BBQ in Paraguay – Experiencing the Asado Culture
Why Asado Is One of My Favorite Parts of Living Here
Since moving to Paraguay a couple of years ago, I’ve fallen in love with a lot of things here. The slower pace of life, the ease of navigating a smaller city, the friendly people—but one thing that really stands out in the crowd is the mouth-watering asado Paraguay offers.
If you’ve never heard that word before, it’s the Spanish way of saying barbecue, and it’s a huge part of life in Paraguay. I honestly don’t think you could live here for more than a week without being invited to one if you have some local friends.
Whether it’s someone grilling in their backyard, a big family Sunday lunch, or even an all-you-can-eat meat restaurant (my favourites, and more on that below), BBQ in Paraguay is everywhere—and it’s something that expats and locals alike both love.
It’s not just about the food (though the food is amazing). It’s about coming together, taking your time, and enjoying good company.
Asado in Paraguay?
Asado in Paraguay, or in English, BBQ in Paraguay, is the heart of weekend life. It’s when family and friends gather, cook meat over a fire, and spend hours just eating, drinking, and catching up. There’s no rushing at an asado in Paraguay… trust me, no rush at all, and many asados usually start in the afternoon and can easily go late into the evening.
The food at an asado is simple but tasty. There’s usually a mix of beef, pork ribs, sausages like chorizo, and sometimes even chicken. One of the local favorites is morcilla, which is a type of blood sausage. It might sound strange, but it’s full of flavor.
On the side, there’s almost always mandioca, which is a kind of starchy root (like a potato), and always chipa guasu, which is like a cheesy corn pie, and a traditional Paraguayan dish.
In my opinion, since moving to Paraguay, this is one of the things I look forward to most when the weekend rolls around. I do, however, usually like to duck out after a few hours, because the asados can easily roll into the evening or early morning.
The History and Culture Behind Asado in Paraguay
Before I moved to Paraguay, I thought barbecue was just something people did in the summer (and it usually is in North America). But here, asado in Paraguay is much more than just grilling meat—it’s part of the culture. It’s something families have been doing for generations, and it’s tied to the country’s history. This makes me feel just a tad bit Paraguayan when I join in on a local asado, and I love that.
Asado goes all the way back to the time of the Guaraní people and early Spanish settlers. Paraguay has always had a strong connection to the land, and raising cattle has been a big part of life here for centuries. People would cook meat over open fires in the countryside, and that tradition stuck.
Today, asado is still a weekly ritual, especially on Sundays. Usually it’s the men who take care of the grill and the fire, while the women prepare side dishes and drinks. If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend either joining in on a local asado… but if you don’t have local friends (yet! The people here are very friendly), there are many restaurants where you can get delicious flame-grilled asado (and all you can eat asado). I will touch on the most popular options below.
What can you expect from downtown Asuncion? Watch the video below for a full tour of Asuncion’s old center
What to Expect at a Traditional Asado
The first time I went to an Asado in Paraguay, I didn’t really know what to expect. I thought it would be a quick lunch, but it ended up lasting hours—and I loved it.
A traditional Paraguayan asado usually takes place at someone’s home, in the backyard or under a covered patio (in Paraguay they call this a quincho).
There’s almost always a big brick or metal grill called a parrilla in the quincho, and the fire is made using wood or charcoal—no gas grills here – ever.
The person running the grill is called the asador, and that role is taken very seriously. Everyone has their own way of doing it, and you’ll often hear people talking (or debating) about the best way to build the fire or season the meat.
The cooking is slow and steady. Large pieces of meat go on the grill and stay there for a long time. Meanwhile, everyone is sitting around, drinking beer or tereré (cold herbal tea), and just hanging out. There’s usually also music—sometimes traditional Paraguayan polka, sometimes just popular radio hits.
The food comes out in stages. First, maybe some sausages and ribs – finger foods. Then bigger cuts of beef and pork. The mandioca is always served, usually boiled and salted. Sometimes you’ll also get sopa paraguaya (a cornbread-like dish) or ensalada rusa, which is like a potato salad with peas and carrots.
The best part? You will never leave an Asado hungry. People just keep eating small portions over a few hours, and the meat keeps coming. Everyone shares from the same cutting board, and it feels like one big family meal—even if you’ve just met the people there, which yes, does happen often in Paraguay.
