Nestled in the vibrant streets of Asunción, Pink stands as a beacon for those who embrace plant-based and gluten-free lifestyles. More than just a restaurant, Pink Cow is a culinary sanctuary where health-conscious food meets indulgent flavors. Located at Alas Paraguayas 378, this cozy eatery offers a unique dining experience that combines taste, nutrition, and sustainability.
A Culinary Awakening
Laura, the founder of Pink Cow, discovered her passion for gastronomy early on. After studying culinary arts in Buenos Aires in 2006 and later refining her skills at the IGA culinary school in Paraguay, she still struggled to define her path within the industry. However, a transformative trip to Spain in 2010 led her to embrace vegetarianism, a lifestyle choice that would shape the rest of her career. She immersed herself in the study of plant-based cuisine, taking courses in natural cooking, nutrition, dietetics, macrobiotics, and even Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Upon returning to Paraguay in 2013, she noticed a significant gap in the market for vegetarian and vegan products. Determined to fill this void, she began importing specialty items from Argentina and Brazil, selling them through social media and local markets. Over time, her business evolved from selling organic products to preparing plant-based meals, leading to the opening of her first restaurant in downtown Asunción in 2015. Although the location eventually closed, the experience paved the way for new opportunities, including expanding into product development and supermarket distribution.
Reinvention and Growth
Laura’s entrepreneurial spirit took her to Mexico in 2019, but she returned to Paraguay in 2020 due to the pandemic. This unexpected turn of events marked a fresh start for Pink Cow. With renewed focus, she sought support from organizations like the Paraguayan Industrial Union and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Her hard work paid off when she won two investment awards, allowing her to formalize and expand her business.
In 2024, Pink Cow took another leap forward with the opening of a new location, blending a restaurant and a retail space for frozen plant-based products. While balancing both aspects of the business remains a challenge, Laura remains committed to growing Pink Cow into a full-fledged vegetarian and vegan café without compromising the core product line.
The Story Behind the Name Pink Cow
The name “Pink Cow” has a quirky and personal origin. In her teenage years, Laura sported pink hair, earning her the nickname ‘Pink.’ The ‘Cow’ part of the name comes from an old school nickname, which she decided to embrace in a playful way. While some questioned the association of a cow with a vegetarian brand, Laura found it fitting—after all, cows are naturally vegetarian! The logo, featuring a cow chewing on grass, reinforces this message.
Innovating Traditional Paraguayan Cuisine
Pink Cow is known for its creative approach to traditional Paraguayan dishes, reimagined in plant-based versions. One of its standout offerings is the empanada de mandioca, a cassava-based pastry filled with soy protein, a delicious alternative to the classic pastel mandi’o, which is originally filled with vegetables and meat. Another popular item is the vegan version of payagua mascada, a beloved Paraguayan fritter traditionally made with meat, which Laura has successfully recreated using mushrooms.
Each recipe is an original creation, born from a desire to offer vegetarians and vegans plant-based options without sacrificing cultural flavors. The idea took off when Pink Cow hosted San Juan festivals, showcasing how traditional dishes could be adapted for vegetarians and vegans. Today, these products are not only available at the restaurant but can also be found in supermarkets, making plant-based eating more accessible to the people.
Pink Cow also offers catering services for events, bringing its signature plant-based and gluten-free dishes to private gatherings, corporate functions, and celebrations.
A Brand with a Mission
Pink Cow is more than just a place to eat — it is a community for those who embrace ethical eating and a sustainable lifestyle. Beyond its innovative menu, the space doubles as a boutique store, offering a curated selection of vegan and gluten-free products. From pantry staples to specialty snacks, Pink Cow makes plant-based living both accessible and enjoyable.
For Laura, Pink Cow is a mission-driven brand. Her goal is to mainstream plant-based cuisine, proving that vegan food is anything but boring.
“We make sure every dish bursts with flavor and creativity,” she says.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian, an adventurous foodie, or simply curious, Pink Cow proves that plant-based eating can be both delicious and deeply rooted in tradition. To know more about the vegan and vegetarian landscape here, you can look at this article: Eating as a Vegetarian or Vegan in Asunción.
Pink Cow Information
📍 Address: Alas Paraguayas 378, Asunción
🚗 Parking available
🕒 Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Fore more information, you can visit Pink Cow Instagram page.
Experience the flavors of the future — one plant-based bite at a time.
