Choose Panama Real Estate, Rentals and Tours
Choose Panama
​Panama Luxury Real Estate & Rentals
License No. PN-4938-19
US: (214) 431-5235
  • Home
  • Buy
    • Condos for Sale in Casa Bonita, Playa Bonita Resort >
      • Playa Bonita Resort
      • 23M Casa Bonita Penthouse for Sale
      • 21P Casa Bonita Penthouse for Sale
      • 20-o Casa Bonita Penthouse for sale
      • 19L Panoramic Ocean View Apartment
      • 19D 2 Bedroom High Floor Apt with Great View
      • 17C Large 2-Bedroom Apt
      • 14B Casa Bonita 1 Bedroom for Sale
      • 13G 2 Bedroom at Casa Bonita
      • 11DE Large Condo with Direct Ocean Views
      • 10i Casa Bonita for Sale
      • 9e Casa Bonita 1 bedroom for sale
      • 8K 1 Bedroom Apt with Great View
      • 7F Large 2 Bedroom with Great View
      • Casa Bonita New Apartments
    • Westin Residences
    • Condos for Sale in Panama City >
      • La Maison Fendi Casa Panama
      • Matisse Costa del Este Panama
      • Costanera Luxury Apartments
      • Generation Tower
      • Arcadia in Costa del Este, Panama
      • Parque Urraca 2 Bedroom Rental Apartment
      • Moderna 360
      • Armani Nuovo Luxury Apartment >
        • Armani Nuovo 2 Bedroom Apt
      • Hyde by Wanders and Yoo
      • Loom Tower in San Francisco Panama
      • Vista Marina
      • Vista del Mar 1 bedroom
      • Nogal Apartments in Costa del Este
    • Condos for Sale in Coronado >
      • Royal Palm, Gorgona, Panama
      • About Coronado Golf Tower
      • Casamar Beach Community >
        • Perlamar at Casamar - 1 and 2-bedroom condos
        • Altamar at Casamar - 3 bedroom condos
      • Bahia Resort, Nueva Gorgona, Panama >
        • Bahia Resort 1 Bedroom
    • Playa Caracol
    • Priced-to-Sell Beach Properties
    • Houses for Sale >
      • Villamar at Casamar
      • Marinazul at Casamar >
        • Marinazul Masterplan
      • Vista Mar Villa
    • Boquete, Panama
    • Land for Sale >
      • Boquete House Plus 10 Hectares
      • Absolute Beachfront Lots Pedasi
      • Farm Land for Sale
    • Legal Process
  • Rent
    • Rental Book >
      • Pearl Club at Playa Bonita
    • Penthouses at Casa Bonita >
      • FAQs About Renting at Casa Bonita
      • Casa Bonita 21P Penthouse
      • Casa Bonita 22M Penthouse
      • Casa Bonita 23N Penthouse
      • Casa Bonita 23o Penthouse
      • Casa Bonita 24o Penthouse
    • 2 Bedrooms at Casa Bonita >
      • Casa Bonita 6B
      • Casa Bonita 6D
      • Casa Bonita 6F
      • Casa Bonita 7D
      • Casa Bonita 7F
      • Casa Bonita 7i
      • Casa Bonita 8A
      • Casa Bonita 8B
      • Casa Bonita 9i
      • Casa Bonita 10G
      • Casa Bonita 10i
      • Casa Bonita 12B
      • Casa Bonita 14F
      • Casa Bonita 15B
      • Casa Bonita 17E
      • Casa Bonita 17J
      • Casa Bonita 18A
      • Casa Bonita 18G
      • Casa Bonita 18e
      • Casa Bonita 19D
      • Casa Bonita 19K
      • Casa Bonita 19L
    • 1 Bedrooms at Casa Bonita >
      • Playa Bonita Resort
      • Casa Bonita 6e
      • Casa Bonita 8K
      • Casa Bonita 9e
      • Casa Bonita 12C
      • Casa Bonita 13B
      • Casa Bonita 14B
      • Casa Bonita 14H
      • Casa Bonita 16h
    • Renting in Panama City >
      • Nuovo by Armani Casa Luxury Apartment
      • Parque Urraca 2 Bedroom Rental Apartment
      • Solaris 3 Bedroom Rental Apartment
      • Vista del Mar 1 bedroom
      • Villa del Mar 2 bedroom apartment
      • Rental Book City Apartments
    • Fun Facts About Panama
    • Resources for Renters >
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Casa Bonita Rules & Regulations
  • Visit
    • Concierge >
      • Premium Services >
        • In Home Chef
      • Property Management
    • Things to Do in Panama >
      • Panama Canal
      • Monkey Island Panama
      • Fish Market Panama
      • Best Restaurants in Panama City, Panama
    • Panama Tide Chart
    • Areas to Visit >
      • Amador Causeway
    • Restaurants
    • Foodie Tour
    • Gift Videos
    • French People Moving to Panama >
      • Porquoi les Français s'installent-ils au Panama
  • Move
    • Why Panama?
    • How to Buy Property in Panama
    • Panama Residency
    • Opening a Bank Account in Panama
    • Getting a Bank Mortgage in Panama
    • Bringing Pets to Panama >
      • Checklist for Bringing Your Dogs & Cats to Panama from the US
    • Schools in Panama City Panama
    • Schools in Boquete and David Panama
    • Panama Drivers Llicense
    • Condo Remodeling >
      • What Do Renovations Cost in Panama?
      • Remodeling - Panama Penthouse
      • Renovations in Panama-Double Apt
      • Redecorating in Panama 1 Bedroom City
      • Redecorating in Panama Amador Causeway
    • Testimonials
  • Podcast
  • Books
    • The Panama Affair
    • FREE Book
  • Contact
    • About Us
    • In the News
    • Media Kit
    • Register for Webinar
    • Client Registration
    • Realtor Registration
  • Blog

