Despite being famous for it’s meat-based cuisine, Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay, is gradually embracing vegetarianism and veganism, especially among the younger generation, and there are several places where you can find vegetarian-friendly options.
While the vegetarian scene in Asunción may not be as fully developed as in some other larger cities, there are still cafes, restaurants, and markets that cater to plant-based diets, and an increasing awareness of these dietary choices. You can now find vegetarian or vegan-specific restaurants, as well as an ever-increasing number of meat-free dishes being added to the menus of existing venues.
When searching for vegetarian-friendly spots in Asunción, it’s helpful to explore various options and communicate clearly about specific products or ingredients you’re looking for.
Here are some vegetarian and vegan-friendly places to check out in Asunción:
- Tuesday Farmers Market at Mariscal Shopping
Mariscal Farmers Market is a popular market in Asunción where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and various other vegan-friendly products. Every Tuesday from 9 AM to 9 PM, farmers from La Colmena, Areguá, and other farms around the town bring their fresh produce to the feria. It’s a great day to visit if you want to experience the lively atmosphere and get the best selection of plant-based products. Besides this market, there are Mercado 4 and other smaller fruit and vegetable markets scattered throughout Asunción. These markets often offer a fresh and diverse selection of produce, which can be a great resource for vegetarians.
- Groceries: Delimarket, Casa Rica, La Marchante
Larger supermarkets such as Delimarket and Casa Rica typically offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan products, including plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. It’s worth noting that Casa Rica offers a 20% discount on fruits and veggies every Monday! You can also check out La Marchante, located near IPS park; it’s a gourmet grocery store that offers both vegan and gluten-free food ingredients.
- Organic Food Stores: Planeta Verde Almacén, Nutritiva Store
There are health food stores and speciality stores in Asunción where you can find vegan-friendly products such as plant-based milks, cheeses, meats, snacks, and ingredients for cooking and baking. These stores often cater to dietary preferences such as vegan, gluten-free, and organic. You can check out Planeta Verde Almacén and Nutritiva Store for a bigger selection of items.
- Bakeries: Karu Panaderia, Oveja Negra
Both Karu and Oveja Negra are not specifically vegetarian bakeries, but they do offer vegan-friendly and gluten-free food and drinks on the menu. They have a variety of plant-based dishes, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and they also have gluten-free options available.
- Best Vegan & Organic Restaurant: Alma Zen
Alma Zen is the vegan paradise. They offer a wide selection of menu items including soup, hummus, buddha bowls, burgers, pizza, and dessert of the day. They focus on using organic and sustainable ingredients, and their menu includes options for gluten-free and raw vegan diets. If you are planning to take away food, the restaurant recommends bringing your own Tupperware.
- Other Vegetarian Restaurants: ECO Café Resto Plant-Based, La Casita Gourmet, Rainbowl Paraguay, Combitos-Restaurante Vegetariano & Wabi Sabi
Here are other options for vegetarian-friendly restaurants you can check out: ECO Café Resto Plant-Based, La Casita Gourmet, and Rainbowl Paraguay. They offer a diverse menu featuring vegetarian and vegan dishes with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients catering to different tastes and preferences. If you fancy some Asian cuisine, you can check out Combitos-Restaurante Vegetariano & Wabi Sabi.
- Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants: Green Mood Slow Food & La Nutry
La Nutry and Green Mood Slow Food are not exclusively vegetarian restaurants, but they offer a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. They have several vegan options clearly marked on their menu, including salads, vegetarian burgers and pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, and desserts. While the vegetarian scene in Asunción may still be growing, there are options available for those following a plant-based diet.
Finding other meat-free spots in Asunción may require a bit of exploration, as the vegetarian and vegan scenes are still developing in the city. When searching for vegan-friendly place, it’s helpful to inquire about specific products or ingredients you’re looking for – and definitely worth looking up the local and/or Spanish-language names of them in advance.
If you’re new in town and want to stay on track with your dietary goals using locally sourced food, you can also book a consultation with a nutritionist. Most of them speak Spanish, but you’ll find a handful of English-speaking nutritionists who can help you achieve your dietary goals using widely available local products.
We hope you enjoy exploring the small but growing vegetarian and vegan community in Asunción!
