In Uruguay, meal times have always served as a time for the family to gather together, oftentimes with everyone taking part in some aspect of preparing the meal, to enjoy quality time, as well as quality food. The main meal of Uruguay is called asado, which literally means roasted. Throughout Central and South American asados vary from country to county. In Uruguay the asado is made with a variety of meat, together with other animal parts, cooked in special ovens called parrilleros, over fire wood.

After mealtime, families may pass the hours playing truco, a traditional Uruguayan card game. Most also enjoy a cup of mate, a tea-like drink brewed from the dried leaves of the yerba mate. Read more