Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try

May 1, 2024

Last Updated on: Sep 1, 2025

Travel Blog

Many of the countries in South America are popular for their exquisite and varied cuisine. However, the practices of Paraguay food are not known to many. The Paraguayan Cuisine has been influenced by the local indigenous tribe’s culinary traditions and practices brought by immigrants from Spain, Italy, and Portugal.

Being a foodie myself, I love traveling around the world to have a taste of every new variety of food that the world has to offer. Visiting remote areas, meeting with new people, and trying out their traditional dishes is what I have always loved!

I was also in your shoes when I first landed in Paraguay, a bit startled and confused. Although, as I began to explore, my first meal at a fancy restaurant in Asuncion changed my entire perception of the state. 

Tid-Bits About Paraguay Food

Classic Paraguay food includes some of the most exclusive dishes that are bound to beat any of the Peruvian or Argentine preparations. Traditional culinary elements in Paraguay food recipes consist of meat, maize, vegetables, manioc, cheese, fish, milk, and even fruits. 

‘Asado’ is a local term used for barbecue, which is referred to as both a cooking practice and a social event. In Paraguay, barbecuing is the most important mode of cooking their traditional Paraguayan food dishes. 

Here in this article, I will elucidate the best dishes and popular foods in Paraguay that you must try in Paraguay this year. The Paraguay famous foods excite your taste buds and have an experience like never before. 

1. Kivevé

You will be stuck in a dilemma whether to count this as a main course or a dessert. Kieve is the most popular and loved Paraguay food. It is a vegetarian dish that is cooked out of andai (a type of juicy pumpkin), cornmeal, Paraguayan cheese, milk, and sugar. Kieve is a typical food in Paraguay.

It has a very creamy and light texture and is orangish in color. This rich-flavored delicacy is served lukewarm and is often consumed as a side dish or even main meal, at breakfasts, and as an evening snack.

2. Chipa

Considered a staple Paraguay food, Chipa is a simple bread roll that was invented by the local indigenous people in the 18th century. It is a bun that is made out of manioc or cassava flour, lard, and anise, and beaten eggs and cheese.

There are different versions of Chipa available, varying over the regional influences. The bread has a very crunchy crust due to the addition of lard. The crumb is soft and has a unique flavor. It is prepared and consumed by every household in the state. 

3. Bori Bori

Bori-Bori (Vori-Vori) is a nutritious and flavorful thick soup that is prepared out of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions. It is filled with meat (chicken or beef) and dumplings of cornmeal plus cheese. The prime flavoring ingredients in this soup are bay leaves, cloves, and parsley.

The addition of saffron to this hearty broth makes it even more flavorful and rich golden in color. It must be served piping hot, garnished with some parsley and Paraguayan cheese on the side. It is especially popular during the winters. 

4. Sopa Paraguaya

This specialty is not what it sounds like. Even though SOPA translates to soup in the local language, it is not at all in the vicinity of any soupy preparations. It is the national dish of Paraguay, which resembles a cakey thick bread. 

It is crafted out of cornflour, cheese, milk, and eggs. The flavor is inculcated through the use of onions and pork fat. It is usually baked and is often termed solid soup. It has a soft and crumbly texture and is served on special occasions as a side dish. 

5. Mbeju

Mbeju, when translated to the local Guarani language, means cake. It is a very simple and staple Paraguay food. It is a kind of starchy pancake that is prepared with cassava flour, salt, oil, milk, eggs, crumbled cheese, and even pork fat.

The dough is kneaded well and rolled out thickly like a pancake. It is then fried in hot oil. It is usually consumed during breakfast, sometimes dinner, alongside a bitter herbal tea or coffee. 

6. Soyo

This is another popular Paraguay food, which is a thick unpassed soup. It is made with beef grounded in a mortar, rice, and vegetables, including green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Soyo is another good example of Paraguay’s famous food.

 The dish is flavored with garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. The name is derived from the native Guarani phrase so’o josopy, meaning crushed meat. A whole bowl of soyo can be considered as a complete meal and has a high calorific value.

Also Read: Unmissable Attractions In Surabaya

7. Tereré

Since the climate in Paraguay tends to grow hotter every summer, Terere acts as a relief to many. It is a cold-brewed herbal tea that is bitter in taste and is commonly known as yerba mate. 

Terere is one of the essential elements of export, and the natives can be seen carrying around a thermos flask, guampa (a spherical mug), and bombilla (a silver straw) everywhere they go. It is a very healthy and refreshing drink and has high caffeine content.