Panama's Delicious Cuisine: Foodie Adventures Await

10/5/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ceviche at a Beach Shack Restaurant in Panama
Hola, fellow food lovers and adventure seekers! Today, I'm taking you on a delectable journey through Panama's diverse and mouthwatering cuisine. From street food delights to culinary treasures, join me as we explore the flavors, traditions, and foodie adventures that await in this tropical paradise.

Unveiling Panama's Culinary Tapestry
When I first arrived in Panama, I couldn't wait to immerse myself in the local food scene. What I discovered was a culinary tapestry woven from the diverse influences of indigenous peoples, Afro-Caribbean cultures, Spanish conquerors, and more. Panama's cuisine is a reflection of its history, and it's a delightful mix of flavors and traditions.

Street Food Heaven: A Gastronomic Fiesta
Let's kick off our foodie adventure with the heart and soul of Panama's culinary scene--street food. From bustling food markets to vibrant street corners, Panama's street food is a fiesta for the senses.

One of my all-time favorites is patacones, crispy green plantains served with a variety of toppings like ceviche—a refreshing dish of seafood marinated in lime juice with onions and cilantro. The contrast of textures and flavors in each bite is simply divine.

Carimañolas, deep-fried yucca stuffed with savory fillings, and empanadas, flaky pastries filled with everything from ground beef to cheese, are popular street snacks that you can't resist. Perfect for munching while exploring Panama City's vibrant neighborhoods.

For those who love a good crunch, chicharrón (fried pork belly or pork rinds) and yuca frita (fried yuca) are must-try treats. Pair them with a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

On a warm Panama day, cool off with a raspado, a shaved ice dessert drizzled with colorful syrups. Or indulge in an esquimo, Panama's version of an ice cream sandwich, with a tropical twist.

