries.

Arroz con Leche

Arroz con Leche, or rice pudding, is a comforting dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. This creamy dish is often flavored with vanilla or citrus zest and is a popular treat among Paraguayans, especially during the winter months.

Alfajores

Alfajores are shortbread cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche and often dusted with powdered sugar. While they originate from Spain, they have become a staple in Paraguayan celebrations and are a favorite sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Crema

Crema is a traditional Paraguayan dessert similar to crème caramel. Made with milk, eggs, and sugar, this custard is baked in a water bath and often flavored with vanilla. The result is a smooth, rich dessert that's topped with a layer of soft caramel.