Holiday Ayo - Paraguayan cuisine traditionally includes meat, vegetables, corn, cassava and lots of fruits. Many of their traditional dishes are grilled. Both the taste of barbecue and the act of having a barbecue are conventions in Paraguay. South American cuisine has always attracted the attention of foodies.

However, Paraguayan food often lags behind the curtain and it requires some attention which we will cover in this article. Below are the most favorite traditional foods in Paraguay, South America, which you should try to please your soul.

1. Mbeju

source: Cocina Rica

Mbejú are like fried dumplings. It is made with Brazilian arrowroot flour, milk, cheese, lard and eggs. This dough is kneaded and then fried in hot oil. It was a staple food for the natives during the time after the Triple Alliance War against Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, when resources were limited. It goes well with their famous bitter herbal tea or coffee.

2. Pira caldo

source: The Vegan Planet Kitchen

Pira caldo is a popular food in Paraguay – this fish-based soup also appeared after the Triple Alliance War, and is known to stimulate sexual desire and enhance sexual skills. Made from fish such as mandi'y and tare'y picked from fresh water which has a meaty texture. For the fish stock, they add onions, tomatoes, capsicum, vegetables fried in beef or pork fat and also delicious proprietary spices, along with cheese and milk, occasionally. This broth is generally served with cassava rolls.

3. Lomito

source: Amigofoods

Among Paraguay's famous dishes is lomito. This is another delicious South American street food, consisting of a beef sirloin steak sandwich with ham, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato and a special sauce made with olive oil, parsley and garlic. This dish is topped with soft-boiled eggs and served with a toasted Kaiser bun.

4. Borí borí (vori vori)

source: Travel Food Atlas

Borí borí is a delicious Paraguayan chicken soup. It is made with chicken and pork fat, a salty Paraguayan cheese called queso paraguayo, fresh tomatoes, carrots, celery and parsley. Cornmeal balls filled with cheese are then tossed into the broth and the whole thing is served with grilled meat. This is a very nutritious and delicious food.

5. Terere

source: Kayari Yerba Mate

Tereré is a popular drink similar to Paraguay. Its specialty is served cold. Because in Paraguay the temperature can rise to large degrees, locals are found to take thermos and guampas (cups) with them, regularly, to work and school. This tea, known as yerba mate, is healthy, refreshing and also very economical. If you happen to visit Paraguay, you must try this bitter herbal tea.