From Farm to Table: Traditional Delights

While street food is a delicious introduction to Panama's cuisine, there's more to explore beyond the roadside stands. Traditional Panamanian dishes are a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage.
  • Sancocho is Panama's ultimate comfort food—a hearty chicken soup brimming with vegetables, yams, and corn on the cob. It's often served at family gatherings and special occasions. Unlike other comfort food, this one is actually good for you.
  • Arroz con guandú y coco is a beloved dish that features rice cooked with pigeon peas and coconut milk. The result is a subtly sweet and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with seafood or meat.
  • Saril, also known as hibiscus, is a quintessential ingredient in many Panamanian dishes. It adds a vibrant red hue and a tangy flavor to beverages like saril fresco and savory dishes like saril rice.
  • Ceviche de mariscos is a coastal delicacy you shouldn't miss. This dish combines a medley of marinated seafood, lime juice, and a dash of spicy aji chombo pepper. Thanks to Panama's abundant coastline, the ceviche is fresh and the types of ceviche available is mind-boggling.
  • Chicheme is a sweet and creamy corn-based beverage is a beloved Panamanian tradition, often served at celebrations and gatherings. Its flavor is reminiscent of cinnamon and vanilla, making it a delightful drink to savor on a warm afternoon.

The Fusion of Flavors: International Influences

As an expat, one of the things I love most about Panama's cuisine is the fusion of international flavors. Thanks to its multicultural heritage, you'll find an array of restaurants serving global dishes with a Panamanian twist.
  • Chifa (Chinese-Panamanian fusion) offers mouthwatering dishes like arroz chaufa (fried rice) and tallarines (stir-fried noodles). The flavors are a delightful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and local ingredients.
  • Rondón (influenced by flavors of the Caribbean ) is a hearty coconut-based stew with seafood and root vegetables. It's a soul-warming dish, perfect for enjoying by the beach.
  • Panama's Italian restaurants are a treat for pasta and pizza lovers. The use of fresh, local ingredients and a Panamanian touch make these dishes something special.

Beyond the Plate: Dining Experiences
While savoring Panama's cuisine is a feast for the taste buds, the dining experiences themselves are worth exploring.
  • Pollera Dining: For an authentic Panamanian experience, dine at a pollera restaurant. These establishments often feature traditional decor and live folkloric music, creating a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy local dishes.
  • Seafood Shacks by the Water: Some of the best seafood in Panama can be found in unassuming shacks along the coast. The combination of fresh catches and a sea breeze creates an unforgettable dining experience. There are about a dozen of these seafood shacks just minutes away from Casa Bonita, where you can rent apartments by the week, month or year. (Or better yet, you can buy your own slice of paradise.) My favorite seafood shack is Veramar, owned by the charming Sr. Ramon. If you tell him  you're a friend of mine, he will treat you like royalty.
  • Gourmet Dining in the City: Panama City's culinary scene is also home to upscale restaurants that offer gourmet takes on traditional dishes, as well as international cuisine. Dining in the city's chic eateries is a testament to Panama's cosmopolitan flair. The quality of gourmet dining is one of the things that attracted me to Panama in the first place, and is what sets Panama apart from other Latin American countries.

The Culinary Exploration Continues

As I wrap up this mouthwatering journey through Panama's cuisine, I can't help but feel grateful for the flavors, traditions, and foodie adventures I've discovered here. Panama's culinary scene is a delightful blend of history, culture, and innovation—a true reflection of the diverse and vibrant country it represents.

So, whether you're an expat, a traveler, or a culinary enthusiast, Panama's delicious cuisine promises a treasure trove of flavors and experiences waiting to be explored. Until our next culinary adventure, my fellow food lovers, may your plates always be filled with the deliciousness of Panama.

​Cheers!
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Melissa Darnay is a Gen X real estate broker who traded the hustle and bustle of American life for the charms of Panama in 2012.  Learn more... 

    Picture
    We have a LOT of information that we've accumulated since 2012. Please use the SEARCH BAR above to find specific information.

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    July 2021
    July 2020
    May 2019
    April 2019
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    August 2017
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Copyright 2012-2025 Choose Panama Inc. All Rights Reserved.