If you’re curious about what your taste buds can expect when you land in Panama, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re counting down the top 10 types of cuisine you can find in Panama. Get ready for a foodie adventure that will have your mouth watering by the end!
Number 10 - Caribbean Cuisine
When you think of Caribbean food in Panama, think fresh seafood straight from the ocean, succulent coconut rice, and aromatic curry sauce. The flavors are bold, with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will have your tastebuds dancing the salsa.
Be sure to check out Mi Ranchito for authentic Caribbean flavors. They have multiple locations but my favorite one is the one on Amador Causeway. You’ll get great food, a comfortable breeze, and stunning views of the Bay of Panama.
Number 9 - Traditional Panamanian Dishes
If you haven’t tried Panamanian food, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. At a typical restaurant, you’ll find hearty dishes like sancocho, a rich chicken soup that’s both comforting and flavorful. It’s filled with chicken, sweet potatoes, yuca, carrots, and corn that’s still on the cob. You’ll also find one of my favorite dishes, ropa vieja, which is shredded beef that’s slow-cooked with tomatoes and spices. Don’t forget a side of patacones—which are fried plantains—or thick-sliced fried yuca with an aioli dipping sauce.
If you want to try great authentic Panamanian food, Restaurante El Nacional is a family-owned restaurant in Casco Viejo. Be sure to try the chicken Carimañolas, crunchy on the outside but soft and flavorful on the inside. You’ll thank me later.
Number 8 - Spanish Food
In Panama, you’ll love the Spanish cuisine, with its savory paellas brimming with saffron-infused rice, seafood, and grilled meat. Tapas are also a big hit here, with small plates like Iberian ham croquetas and cured meats that are perfect for sharing.
Santa Rita in Casco Viejo offers delicious Spanish dishes in a darling restaurant that oozes charm. They are usually booked, so be sure to make a reservation.
Indian Cuisine
Indian food is highly sought after in Panama. Get ready for a symphony of spices with dishes like butter chicken, slow-cooked lamb, and naan bread straight from the tandoor. The combination of rich curries and vibrant spices will leave you craving more.
Sabor de la India is one of the best places in Panama City to experience the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. If you want something more elegant, try the Indian menu at El Santuario at the La Compania Hotel in Casco Viejo.
Number 6 - Chinese Food
Panama City’s Chinatown, called El Dorado, is where you’ll find authentic dim sum, savory Peking duck, and deliciously sticky sweet-and-sour pork. The fusion of Chinese and Panamanian flavors is something truly special.
Lung Fung Restaurant in El Dorado is known for its delectable Chinese dishes, a favorite among locals and expats alike.
Number 5 - American Eats
It’s not surprise that you can find American food favorites in Panama. These will be casual hangouts, where burgers, steaks, and BBQ ribs reign supreme. Whether you’re craving a juicy cheeseburger with all the fixings, creamy mac ‘n cheese, or spicy hot wings, Panama’s got you covered with all your comfort food favorites.
Slabon is a local chain that offers a mix of American and Panamanian flavors in a fun, laid-back setting. You can even get two-for-one milkshakes on Sundays.
Number 4 - Nikkei Fusion
Nikkei Cuisine is becoming increasingly popular in Panama. It’s a delightful blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors that creates a unique culinary experience. Nikkei is a feast for the senses, offering dishes like tiraditos, which are similar to sashimi but served with Peruvian sauces. Also look for sushi rolls with a twist, incorporating ingredients like rocoto peppers, which are a spicy grassy-flavored pepper that’s a staple in Peruvian Cuisine. The fusion of these two cultures results in vibrant, fresh, and unexpected flavor combinations that you won’t want to miss.
Restaurante Efimero in the heart of downtown Panama City is my go-to spot for Nikkei fusion. Efimero is known for its creative dishes, refined presentation, and flavors you’ll dream about.
Number 3 - Italian Fare
Panama has a large Italian population, thanks to a long-standing reciprocal residency visa. Because of this, you can get authentic Italian cuisine in JUST ABOUT every neighborhood. Panama’s Italian restaurants serve up everything from classic pasta dishes like creamy spaghetti carbonara … to wood-fired pizzas with perfectly crispy crusts. You can almost smell the fresh basil and garlic wafting through the air!
