Tereré rupá
tereré rupá («la cama del tereré»)
The mid-morning snack that serves as the “bed” for tereré: empanada, tortilla, chipa guasu or croquette, best with something in the stomach.
What it is
Tereré rupá is a ritual kept strictly: after breakfast mate, around 9 in the morning, people eat a snack that literally means “the bed of tereré”. The idea is not to drink the cold yerba liquid on an empty stomach, because it is said to sit heavily. The preferred options are tortillas and empanadas with beef, chicken or cassava, because they are quick to make; also chipa guasu, croquettes and sopa paraguaya. Some recommend a vegetable sandwich, yoghurt or fruit for health, but tradition tends to favour fried foods.
Ingredients
History
It is a custom tied to the rhythm of the Paraguayan working day: early mate, rupá mid-morning and tereré for the rest of the day.
Did you know…?
ABC notes that every body is different and that many people are not affected by drinking tereré on an empty stomach.
When
Mid-morning.
Where
In offices, homes and food stalls across the country.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.