Horacio Cambeiro · CC BY-SA 3.0Empanadas
Fried or baked empanadas filled with beef, chicken, sweet corn or ham and cheese: the city snack.
What it is
In Asunción the empanada is the ultimate grab-and-go food: people order two or three at a copetín counter at any hour. Fried ones are the most traditional, and beef, chicken, sweet corn, and ham and cheese are the most common fillings. Some places specialize in big empanadas of 160 to 250 grams with gourmet fillings. They are cheap, generous and easy to find.
Ingredients
History
They arrived with Spanish cooking and adapted to local tastes. Several historic eateries in downtown Asunción, open since the mid-20th century, built much of their reputation on them.
Did you know…?
A good test for travelers: compare the empanadas at two or three traditional downtown eateries, just a few blocks apart.
When
All day, year-round.
Where
Copetines and traditional-food eateries in Asunción, Villarrica and other cities.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.