If you’re new to Paraguay, I can’t recommend this experience enough. Say yes if someone invites you. You’ll eat amazing food, learn more about Paraguayan culture, and probably make a few new friends in the process.
Buying asado dishes? Here’s what you can expect from Paraguay’s supermarkets and prices
Where to Try BBQ in Paraguay (Restaurants)
While some of the best asado in Paraguay usually happens at someone’s house, you don’t have to wait around for an invite to get a good BBQ in Paraguay (no way, not the country of beef). There are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy that same grilled flavor—whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a full-on meat feast.
One of my favorite spots in Asunción is Lo de Osvaldo. It’s not super fancy, but the meat is excellent, the portions are big, and it has that classic Paraguayan feel. You’ll usually find families eating there on the weekend, and the grill is going non-stop. They serve all the usual cuts—beef ribs, pork, sausages—and the sides are just like what you’d get at a home asado.
Another good option in Asuncion is Lomo Dorado, which offers a good mix of grilled meats and traditional Paraguayan dishes. If you want something a little more upscale, La Cabrera is a solid choice and more of a steakhouse, but it’s originally from Argentina.
If you’re really hungry—or just curious about all-you-can-eat BBQ in Paraguay—then you need to check out a churrasquería. These are Brazilian-style restaurants where waiters bring meat straight to your table over and over until you say stop.
My top pick is Paulista Grill in Asunción. It’s a full-on rodizio experience, with every kind of grilled meat you can imagine: ribs, sirloin, chicken hearts, sausages, and more. I just went back the other day (I usually go back every week or so), and the food never disappoints, along with the excellent service.
At Paulista Grill, you can not only expect all-you-can-eat meat, but also a variety of 20+ sides, and all-you-can-eat dessert. On Sundays, the all you can eat is only 99,000 GS, an excellent deal to get full to the brim!
Another one worth trying is O Gaucho, which has a similar vibe and endless meats served hot off the skewer. O Gaucho is a bit fancier, and will cost slightly more (around 180,000 GS last time I went), but is delicious and still well worth the price.
These are my favorite picks for a solid carnivore meal in Paraguay, but keep in mind there are tons of local, street-side asado and bbq chicken stands and shops you can easily find on the streets. Paraguay certainly has no shortage of meat, and the locals love it!
Conclusion
When I first moved to Paraguay from Canada, I didn’t really know what to expect when someone invited me to an asado. I had no idea how culturally important the asado was here, or that it was something people did almost every weekend. But that first experience changed everything for me.
I remember showing up and being welcomed like I was part of the family. Now, after two years of living here full time, I can say BBQ in Paraguay—or as we say here, asado—is one of my favourite parts of the culture.
It’s not just about the food (even though the food is amazing). It’s about slowing down, sharing a meal with people, and really feeling connected. Whether you’re just visiting for a few days or planning to stay longer, I recommend to don’t miss out on this part of life in Paraguay.
FAQ: BBQ in Paraguay / Asado in Paraguay
BBQ in Paraguay is known as asado, and it’s much more than just grilling. It’s a full social event. Unlike fast backyard cookouts in some places, Asado here is slow, relaxed, and usually lasts for hours. The meat is cooked over wood or charcoal, and the focus is on spending time together while the food cooks.
You’ll find a mix of beef, pork, and sausages. Some common cuts include ribs (costilla), sausages (chorizo, morcilla), and my personal favorite—vacio. There’s also chicken sometimes, and lots of mandioca (cassava) on the side.
If you get invited to someone’s home for an Asado, definitely go—it’s a big part of the culture. But if you don’t know anyone yet, you can still enjoy the experience at restaurants or churrasquerías (all-you-can-eat BBQ spots). Places like Lo de Osvaldo or Paulista Grill in Asunción are great options.
It’s polite to bring something. A pack of beer, soda (they like Coke here), some dessert, or even bags of ice are good choices. You don’t have to go over the top—just show that you’re contributing. And be ready to eat for hours.
Most Asados are meat-heavy, so it’s perfect for meat lovers. If you have dietary restrictions, an asado in Paraguay many be limiting to you. There are usually simple side dishes like salads, mandioca, or grilled veggies, but it’s not the most vegetarian-friendly meal by default.Top of Form
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