What Food To Try in Asuncion and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Asuncion for 2024.
National currency: Guarani, symbol — (international currency code PYG).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Asuncion cafes and restaurants
$4.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.77
$23.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $16.59
$4.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.15
What to Try in Asuncion
Must-try Dishes
Chipa Guasu - Corn Cake - A savory cake made from corn, cheese, and eggs, baked to a golden perfection. You can usually find it at family gatherings or Sunday lunches, as it pairs well with barbecued meats.Sopa Paraguaya - Paraguayan Soup - This is a fluffy, cornbread-like dish made with cornmeal, cheese, and onions baked until it’s slightly crispy on the edges. It’s typically enjoyed alongside lunch or dinner, and locals often serve it as a side dish to grilled meats.
Asado - Barbecue - A traditional Paraguayan barbecue featuring various cuts of beef, often slow-cooked over an open flame for that smoky flavor. Locals dine on asado during weekend gatherings, where friends and family come together to celebrate.
Vori Vori - Chicken and Dumplings - A hearty soup made with chicken, cornmeal dumplings, and vegetables, offering a comforting and filling meal. It's perfect for a chilly evening, often enjoyed at home or in family-run restaurants.
Kiveve - Corn and Cheese Soup - This hearty soup combines mashed corn, cheese, and spices for a creamy, rich flavor. It's a popular breakfast item, often shared among family as a warm start to the day.
Empanadas - Stuffed Pastries - These are savory pastries filled with fresh meat, cheese, or vegetables, then baked or fried for a crispy finish. Street vendors sell them as a quick on-the-go meal, but be careful with your choice; many think cheese means it's vegetarian, but it might contain meat!
Mbeju - Starchy Cheese Pancake - Made from cassava flour, cheese, and eggs, this gluten-free pancake has a unique chewy texture. Commonly eaten at breakfast, it is best enjoyed while still warm, often at family breakfasts during special occasions.
By the way, you'll notice that locals often share meals communally, so don't hesitate to dig in family-style!
Desserts & Drinks
Cocido - Cocido (traditional herbal tea) - A soothing, warm blend of local herbs steeped in water, often sipped throughout the day for relaxation. Locals enjoy it during family gatherings, sharing stories over a cup, especially when the weather is cool.Pavê - Pavê (layered dessert) - A delicious chilled dessert made with layers of cookies, cream, and sometimes fruit or chocolate, all held together with rich, sweetened condensed milk. Commonly served during celebrations like birthdays or family reunions, it's often the star of the dessert table, meant to be savored slowly.
Tereré - Tereré (cold herbal infusion) - A refreshing drink made from yerba mate steeped in cold water, often enhanced with fresh herbs or citrus. This drink is typically enjoyed on hot afternoons, served in a traditional gourd and shared among friends, creating a fun social atmosphere. By the way, it's so common that you'd be surprised if you don't see it at every picnic!
Canelones - Canelones (pastry rolls) - Delicate rolled pastries filled with sweetened fruit or pudding, often served dusted with powdered sugar. These are particularly popular during festive occasions, bringing a sense of nostalgia with every bite.
Cerveza Pilsen - Cerveza Pilsen (local beer) - A light, crisp lager that stands out with its refreshing taste, perfect for Paraguay's warm evenings. Often enjoyed at barbecues or soccer matches, it's best paired with grilled meats, bringing people together in a vibrant atmosphere.
Food and Groceries in Asuncion
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.75 |
| Bananas | $0.97 |
| Oranges | $1.31 |
| Potatoes | $0.91 |
| Apples | $1.82 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.61 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.94 |
| Imported Beer | $1.73 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.25 |
| Milk 1L | $0.83 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $6.54 |
| Chicken | $3.69 |
| Cigarettes | $1.87 |
| Rice | $0.93 |
| Local Cheese | $6.6 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Mealtime in Asuncion is a vibrant affair, with locals often coming together around 12 PM for lunch and again at around 8 PM for dinner. This consistent schedule marks a noticeable rhythm that reflects the city’s culture. It’s common to see families gathering around that time, sharing meals, laughter, and stories. Unlike other cities where dinner might be pushed later into the night, Asuncion feels more social at these hours.
In the city's dining districts, you’ll find a wide spectrum of price ranges. For instance, in the bustling Mercado 4, a hearty lunch of local dishes can cost as low as 25,000 PYG (around $3.50 USD), while a meal in one of the more upscale neighborhoods, like Villa Morra, might stretch to about 80,000 PYG (around $11 USD) for similar offerings. This clear distinction demonstrates how different neighborhoods cater to various economic realities. Plus, prices tend to spike during peak seasons—like the upcoming holidays—so be prepared.
A common misconception among visitors is the expectation that meals come with swift service. While locals appreciate good food, they often relish the experience, savoring meals and lingering over conversations. This contrasts sharply with fast-paced dining in bigger cities. Local custom dictates that you might wait a bit longer for your meal, especially at dinner. If you’re timing your visit, aim to dine slightly outside of the typical hours to avoid the dinner rush, especially on weekends when popular spots can be bustling.
When it comes to payment, cash remains king in many places, especially at street vendors and smaller restaurants. Larger establishments often accept cards, but it’s always wise to check first. Tipping is generally not mandatory, but leaving around 10% is appreciated if the service has been exceptional.
Oh, and before I forget, one local dining habit I love is the afternoon tereré ritual, where people gather to share a chilled herbal drink. This showcases the strong communal aspect of eating and drinking in Asuncion. A common tourist mistake is not participating in these social moments, missing out on the rich interactions that define local eating culture.
As the seasons shift, so do meal patterns, particularly with weather changes. During the hotter months, you'll find more people opting for light, refreshing dishes, while in the cooler season, heartier fare takes precedence. Understanding these dynamics will help you navigate the culinary scene better.
Overall, Asuncion's food culture is deeply embedded in its social structure, revealing much about the city’s collective character and lifestyle.
In the city's dining districts, you’ll find a wide spectrum of price ranges. For instance, in the bustling Mercado 4, a hearty lunch of local dishes can cost as low as 25,000 PYG (around $3.50 USD), while a meal in one of the more upscale neighborhoods, like Villa Morra, might stretch to about 80,000 PYG (around $11 USD) for similar offerings. This clear distinction demonstrates how different neighborhoods cater to various economic realities. Plus, prices tend to spike during peak seasons—like the upcoming holidays—so be prepared.
A common misconception among visitors is the expectation that meals come with swift service. While locals appreciate good food, they often relish the experience, savoring meals and lingering over conversations. This contrasts sharply with fast-paced dining in bigger cities. Local custom dictates that you might wait a bit longer for your meal, especially at dinner. If you’re timing your visit, aim to dine slightly outside of the typical hours to avoid the dinner rush, especially on weekends when popular spots can be bustling.
When it comes to payment, cash remains king in many places, especially at street vendors and smaller restaurants. Larger establishments often accept cards, but it’s always wise to check first. Tipping is generally not mandatory, but leaving around 10% is appreciated if the service has been exceptional.
Oh, and before I forget, one local dining habit I love is the afternoon tereré ritual, where people gather to share a chilled herbal drink. This showcases the strong communal aspect of eating and drinking in Asuncion. A common tourist mistake is not participating in these social moments, missing out on the rich interactions that define local eating culture.
As the seasons shift, so do meal patterns, particularly with weather changes. During the hotter months, you'll find more people opting for light, refreshing dishes, while in the cooler season, heartier fare takes precedence. Understanding these dynamics will help you navigate the culinary scene better.
Overall, Asuncion's food culture is deeply embedded in its social structure, revealing much about the city’s collective character and lifestyle.