La Vespa Ristorante Vista Mare offers an authentic Italian experience with stunning ocean views. If you want something more intimate, Vinoteca is a small neighborhood restaurant where you feel like you’re part of the family… and the food will make you want to come back again and again.
Number 2 - Japanese Gastronomy
Panama has amazing Japanese food. From fresh sushi and sashimi to savory ramen bowls, to the more contemporary Teppanyaki. Japanese flavors are clean, delicate, and utterly delicious. Imagine the taste of soy, wasabi, and pickled ginger with every bite.
Makoto is a hidden gem offering some of the best Japanese food in the city.
Honorable Mentions
Before we reveal the top spot, let's give a shout-out to some incredible cuisines that didn’t quite make our Top 10 but are still worth exploring in Panama. French cuisine lovers can find delicate pastries and rich, buttery dishes at spots like Petit Paris. For a taste of Greece, Meze Panama serves up classic Mediterranean flavors. If you’re in the mood for something more unique, traditional Peruvian flavors can be savored at Segundo Muelle. Brazilian steakhouses like Os Segredos Da Carne offer all-you-can-eat churrasco (or what we refer to as Meat-on-a-stick), while Tacontento satisfies those Mexican food cravings with delicious tacos and margaritas. Let’s not forget the hearty German fare at Das Brot and the rare but delightful Scottish influences you can find at The Wallace in Panama City. These cuisines add even more diversity to Panama’s vibrant culinary scene.
Number 1 - Panamanian Fusion Cuisine
And finally, at number 1, it’s Panama’s unique fusion cuisine. Here, you’ll find a melting pot of flavors that blend indigenous ingredients with international influences. Dishes like ceviche with a coconut milk and jalapenos… or tamales filled with unexpected flavors highlight the creativity and diversity of Panamanian chefs.
Maito is a top choice for experiencing the best of Panamanian fusion cuisine in an elegant setting. For a more casual but just-as-delicious option, try Fonda Lo Que Hay in Casco Viejo.
And there you have it—the top 10 types of cuisine you can expect in Panama. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just love exploring new flavors, Panama’s culinary scene has something for everyone. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious content, and as always, keep dreaming, keep doing, and keep dining! See you in the next episode of The Panama Podcast!
Number 10 - Caribbean Cuisine
When you think of Caribbean food in Panama, think fresh seafood straight from the ocean, succulent coconut rice, and aromatic curry sauce. The flavors are bold, with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will have your tastebuds dancing the salsa.
Be sure to check out Mi Ranchito for authentic Caribbean flavors. They have multiple locations but my favorite one is the one on Amador Causeway. You’ll get great food, a comfortable breeze, and stunning views of the Bay of Panama.
Number 9 - Traditional Panamanian Dishes
If you haven’t tried Panamanian food, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. At a typical restaurant, you’ll find hearty dishes like sancocho, a rich chicken soup that’s both comforting and flavorful. It’s filled with chicken, sweet potatoes, yuca, carrots, and corn that’s still on the cob. You’ll also find one of my favorite dishes, ropa vieja, which is shredded beef that’s slow-cooked with tomatoes and spices. Don’t forget a side of patacones—which are fried plantains—or thick-sliced fried yuca with an aioli dipping sauce.
If you want to try great authentic Panamanian food, Restaurante El Nacional is a family-owned restaurant in Casco Viejo. Be sure to try the chicken Carimañolas, crunchy on the outside but soft and flavorful on the inside. You’ll thank me later.
Number 8 - Spanish Food
In Panama, you’ll love the Spanish cuisine, with its savory paellas brimming with saffron-infused rice, seafood, and grilled meat. Tapas are also a big hit here, with small plates like Iberian ham croquetas and cured meats that are perfect for sharing.
Santa Rita in Casco Viejo offers delicious Spanish dishes in a darling restaurant that oozes charm. They are usually booked, so be sure to make a reservation.
Indian Cuisine
Indian food is highly sought after in Panama. Get ready for a symphony of spices with dishes like butter chicken, slow-cooked lamb, and naan bread straight from the tandoor. The combination of rich curries and vibrant spices will leave you craving more.
Sabor de la India is one of the best places in Panama City to experience the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. If you want something more elegant, try the Indian menu at El Santuario at the La Compania Hotel in Casco Viejo.
