The world-renowned food magazine TasteAtlas has ranked an alfajor with a Paraguayan seal as the 17th best in the world. The results from the industry’s leading experts have been published recently on their website and social media. In the top 20, 17 alfajores are from Argentina, two from Uruguay, and one from Paraguay. Chosen the best in the world is El Nazareno, a traditional chocolate alfajor from Villa Carlos Paz, a city close to Cordoba, Argentina.
What is an alfajor?
An alfajor is a traditional Latin American confection consisting of two or more biscuit or cookie layers. The biscuits are filled with dulce de leche (a rich caramel-like spread) or other sweet fillings. The exterior is often coated in chocolate or a sugary glaze. Alfajores are a sweet treat, similar in concept to a sandwich biscuit or a layered confection. The alfajor is enjoyed for its sweet, indulgent flavour and creamy filling.
They are different from macarons, which are meringue-based cookies (with almond flour) and filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam.
Paraguayan alfajor: hazelnut and white chocolate
Per TastleAtlas, the best alfajor from Paraguay is the Mega Alfanut Blanco from producer Tatakua. The judges are describing it as “a luxurious and modern interpretation of the traditional South American alfajor.” This alfajor is filled with hazelnuts and white chocolate.
Tatakua was founded by Cynthia López and Saul Ortiz in 2006 in Monterrey, Nuevo Léon, Mexico. The original idea was to open a pastry shop with an assortment of “South American-style” doughs. Now, back to Paraguay, they are selling alfajores, ice cream, and drinks such as coffee.
Other foods and restaurants getting recognition
Befpre alfajor, in 2023, Paraguay’s vorí vorí was voted the best soup in the world by the same publication. This soup, which looks like a stew, is composed of chicken, corn, and cheese balls. Chipa – the famous Paraguayan bread – is also listed high on the list of best breads. TasteAtlas ranked it the 46th best in the world.
A Paraguayan restaurant is also ranked high in one of TasteAtlas’ lists: Bolsi, based in Asunción, was rated 17th most iconic restaurant in the world, 4th in Latin America, and 2nd in South America. Recommended food is surubí soup, vorí vorí, empanadas, steak, and other local items.
What is TastleAtlas?
TasteAtlas is an online culinary guide that specialises in discovering and sharing information about traditional dishes, local ingredients, and regional cuisine from around the world. The platform was created in 2015 and officially launched in 2018.
TasteAtlas offers users reviews, ratings, and detailed descriptions of authentic food experiences, enabling them to explore and appreciate diverse food cultures. The expert maps and ranks approximately 10,000 foods worldwide.
