The Asunción Times is starting The Asunción Times Cooking Classes! For this first edition on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, at 19:00, a small group will gather at a stunning rooftop venue in Paraguay’s beautiul capital to cook together. For this first edition, we will be diving into the intense flavours of Eastern European & Central Asian cuisine.
Spaces are limited to just 12 participants. This is a hands-on, interactive class, not a cooking show! You will be doing the cooking, which is why the group is being kept small enough for everyone to be at the counter, not watching from a stool.
You will prepare a delicious menu that includes plov (Uzbek aromatic rice pilaf), kotlety (juicy Russian burgers), shkmeruli (Georgian creamy garlic chicken), oven-roasted mashed potatoes, a refreshing sour-cream veggie salad, and the legendary satsebeli sauce.
Meet your host Vadim
Your host is Vadim Kondratyev, a finance director by day with a creative and slightly sarcastic mind, a genuine passion for cooking, and knowledge of the world’s cuisines that comes from having visited more countries than he can count. Trust him – you won’t be bored! You will cook, eat what you have cooked, and then enjoy karaoke and beautiful rooftop views over Asunción.
“Every dish on the menu has been chosen so you can easily replicate it at home the very next day,” says Vadim. “No sous vide machines, no obscure imported ingredients, and no pastry-school techniques. All you need is a stove, an oven, a few pans, and ingredients you can find at any supermarket in Asunción. The whole point is that you walk away able to make these dishes on your own.”
The Asunción Times Cooking Classes #1 details:
Get your ticket now, using The Asunción Times Cooking Classes ticket purchase page.
- Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2026, 19:00;
- Venue in Asunción: Announced per email after ticket purchase;
- Cost: ₲200,000 (approximately US$32) per person;
- Spaces are limited!
5 reasons to join Vadim
These are Vadim’s 5 reasons to join The Asunción Times Cooking Classes.
#1: The ingredients are fantastic – and you get to make them shine!
“Paraguay is blessed with outstanding raw materials. The beef is world-class, the dairy is rich and affordable, and the fruits and vegetables are fresh and tasty. This is wonderful news for anyone who cooks: with such high-quality ingredients at your fingertips, you can easily create meals at home that are fresher, more flavorful, and more varied than what most restaurants offer – all for a fraction of the price.”
#2: Cooking at home keeps you feeling great
“Eating well in Paraguay is wonderfully easy once you take the reins in your own kitchen. Instead of relying on the carb-heavy options, you can build delicious meals around Paraguay’s excellent meats, fresh produce, and simple ingredients. By choosing lean proteins, plenty of vegetables, and your own favorite seasonings, you naturally stay energised, maintain a healthy weight, and feel your best. All while enjoying food that actually excites you every day.”
#3: Cooking together builds beautiful connections
“There is something truly special about preparing a meal with others. Whether it is chopping vegetables side by side, sharing stories while stirring a pot, or debating the perfect amount of garlic, cooking turns into a fun, collaborative experience. For all participating, it is one of the warmest ways to bond, exchange ideas from different cultures, and create memories together. The result is not just a great dish, it is stronger friendships and a sense of community.”
#4: Your dating life will love this
“In today’s Asunción, standing out in the best way has never been simpler. A thoughtful home-cooked meal says more about you than any fancy restaurant reservation ever could. It shows care, effort, and creativity. By preparing something delicious with your own hands, you naturally control the ingredients, keep things healthy and light, and create an intimate, memorable experience. It is the perfect way to impress while also feeling confident and energised in your own skin.”
#5: Cooking makes you the most interesting person in the room
“In a culture where food is at the heart of every gathering, the person who can cook something truly special becomes instantly memorable. With just a little skill and curiosity, you can bring exciting flavors from around the world to the table. Suddenly you are not just another face at the asado; you are the one everyone looks forward to seeing, and the one who adds that extra spark of flavour to every social moment.”
Yes, bring me to the ticket page!