8. Dulce de Mamon

Here comes our most awaited syrupy sweet dessert in the list of top Paraguay food you must try! Dulce de Mamon is one of the oldest and most traditional preparations of Paraguay, which has only two major ingredients.

It is cooked by boiling small cut wedges of papaya in sugar syrup. The mixture is simmered for almost 2 hours in order for the papaya to achieve a soft texture. You can even add some cloves, lemon zest, and a little orange juice to enhance the flavors. 

Also Read: 3 Intriguing Reasons To Cruise In Alaska

9. Pira Caldo

Another most favored Paraguay food includes Pira Caldo. It is basically a light fish stew made with freshwater catches such as surubi, mandi’y, and tare’y. I have never in my life tasted such meaty textured fishes with a tinge of saltiness in them.

Initially, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, leeks, celery, bell peppers, and carrots are fried in pork or beef fat and are cooked with other spices. It is then combined with milk and soft white cheese to improve the thickness and flavor.

10. Bife Koygua

Bife Koygua, or hidden steak as it is known, is another popular Paraguay food that is a must-try.  It is a heavy preparation in which the beef steaks are covered with onions and tomatoes. Hence the name.

According to the local language, bife means beef, and koygua means shy or hidden. The recipe calls for the steak to be pounded first with spices, then fried with onions and topped with tomatoes. Towards the end, an egg or two is added at the top, and the dish is garnished with parsley.

Puchero Paraguayo Recipe

The Paraguayan version of a traditional meat stew is called Puchero paraguayo. This stew has its origins in Spain and is now prepared in several countries throughout South America and the Philippines. The name of the stew, Puchero, comes from the Spanish word meaning “stewpot”.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Latin American, Paraguayan

Servings: 4 people

Author: Nita Ragoonanan

Ingredients

  • 1½ lb beef (skirt or flank steak, cut into pieces)
  • 3 cloves garlic, cut in half
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 carrots
  • 10 oz. pumpkin, cubed
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • ½ cup rice
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker

Instructions

To start, get a large pot and fill it with 10 cups (2.5L) of water. Add in some onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Set it aside.

Next, heat some olive oil in a pressure cooker and add in some garlic and meat. Saute over high heat while stirring constantly until the meat is browned. Pour in the reserved broth and vegetables and close the pressure cooker. Cook for 45 minutes on medium-low heat.

While waiting, rinse the rice. After 45 minutes, open the pressure cooker and add in the rice, potatoes, and pumpkin. Close the pressure cooker again and continue cooking for 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions!!! (FAQs):

Q1. What Is The Traditional Dessert In Paraguay?

Ans: Mazamorra also known as Kaguyjy is one of the most popular traditional deserts in Paraguay. it is made of corn and sugar, mixed with honey or milk. Ka’i Ladrillo is a candy made of peanuts and molasses.

Q2. What Is Paraguay’s National Dish?

Ans: Sopa Paraguaya is the national dish of Paraguay. it is similar to cornbread and made up of corn flour, pig fat, or butter, with cheese and milk. it is very spongy and is rich in calories and protein.

Q3. What Is The National Drink Of Paraguay?

Ans: Yerba mate tea is prepared with cold water. different variations of terre can be found in Brazil and Argentina. Its birthplace is Paraguay.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the most exotic preparations from Paraguay that made their way into my Top 10 list. Thanks to those Guarani friends that I had over there who guided me through to the best of their culinary traditions.

And if you are hesitating about visiting this place, trust me, the experience is worthwhile. It is not only about their food but also their culture, traditions, and heritage. This beautiful country deserves all the appreciation in the world.

You May Also Like: 

Share on Social Media

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE hardee's breakfast hours

Hardee’s Breakfast Hours: When Do They Serve Breakfast?

