Each week, Tommy-Maurice is going to a different restaurant in Asunción. This week, he has been to Bolsi, an iconic establishment located in the capital centre.
This week, I have been to an iconic and legendary restaurant in Asunción, the Bolsi. For years, it has been one of the best establishments in the capital, and this week, it was confirmed as such when TasteAtlas named them in their ranking of the most iconic restaurants in the world. They are ranked at the 17th position on that list. It is also the 4th most iconic in Latin America with two Mexican restaurants at the top, and the 2nd in South America, after La Fonda del Tío in Bariloche, Argentina. It is a list difficult to crack, and if you are in it, it is because you are really worth it! It is a place, like the Lido Bar, that you definitely have to try!
Bolsi is a local restaurant in Centro that has existed since 1960. It serves typical Paraguayan food like vorí vorí and sopa paraguaya, pizza, hamburgers, pasta, meat and fish, empanadas, coxinha, and many other options. This time – as I have been multiple times – I took the dieta de aves, which is a chicken fillet in its broth, with rice and vegetables. It is the perfect diet if you overate during Christmas time! I also took a ham and cheese empanada and a glass of Munich beer. Everything was excellent! The chicken was great, the rice was well-cooked, and the vegetables were fresh. The empanada was one of the best I ever ate! The cheese was perfectly melting in my mouth, and the ham was well-cooked and flavourful! Eating there was an absolute pleasure, and my stomach was thankful! You need to try this iconic restaurant in the city centre!
Since it is summer, it was a hot day. It was as packed in the terrace – which has a covering to hide from the sun – as it was inside, with not many seats remaining available in the restaurant. Even if there were many clients, the service was very fast. Many “regulars” were present that day, which the employees all knew by their name. It made the atmosphere friendlier and more welcoming for everyone. It was also very clean, and the tables were quickly cleaned before the next client arrived. The restaurant is iconic, and the employees are icons!
My diet lunch was priced at 40K, the empanada at 11K, and the Munich beer of 500 ML at 16K, for a grand total of 67K Guaraníes, which is less than 9 American dollars, or just over 8 Euros. Indeed, you can have cheaper items on the menu; it depends on what you plan on eating, but overall, the prices are reasonable. The most expensive item on the menu is the Parillita Bolsi, a platter to share that contains meats, cheeses, and other local items such as chipa guazú and manioc and is listed at 220K Guaraníes. It cost around 28 American dollars or 27 Euros. Considering it is to share, it is a very good price! The cheapest items on the menu are the empanadas, which cost just a couple of dollars or Euros. Apart from cash, yes, you can also pay with your foreign cards.
This iconic restaurant is located in Centro, Asunción city centre. Located on Calle Estrella, it is super close to Plaza de los Heroes. Coming from the west, you are probably driving on Avenida España or Avenida Mariscal López. After the two streets merge, continue until you reach Ruta PY01 and turn left (there is no right anyway). There are some parking spots around the four plazas. You should park there and walk the rest. If you want to go directly to the restaurant, you can drive on López and continue when it changes to Paraguayo Independiente. Turn left on Alberdi, and you will arrive at your destination. If you are lost, pay attention, as a lot of streets are one-way downtown. You can also walk or cycle to the establishment to enjoy the beauty of the downtown. You can also take Uber or Bolt, or take the bus downtown and walk the rest. As for the hours, it is open each day from 7 AM to 1 AM the next day. However, the opening hours might change for New Year’s Eve. Find out more on Bolsi’s website.
Bolsi Opening Hours
Monday: 7 AM to 1 AM
Tuesday: 7 AM to 1 AM
Wednesday: 7 AM to 1 AM
Thursday: 7 AM to 1 AM
Friday: 7 AM to 1 AM
Saturday: 7 AM to 1 AM
Sunday: 7 AM to 1 AM
If you want to eat at an iconic restaurant in Centro, El Bolsi is the place for you!
Look next week for another article about a restaurant in Asunción!
