In the heart of Villa Morra, one finds a small and welcoming café that brings the flavours of Brazil to the streets of Asunción. Dona Adelia is more than a place to eat, it is a reflection of years of culinary experience and heartfelt hospitality. Renowned for serving the best coxinha in the city, it has earned a special place in the hearts of its customers.
A legacy of flavour and warmth
The cafeteria, founded 40 years ago in 1985 in the Brazilian border city of Ponta Porã, takes its name from its founder, Adelia Brignone Zeilmann, and boasts a long-standing reputation in the pastry industry.
“She is a well-known pastry chef,” says Luciane Zeilmann, owner of Dona Adelia Paraguay and niece of Mrs. Adelia. “She became so beloved by the people of Pedro Juan Caballero, that they were always asking her to open another location in Asunción.”
It was the quality of Mrs. Adelia’s pastries and cakes that inspired Luciane to bring the brand to Paraguay in 2022, officially opening its doors in January 2023. Seven months later, the café gained considerable traction within Asunción’s Brazilian community thanks to a video posted by the Instagram account Brasileiros em Assunção (Brazilians in Asunción), run by influencer Hannah de Moliner.
Brazilian taste brought with love
The coxinha, a dough made from potato, filled with chicken and cream cheese, then fried, is one of Brazil’s most popular savoury dishes, typically eaten with ketchup or other toppings.
“Ours is the most successful item. People say it is the best in Paraguay,” says Luciane. In addition to the classic chicken filling, Dona Adelia offers a variation made with shredded rib meat.
Another signature dish is the empada, a savoury pie made with lard-based dough and filled with hearts of palm, chicken, or dried meat with ricotta cheese. “It is gradually winning the hearts of our customers,” she adds.
On the sweeter side, the café offers a variety of desserts, including strawberry pavlova, layered cakes in jars with flavours such as Nido with Nutella, brigadeiro chocolate, and Amor Perfeito (Perfect Love), as well as flans, honey breads, and many others. The café proudly serves 3 Corações (3 Hearts) brand coffee as part of its menu. “Our ingredients are of high quality, because we prioritise flavour above all”, Luciane mentions.
Joy and simplicity
From the moment one steps inside, the café is designed to offer a calm and harmonious escape from the bustle of urban Asunción. It features a fully air-conditioned interior with warm, inviting décor, and a front garden patio, with a maximum capacity of 50 people.
Luciane herself welcomes customers with genuine warmth. In addition to Spanish and Portuguese, she also speaks English, ensuring an inclusive experience for a diverse clientele. So whether you are craving a comforting coxinha, a slice of homemade cake, or simply a moment of peace with a good cup of coffee, Dona Adelia offers more than food. It offers a taste of Brazilian tradition, served with heart.
VIP Card benefits
As a VIP member of The Asuncion Times, you get a 15% discount at Dona Adelia, just by showing your VIP Member card, one of many VIP Member Benefits. The restaurant opens Monday to Sunday, staying closed on Monday, however, the shop is open for reservation of events during those days. Dona Adelia is located on Austria street 1442, Asunción.
Dona Adelia opening hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM to 9 AM
Wednesday: 11 AM to 9 AM
Thursday: 11 AM to 9 AM
Friday: 11 AM to 9 AM
Saturday: 11 AM to 9 AM
Sunday: 1 PM to 7 PM
For more information check out Dona Adelia on Instagram.