BY  sagnika Aug 24, 2023

Want to know about Hardee's breakfast hours? Don't you love the trademark burger of Hardee's that you can order during breakfast hours? Let's learn about breakfast items and the time to fulfill your morning cravings. In this article, I will inform you about the latest breakfast hours at Hardee's and discuss the most ordered and popular food items on the breakfast menu. After all, how can we not address the beauty and the deliciousness of Monster Biscuit? Breakfast is one of the most important parts of our daily nutritional value and health. The Hardees have claimed that all their food items are of high quality and rich in nutritional value. I will be evaluating the food and their servings accordingly in this article. Hardee's Breakfast Hours: When Do They Serve Breakfast? The atmosphere of Hardee's has a retro vibe with retro-style graphics, and bright and solid colors. You will automatically feel hearty when you enter the Hardee's as the distinctive atmosphere is fun and relaxing and offers delicious food. So want to know Hardee's breakfast hours? You will also find it interesting that the brand tries to advertise its food in sarcastic and funny ads. The advertisements and digital promotions by the brand often have beautiful women in small clothes promoting the food items. It is a way of grabbing eyeballs, but Hardee's is trending! Their breakfast items are some of the best, so we will review their demand and how long you can order from the breakfast menus. Hardee's An American fast-food restaurant chain, Hardee's was founded in 1960 by Wilber Hardee. The primary location in which Hardee's operates is in the southeastern United States. However, the restaurant chain also has restaurants across western and Midwestern regions in the USA. The brand has created a name in the market with its big burgers with high-quality ingredients. The burgers are quality, are made of 100% beef, and are served with a sesame seed bun. The brand ensures that all items on its menu are nourishing! They have other things on their menu besides the burgers, such as chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, breakfast items, french fries, and salads. When Do They Serve Breakfast? Hardee's breakfast hours during the weekdays are from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The company has made an exception on Sundays as the Hardee's weekend breakfast hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Considering Breakfast is one of the significant meals of the day, the company has created delicious breakfast menus that are nutritional as well. The food you will find in Hardee's is quite comforting and satisfactory for your taste-buds. If you are late in visiting Hardee’s, do you want to know what time does Hardee's stop serving breakfast? Well, you would not get your breakfast orders if you visit after 10:30 a.m. What Is The Breakfast Menu? The restaurants of Hardee’s are spread across the USA and other countries; hence, finding your favorite breakfast meal would be fine. There are many options on the Hardee's breakfast menu hours to ensure that you will never get bored. Keep exploring! Monster Biscuit It is a mammoth size breakfast sandwich that can satiate your morning hunger! It might be a food item that will keep your hunger at bay till late afternoon. The biscuit is rich in quality and will replenish your hunger. The item on Hardees breakfast hours consists of three things: breakfast sausage, ham, and bacon. The biscuit is made from scratch and is filled with thinly sliced ham, a folded egg, a melted American cheese slice, a sausage patty, thinly sliced ham, and crispy bacon pieces. Bacon Beast Biscuit The item is salty, crunchy, savory, and delicious! It is one of the items significantly ruling the breakfast tables at Hardee's. This dish comprises crispy pieces of bacon that are thick cut, which is then surrounded by two melted American cheeses and a folded egg. The biscuit was made from scratch, so customers put Hardee's on a different level than other restaurant chains. Biscuit' N' Gravy It is the perfect staple for the southern people as their Breakfast comprises biscuits and gravy! The item by Hardee's is quite filling with its savory but simple food. The item is energizing and comforting and a favorite among the customers. The biscuit is served cut in half with substantial serving with chunky white sausage gravy, which is quite creamy in texture. You can also order crisp bacon, eggs, hash browns, and the biscuit with gravy. Sunrise Croissant If you want to munch on something light and feathery, the