The President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has presented the I Love Paraguay restaurant in New York with an official Marca País (Country Brand) licence, making it the first establishment outside the nation’s borders to receive the distinction. This award recognises a history of almost two decades promoting Paraguayan gastronomy, traditions, and identity in the United States.
Founded in 2007 by Nancy Ojeda and her family, I Love Paraguay was established in Sunnyside, Queens. The restaurant originated from a common experience for many emigrants: a nostalgia for the flavours and customs of their homeland. Over the years, the family business has become a key meeting point for the Paraguayan community and a space to introduce its culture to the American public.
From nostalgia to recognition
Ojeda remembered that the idea for the business arose directly from the experience of emigrating. “The nostalgia. When one emigrates, the first thing you miss is the food,” she said, recounting the restaurant’s beginnings.
The owner attributed the long history of I Love Paraguay to the joint effort of her husband, her children, and the team members who have been part of the business over the years. She noted that the recognition also represents a commitment to continue showcasing the country with excellence.
A reflection of national identity abroad
During the Country Brand licence ceremony to mark the occasion, President Peña recalled his own experience of living in the United States and highlighted the value of compatriots who, from different parts of the world, maintain a living link with their country and help project a new image of Paraguay.
“When we leave our beloved Paraguay, that techaga’u gets a hold of us, we have this ache in our hearts and we are always thinking of Paraguay and we always want to find a little piece of Paraguay outside of Paraguay,” he expressed. Techaga’u is a term from the Guaraní language, widely spoken in Paraguay, that describes a profound sense of longing or nostalgia for one’s homeland.
A small piece of paraguay
The president noted that I Love Paraguay precisely represents this bond built through culture and gastronomy. “You, Nancy, in 2007 did something very important: you created a small space of Paraguay outside of Paraguay, through our culture, our beautiful traditions, and the culinary arts,” he stated.
Peña also stressed that the recognition aims to encourage Paraguayans to become representatives of the national identity abroad. He encouraged them to carry their culture, music, art, and gastronomy to new places, helping to leave behind the old perception of Paraguay as an isolated country.
Official representation from new york
With the granting of this licence, I Love Paraguay now officially represents the Marca País abroad. From its location in New York, it projects an identity built around the gastronomy, traditions, and pride of a community that maintains strong ties with Paraguay. The Marca País is a long-term strategy to position Paraguay in international markets by promoting its reputation across exports, tourism, and foreign investment.
For more information about the restaurant, visit the I Love Paraguay website.
