Tucked away on the outskirts of Mercado 4, in the San Vicente neighbourhood of Asunción, lies a hidden culinary gem: Tobagui. Discreet yet inviting, this Korean restaurant was born from a heartfelt vision. “We wanted to open a Korean restaurant made for the people,” shares Adrian Lee, who co-founded the place with his family.
Rooted in Korean tradition and inspired by the exceptional cooking of Lee’s mother, who now leads the kitchen, Tobagui blends heritage and home-style warmth. “We always said that if she opened a restaurant, it would be top-notch,” Lee adds. And indeed, that promise has been fulfilled.
A feast of flavours
Tobagui opened its doors on 21 June 2024. With the goal of introducing both Paraguayans and international visitors to the rich diversity of Korean cuisine.
The house specialities are Korean barbecues, which feature a range of seasoned beef and pork cuts. “Our specialty is the seasoned meat,” explains Lee. “Beef is something Paraguayans already enjoy, like barbecue, but this is a bit different, it comes with vegetables and various side dishes.”
The restaurant offers generous combo meals ideal for sharing. “We have a combo that includes five cuts of beef, about one kilogram total, meant for around four people,” Lee says. Smaller combos for two people are also available and include side dishes (banchan), two portions of rice, soup, meat, and a soft drink.
Vegetarian options and Korean desserts
Beyond meat dishes, Tobagui caters to vegetarians with its bibimbap, a delicious mix of white rice, assorted vegetables, and a boiled or fried egg. It’s typically served with gochujang sauce, which may or may not be spicy depending on preference.
For dessert, the restaurant offers Korean ice creams with a soft, velvety texture and just the right amount of sweetness. Though this is currently the only dessert available, Lee mentions plans to expand the menu with more traditional Korean sweets.
Freshness and quality first
To maintain Tobagui’s high standards, only premium, fresh ingredients are used, especially the meat. “We don’t use frozen meat, everything we buy is fresh. We always try to use the most premium ingredients to give the best to our customers.”
The feedback speaks for itself. “Once the clients come, most say they can no longer go elsewhere, it’s just not the same. If you want something truly delicious, you should come and eat here.”
Tobagui welcomes every occasion
From the outside, Tobagui’s grey façade and bright orange signage give it a modern yet modest feel, inviting people to step in and discover its cosy charm. The restaurant offers three distinct areas. An outdoor patio (pet-friendly), and two indoor dining spaces, one of which includes an accessibility ramp and adapted restrooms for guests with disabilities.
For more intimate occasions, Tobagui has a private space available on the second floor. This space is ideal for events, reunions, or group gatherings. Reservations can be made via WhatsApp at least one day in advance. No special requirements other than a name and the number of guests.
VIP Card benefits
As a VIP member of The Asuncion Times, you get a 15% discount at Tobagui just by showing your VIP Member card, one of many VIP Member Benefits. The restaurant opens Tuesday to Sunday and is located on Cacique Tabaré Street, at the corner of Ingavi. All payment methods are accepted, including bank transfers.
Tobagui opening hours
Monday: closed
Tuesday: from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Wednesday: from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Thursday: from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Friday: from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Saturday: from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Sunday: from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Tobagui’s team includes servers trained in Korean cuisine, ready to assist with any questions about the dishes or how to enjoy them. Adrian Lee himself is often present, fluent in Spanish, English, and Korean, always eager to share the cultural stories behind each bite.
For more information check Tobagui on Instagram.