sunrise croissant is quite satisfying as it is filled with butter and American cheese, scrambled and baked eggs, ham, and a choice of bacon or sausage. The item does not have much of a high calories still. If you want to be careful, you can get thinly sliced ham which adds up to only 390 calories. The croissant is perfect for you, especially if you have any cravings but not anything heavy. The dish is a buttery decadence that is less dense and doughier than other options on the breakfast menu. Loaded Omelet Biscuit The item consists of a loaded meat and omelet accompanying cheese accompanying a baked biscuit made from scratch. The sandwich has these elements and is perfect for a rushed breakfast. Hash Rounds It is a perfect supporting role to the main role of a biscuit sandwich. The hash rounds of Hardee's are one of my favorites as they are small bite-size round servings. A perfect accompaniment to the breakfast meal. The hash rounds are golden-brown crisps that are nugget sized and are given along with BBQ or ketchup dipping sauce. Pork Chop 'N' Gravy Biscuit The item justifies the feeling customers get from a Southern comfort fast food joint; at its core, Hardee's is just that! The biscuits are buttery and fluffy, making your experience similar to a slice of heaven. The Pork Chop 'N' Gravy Biscuit is a biscuit sandwich with boneless pork chop, which is breaded and deep-fried. The sausage gravy that is famous for Hardee's is accompanied! You can get extra help from it. Plus, there are two types of pork in the sandwich. If that is not a good deal, I don't know what is! Competitor Companies Let us talk about the competitors of Hardee’s in the restaurant industry and how they give tough competition! They operate as a restaurant and ensure that they maintain quality services to several people. After learning about Hardee's breakfast hours, let me share with you the competitors! The burgers of Hardee’s is quite famous along with breakfast burritos and frisco breakfast sandwiches. Let us compare Hardee’s with four other competitors namely BIG SMOKE BURGER, CJ Foodville, Tap 42 and The Providore. The Providore https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz53JVbhrof The restaurant is a privately owned place which operates as a cafe, grocery, wine shop, deli and bakery. You can get processed food and beverages. The headquarters of the restaurant is located in Singapore with an approximate of 83 employees! Tap 42 https://www.instagram.com/p/CvdIS7fSwej With an employee number of 133, the headquarters of Tap 42 is at Bal Harbor, US. The restaurant is a chain operator which was founded in 2011. You can order processed food and beverages in this restaurant. It is a privately owned restaurant with quite some popularity. Big Smoke Burger https://www.instagram.com/p/BzQ67jFCPzF The restaurant was founded in 2007 and processed food and beverages are easily available in this place. The headquarters of the restaurant is Oakville, CA! You will also find food ingredients in this restaurant. There are about 84 employees in the restaurant! This is the only restaurant that has the proper social media presence to compete with that of Hardee's. The restaurant is a subsidiary! CJ Foodville A private restaurant, there are 250 employees in this place. They provide processed food and beverages because they are a holding company for restaurants. They provide food ingredients to restaurants. These restaurants and food holding units are competition to Hardee’s however, their social media presence is comparatively quite low. Plus, they also are unable to have the industry wide reach as compared to Hardee’s! Reviews According to Tripadvisor, Hardee's has a 3.5 rating out of 5 based on 332 reviews. Reviews are quite positive based on their experience with food, atmosphere, value, and service. Hardee's offers three types of meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and after-hours. Conclusion I am already hungry with all this evaluation of some of the most popular breakfast items available during Hardee's breakfast hours. I am sure you are too! Just keep in mind, on Sunday, they open 30 minutes late. During weekdays, the breakfast hours extend to 4 hours 30 minutes. Try the items I mentioned in the list of the article and comment down to let us know your favorite one! Read Also: Wendy's Breakfast Hours: When To Visit Wendy's For Breakfast? Taco Bell Breakfast Hours: When Does Taco Bell Serve Breakfast? Chick Fil A Breakfast Hours: When Do They Start Serving Breakfast? Burger King Breakfast Hours: What Time Does Burger King Serve Breakfast?