Number 6 - Chinese Food
Panama City’s Chinatown, called El Dorado, is where you’ll find authentic dim sum, savory Peking duck, and deliciously sticky sweet-and-sour pork. The fusion of Chinese and Panamanian flavors is something truly special.
Lung Fung Restaurant in El Dorado is known for its delectable Chinese dishes, a favorite among locals and expats alike.
Number 5 - American Eats
It’s not surprise that you can find American food favorites in Panama. These will be casual hangouts, where burgers, steaks, and BBQ ribs reign supreme. Whether you’re craving a juicy cheeseburger with all the fixings, creamy mac ‘n cheese, or spicy hot wings, Panama’s got you covered with all your comfort food favorites.
Slabon is a local chain that offers a mix of American and Panamanian flavors in a fun, laid-back setting. You can even get two-for-one milkshakes on Sundays.
Number 4 - Nikkei Fusion
Nikkei Cuisine is becoming increasingly popular in Panama. It’s a delightful blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors that creates a unique culinary experience. Nikkei is a feast for the senses, offering dishes like tiraditos, which are similar to sashimi but served with Peruvian sauces. Also look for sushi rolls with a twist, incorporating ingredients like rocoto peppers, which are a spicy grassy-flavored pepper that’s a staple in Peruvian Cuisine. The fusion of these two cultures results in vibrant, fresh, and unexpected flavor combinations that you won’t want to miss.
Restaurante Efimero in the heart of downtown Panama City is my go-to spot for Nikkei fusion. Efimero is known for its creative dishes, refined presentation, and flavors you’ll dream about.
Number 3 - Italian Fare
Panama has a large Italian population, thanks to a long-standing reciprocal residency visa. Because of this, you can get authentic Italian cuisine in JUST ABOUT every neighborhood. Panama’s Italian restaurants serve up everything from classic pasta dishes like creamy spaghetti carbonara … to wood-fired pizzas with perfectly crispy crusts. You can almost smell the fresh basil and garlic wafting through the air!
La Vespa Ristorante Vista Mare offers an authentic Italian experience with stunning ocean views. If you want something more intimate, Vinoteca is a small neighborhood restaurant where you feel like you’re part of the family… and the food will make you want to come back again and again.
Number 2 - Japanese Gastronomy
Panama has amazing Japanese food. From fresh sushi and sashimi to savory ramen bowls, to the more contemporary Teppanyaki. Japanese flavors are clean, delicate, and utterly delicious. Imagine the taste of soy, wasabi, and pickled ginger with every bite.
Makoto is a hidden gem offering some of the best Japanese food in the city.
Honorable Mentions
Before we reveal the top spot, let's give a shout-out to some incredible cuisines that didn’t quite make our Top 10 but are still worth exploring in Panama. French cuisine lovers can find delicate pastries and rich, buttery dishes at spots like Petit Paris. For a taste of Greece, Meze Panama serves up classic Mediterranean flavors. If you’re in the mood for something more unique, traditional Peruvian flavors can be savored at Segundo Muelle. Brazilian steakhouses like Os Segredos Da Carne offer all-you-can-eat churrasco (or what we refer to as Meat-on-a-stick), while Tacontento satisfies those Mexican food cravings with delicious tacos and margaritas. Let’s not forget the hearty German fare at Das Brot and the rare but delightful Scottish influences you can find at The Wallace in Panama City. These cuisines add even more diversity to Panama’s vibrant culinary scene.
Number 1 - Panamanian Fusion Cuisine
And finally, at number 1, it’s Panama’s unique fusion cuisine. Here, you’ll find a melting pot of flavors that blend indigenous ingredients with international influences. Dishes like ceviche with a coconut milk and jalapenos… or tamales filled with unexpected flavors highlight the creativity and diversity of Panamanian chefs.
Maito is a top choice for experiencing the best of Panamanian fusion cuisine in an elegant setting. For a more casual but just-as-delicious option, try Fonda Lo Que Hay in Casco Viejo.
And there you have it—the top 10 types of cuisine you can expect in Panama. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just love exploring new flavors, Panama’s culinary scene has something for everyone. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious content, and as always, keep dreaming, keep doing, and keep dining! See you in the next episode of The Panama Podcast!
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