Iguazu Travel Guide: Food & Drink

Alongside the tropical fruits that could be expected of any such rainforest region, Iguazu’s cuisine is generally characterized by the typical parrilla (outdoor barbeque) fare, with succulent grass-fed Argentinean meat prevailing alongside a healthy dose of other national favorites, notably the Italian staple foods of Pizza and Pasta. Nevertheless, the cuisine of the region has at least to some extent both been infused with the traditions of the Guarani peoples and influenced by the geography of the region. Below are a few unique ingredients that may be sought out by travelers enjoying an Iguazu Falls vacation.  

Mandioca - known in English in various forms as manioc, cassava or tapioca used as a substitute for potatoes in fish and meat dishes in boiled or roasted form and can also be fried to produce mandiocas fritas (similar to a potato chip). Flour ground from this plant also makes delicious baked goods.

batata – known in English as sweet potato or yam. This usually accompanies barbecued meat roasted or grilled.

Chipás – Round bread rolls with a warm stuffing of cheese and cassava flour. Available fresh out the oven from bakeries, supermarkets and street vendors and often accompanied with regional fruit jams and a cup of maté tea.

Surubí – This river fish is extremely popular option on restaurant menus in the town: a type of South American catfish that can be caught in the Iguazu or Parana rivers. It can grow to over one meter in length, up to 50kg (110lbs) in weight, and its high quality of flesh is revered in the region. Although it can be expensive, this should definitely be tried by fans of fish dishes. Ensure with the restaurant you choose that the fish has been caught fresh.

Pacú – Related to the man-eating Piranha, this is another type of river fish that is an even more adventurous option than the Surubi, though it is not so easily found on the menu.

Sopa Paraguaya – This “Paraguayan Soup” isn’t technically a soup, nor is it necessarily Paraguayan, but it is delicious none the less. It is a type of rich cornbread soup containing cassava flour, eggs, cheese, milk and onions.

Tropical fruits – various fresh fruits add tropical flavor to the Iguazu palate; papayas, mangos, pineapples, kumquats maracuyas, avocados, and small bananas are all in abundant supply.