READ MORE things to do in bowral

Learn About the Exciting Things to Do in Bowral 

BY  Aritra Bose Mar 27, 2025

Are you planning to visit Bowral Southern Highlands NSW next month? Have you identified the places that you want to visit? Read the article to get an idea about the town, its high altitude and how the flora and fauna are beautiful on display.   Let's not forget the art and creative culture of the area which you can further check out from the exhibitions and museums. With vibrant colors all around, be it for flowers or leaves, you should visit Bowral to make memories of a lifetime.   One of the exotic places to travel, Bowral will make you an outdoor person if you are not one already. There are also several places where you can visit that will encourage your passion for photography.   Learn About the Exciting Things to Do in Bowral   There are plenty of things to do whether with family or with friends or solo. You have to spend some time in Bowral because it will make sure you experience the diverse outdoors. Your mental health will also improve a lot better with this visit.   The town has a charming ambiance as there are various outdoor attractions that you can check out while visiting there. The destination is quite broad and offers beautiful nature, especially in autumn and summer. Known for its museums, be it for crickets or Mary Poppins, you get to see it all.   I feel it is one of the best places to travel with kids because children love Mary Poppins. I am sure there are other museums which they would love apart from the huge outdoors where they can play and run to their heart’s content.   Corbett Gardens   The council that is responsible for the maintenance of the gardens has levied an entrance fee for adults of $12, for senior card holders and children between the age of 13 to 17 years old of $7. Children under age 12 and local citizens will have free entry.   The oldest park of the town, you can take a stroll and experience the nature’s beauty. The park is also known for its magnolia and cherry trees, creating beautiful canopies in the park. Did you know that there is an annual Tulip Time festival that is organized in this park?   There are about 75000 massed tulips on display during this time creating a masterpiece of the garden! You will have a stress free holiday travel once you decide to check out this beautiful garden.   Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens   https://www.instagram.com/p/DGei683N_7z/?img_index=3 The botanical gardens are a collection of seasonal species of plants and trees. The garden is operated and funded by the community. You can visit the botanical gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entrance fee for a person is $6 for an individual in a single garden while $40 for all gardens during the weekend.   The gardens are dedicated to displaying a wide collection of plants, preserving flora and fauna, and cultivating and collecting unique plants. What's more, you get to learn the scientific name of the plants as they are labeled on the display.   Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame   https://www.instagram.com/p/CcCtcYeNeFE/?locale=en_US%2Cen_GB%2Cen_US%2Cen_GB%2Cen_US%2Cen_GB%2Cen_US%2Cen_GB&hl=am-et If you are a cricket fan, you must visit this museum as it honors the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. He was a Bowral local, as his family moved to Bowral two years after his birth. He has made huge in the cricket world inspiring many others after learning locally.   The entrance fee to visit the museum is $30 for adults, $16.50 for children between 5 to 15 years old! The museum displays state of the art high tech encapsulating the history of cricket. Cricket is then promoted to be a sporting and cultural force across the Bowral community.   Bowral Lookout   There are several surrounding gardens of the town so, if you go for a panoramic view, this is it for you. You will be able to check out the beautiful skyline which is reflected in the Southern Highlands’ scenery.   You can set picnic tables at the Bowral lookout, where you have to take a short drive uphill. It is a scenic spot with beautiful views around you. There are a lot of parking spaces so you will not have a problem, or you must walk above.   Another lookout that you must visit if you are at this lookout is Jelore lookout. It is a must visit especially with its beauty and the panoramic view of the town it offers.   Retford Park Bowral   https://www.instagram.com/p/DElKLr_Ty3L/?img_index=4 The Hordern family build the Retford Park in 1887 at the heart of Bowral, Gurdungurra country. It was then lavishly re-designed by James Fairfax in the 1960s. The place is of great heritage importance as it reflects a beautiful collection of art.   It is a manor, with history attached to it. There is artistic expression along with sculpted grounds creating a perfect place for you to visit the historical place and appreciate it. With an elegant Victorian Italianate homestead, Redford Park Bowral is perfect for your visit.   Mary Poppins Statue   I am sure you know who Mary Poppins is and would love to visit the unique landmark which is in Bowral. But why is there a statue of her in Bowral? The author Pamela L. Travers, whose real name is Helen Lyndon Goff spent some time in Bowral during her childhood.   It was to commemorate the author who is the creator of Mary Poppins, the statue has been created. Additionally, it was during the sesquicentenary of Bowral that the statue was unveiled in 2013. It was all about commemorating a century of the author’s spending time in town.   Dirty Janes Bowral   If you want to go shopping in the Southern Highlands, this is the perfect place for you. The vintage shoppers will have a playdate here, in the heart of the town as there are 85 unique vintage sellers offering their art.   In the form of unique antique homewares, furniture, architectural elements such as quality and vintage objects both inside and for the garden, you can shop your heart out. The decor will rise a level higher with the inspiration from Jane Austen’s era and art.   Visit the emporium which displays antiques along with various collectibles. There are always fresh stocks as the seller updates them personally every day. You will experience these exhibits and make memories effectively.   Bowral Art Gallery   https://www.instagram.com/p/DDvDWqbzlA7/?img_index=5 If you are an art lover, the Bowral Art Gallery offers beautiful exhibits, and it has been going on since 1950. The exhibitions from the gallery reflect the history of the Southern Highlands presenting the beauty of the people and the culture.   A hub for art and creativity, the Bowral & District Art Society (BDAS) runs the gallery. They offer workshops, membership, and exhibitions to all. You can visit the place from 10 am to 4 pm. The admission fees inside the gallery are completely free.   Wrapping Up!   In conclusion, Bowral is worth visiting hence, the things to do in Bowral will make your life a good place for vacation. There are a lot of activities which you can do during your visit to the Southern Highlands. The place is not just a vacation spot but also the manor houses and estates, quite beautiful to check out.   Comment below on what you think are some of the things to do that I have missed in the above list. You can also mention if you feel some of the activities are not as fun or cool to do.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

READ MORE summer wardrobe essentials

Splurge Or Save? Finding The Sweet Spot For Summer Wardrobe Costs Before Your Next Trip

