Panama has a really interesting cuisine, with strong influences from the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe, too. In addition to authentic Panamanian cuisine, in the larger cities in Panama, especially Panama City, you’ll also find a Panamanian take on many international cuisines.
Panama’s food includes empanadas, tamales, ceviche, as well as hearty stews and soups.
Right before I left Panama I enjoyed a tamale on the beach, which was, for me, quite a bizarre experience!
This guide will take you through Panama’s most beloved dishes, street food highlights, and what else to expect from Panama’s local cuisine and street food.
Contents
- An Introduction to Panama’s Food Scene
- Must-Try Dishes in Panama
- Regional Highlights of Panamanian Cuisine
- Where to Find the Best Street Food in Panama
- Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Panama
- FAQs About Food in Panama
- Conclusion
An Introduction to Panama’s Food Scene
Panama’s food culture is as dynamic as its landscapes. Its strategic position as a bridge between two continents and its vibrant history as a trade hub have shaped its culinary identity. The cuisine combines fresh, local ingredients like plantains, yuca, and seafood with international influences from Africa, Spain, and Asia. Street food is an integral part of Panamanian life, offering an affordable and flavourful way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Eating in Panama is a laid-back yet flavour-packed experience. Here’s what you can expect:
- Affordable Options: Street food costs around $1–$3 per item, while meals at local fondas (small eateries) range from $4–$8. Upscale restaurants in Panama City offer more refined dining experiences for $15–$30.
- Tropical Ingredients: Many dishes feature plantains, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and passionfruit.
- Hearty Portions: Meals are designed to be filling, often served with sides like rice, beans, or yuca.
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Must-Try Dishes in Panama
Street Food Favourites
Panama’s street food scene is lively, delicious, and full of variety. Here are some of the most popular snacks you’ll find:
- Empanadas These golden pastries are filled with meat, cheese, or chicken and are a go-to snack for locals. Some versions use corn dough for an extra layer of flavour.
- Carimañolas A popular breakfast item, carimañolas are deep-fried yuca rolls stuffed with ground meat or cheese. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re both comforting and satisfying.
- Patacones Green plantains are sliced, fried, smashed, and fried again to make crispy patacones. They’re often served with meat, seafood, or as a snack with dipping sauces.
- Churros These fried dough treats are a sweet favourite, often dusted with sugar and cinnamon. Look for vendors selling them freshly made for the best experience.
Sweet Treats to Try
Panama’s desserts and drinks are perfect for cooling off or indulging your sweet tooth after a meal:
- Raspados A refreshing shaved ice treat, raspados are flavoured with fruit syrups and topped with condensed milk. They’re a must-try on a hot day.
- Arroz con Leche This creamy rice pudding is made with milk, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s a comforting dessert found at markets and street stalls.
- Dulce de Leche Treats Panama’s love for dulce de leche is evident in its pastries and sweets, from alfajores (shortbread cookies) to stuffed empanadas.
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Traditional Classics
Panama’s traditional dishes are a reflection of its diverse cultural influences and abundant natural resources. Be sure to sample these staples:
- Sancocho This chicken soup is Panama’s national dish. Made with chicken, yuca, corn, and herbs like culantro, it’s hearty, nourishing, and widely loved.
- Arroz con Pollo A classic Panamanian dish of rice cooked with chicken, vegetables, and spices. It’s a staple at family gatherings and celebrations.
- Tamales Unlike other countries, Panamanian tamales are wrapped in banana leaves and filled with seasoned meat, vegetables, and corn dough. The banana leaves impart a distinct flavour.
- Ceviche With access to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Panama’s ceviche is some of the freshest you’ll find. Fish, shrimp, or octopus is marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, peppers, and herbs.
Regional Highlights of Panamanian Cuisine
Panama’s diverse regions each bring their own unique flair to the country’s cuisine. Here are some culinary highlights by area:
Panama City
As the country’s capital, Panama City is a melting pot of culinary styles. From upscale restaurants to bustling street food markets, you’ll find everything here. Try ceviche at the famous Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) or grab empanadas from street vendors in Casco Viejo.
Bocas del Toro
This Caribbean archipelago offers dishes infused with Afro-Caribbean flavours. Think coconut rice, plantain-based dishes, and rondon, a seafood stew with coconut milk, spices, and tropical vegetables.
The Interior Provinces
In rural areas like Chiriquí and Coclé, you’ll find traditional dishes like bollos (steamed corn rolls) and lechona (roast pork). The cuisine here often relies on hearty, locally grown ingredients.
The Pacific Coast
Seafood reigns supreme along the Pacific Coast. Freshly caught fish, shrimp, and lobster are often grilled or used in sancocho de mariscos, a seafood version of the classic soup.
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Where to Find the Best Street Food in Panama
- Casco Viejo, Panama City: This historic district is a hotspot for street food vendors, offering everything from carimañolas to churros.
- Mercado de Mariscos, Panama City: The city’s seafood market is famous for its freshly made ceviche and other seafood dishes.
- Chitre: A small city in the Herrera Province, Chitre has a reputation for its vibrant food scene, especially during festivals.
- Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro: The main town in this Caribbean region offers street food with a tropical twist, including patacones and grilled seafood.
Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Panama
Eating street food is a fantastic way to experience Panama’s culture, but follow these tips to make the most of it:
- Pick Busy Vendors: High turnover means fresher food.
- Look for Fresh Preparation: Choose stalls where food is cooked or assembled to order.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry bottled water and pair your meals with fresh juices or a cold raspado.
- Be Adventurous: Don’t hesitate to try new dishes—you might discover your new favourite snack!
Panama Street Food FAQs
What is the most popular street food in Panama?
Empanadas are among Panama’s most beloved street foods. These golden pastries are filled with meat, cheese, or chicken and can be found throughout the country. You’ll also frequently see carimañolas (stuffed yuca rolls) and patacones (twice-fried plantains) being sold by street vendors.
Is street food safe to eat in Panama?
Street food in Panama is generally safe to eat if you follow some basic precautions. Choose busy vendors with high turnover, watch for food being prepared fresh to order, and opt for hot, well-cooked items. It’s also wise to carry bottled water and observe the vendor’s cleanliness practices.
How much does street food cost in Panama?
Street food in Panama is quite affordable, with most items costing between $1-$3. Local fondas (small eateries) typically charge $4-$8 for a meal, making street food an economical way to experience Panamanian cuisine.
What time of day is best for trying street food in Panama?
Street food vendors operate throughout the day, but early morning is excellent for traditional breakfast items like carimañolas. Lunch hours (12-2pm) see the biggest crowds at popular spots, while evening brings out vendors selling sweet treats like churros and raspados.
Where can I find the best ceviche in Panama City?
The Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) in Panama City is renowned for its fresh ceviche. Here you’ll find various vendors serving different styles of ceviche made with fresh fish, shrimp, or octopus, typically marinated in lime juice with onions and peppers.
Conclusion
Panama’s food scene is as diverse and exciting as the country itself. Whether you’re indulging in street food in the heart of Panama City, enjoying Caribbean-inspired dishes in Bocas del Toro, or sipping on a refreshing raspado after a day of exploring, every bite offers a taste of Panama’s rich history and culture.
Affordable, flavourful, and filled with variety, eating your way through Panama is an adventure you won’t forget.