BY  Ankita Nov 12, 2025

One of the many things that my husband keeps bugging me about is what to pack when we are going on a trip. It is still okay if it is a winter trip, as he knows all the jumpers and jackets he needs to pack. For summer trips or whenever we are traveling to a warmer city, he can never decide.  And with my son now all of 12, he acts like a carbon copy of his father. He never knows what to pack for his summer excursions or holidays.  Now, this may sound like a trivial issue. However, it is a serious concern, considering Travel+Leisure has dedicated an entire post to the ideal travel clothing in 2025.  Though the post is essentially for women, it has some great ideas about how to build the perfect summer wardrobe for men without compromising comfort.  Shopping for summer wardrobe essentials for a trip can be a real budget buster. One minute you're browsing for a simple t-shirt, and the next thing you know, your cart is loaded with designer everything.  But here's the reality check. You don't need to spend your rent money to look good when the temperature rises. The trick is knowing when to open your wallet wide and when to keep it firmly shut.  Invest In These Summer Essentials Some pieces are worth every penny you spend on them. Take polo shirts, for example. A cheap polo will pill after three washes and lose its shape faster than ice cream melts in July. But a man's quality designer polo?  That will look sharp season after season. The fabric stays crisp, the colors don't fade, and the fit doesn't go wonky after a trip through the washing machine. Swimwear is another no-brainer for spending more. Nobody wants their swim shorts to fall apart mid-vacation or turn see-through after one dip in the pool. Quality swim gear holds up to chlorine, salt water, and countless pool parties. Also, you have to be particular about your innerwear. This is the innermost layer of your clothing, and your personal hygiene or comfort depends on the lingerie you wear.  Skip The Splurge Here Trendy stuff that'll be out of style before Labor Day? Save your money. That neon tank top with the weird geometric print might look cool now, but it's probably heading straight to the back of your closet come fall. Basic tees are another place to be smart with your cash. Sure, an $80 plain white t-shirt might feel luxurious, but a $15 one from a decent brand will do the job just fine. Save the big bucks for pieces that really matter. The 70/30 Game Plan Think about your summer budget like this: put most of your money into the stuff you'll wear constantly. That means: A couple of great pairs of shorts that fit perfectly Solid polo shirts and casual button-downs One really good pair of swim shorts Comfortable shoes that won't fall apart Save about 30% of your budget for the fun stuff. Bright colors, bold patterns, and whatever trend is taking over social media this year. How To Spot Quality Worth Paying For Good summer clothes have a few telltale signs. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen keep you cooler than synthetic blends that trap heat and sweat. Check the seams, too. If they look like they were sewn by someone having a bad day, skip it. Fit matters more than the price tag sometimes. A $40 shirt that fits like it was made for you beats a $100 one that's too tight in weird places. Don't Fall For These Shopping Traps Store credit cards promising instant discounts sound tempting, but that 25% off today could cost you way more in interest later. And those "limited time only" sales? Half the time, the same deal pops up again next week.  Don't let pushy salespeople rush you into buying something just because it's marked down.  Sleep on big purchases, especially if you're already questioning whether you really need another pair of khaki shorts. Also watch out for: Bundle deals that make you buy stuff you don't actually want just to get a discount on what you do need. "Buy two, get one free" offers that trick you into spending more than you planned. Impulse buys at the checkout counter that are budget killers disguised as good deals. Smart Shopping Tricks Now, to begin with, my husband initially complains. But it is he who does the maximum shopping at the end-of-summer sales. Once he is inside the trial room, it’s like a never-ending wait as he will keep trying all that he has picked in turns.  Last August's leftover inventory becomes this May's wardrobe refresh at half the price. Yes, you have to plan ahead a bit, but your bank account will thank you. Also, think about how many different ways you can wear something. A plain navy shirt goes with everything. A shirt covered in flamingos? Not so much. Building Your Summer Collection The golden rule to have all the summer wardrobe essentials for your next trip? Start with the basics. When the basics are right, you have the chance to layer them or accessorize them according to the weather conditions and local etiquette.  Personality pieces are also important, especially if you are going on a business trip or have some specific events to catch up on. Get a few neutral-colored essentials that play well together, then throw in some color and pattern to keep things interesting. Don't feel like you need to replace everything at once, either. Maybe your shorts are still good, but your polos have seen better days. Replace what's actually worn out, not what's just boring you. In addition, I keep some budget aside for shopping for summer clothes at the new location we are visiting. In this way, I can also avoid excess baggage charges when flying.