Delicious Panamanian food You Need to Try

When you visit Panama, you’re not just experiencing a new culture; you’re also experiencing a new way of life. You’re also preparing for a flavor journey. Panamanian food is a blend of Spanish, African, and native Indian influences. It tastes familiar and excitingly new.

Here are some of the most delicious Panama dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Rich and abundant is the food scene, from hearty stews to fresh seafood. Whether you’re a foodie or enjoy trying new things, Panamanian cuisine has it all!

Key Takeaways

• Explore the fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences in Panamanian cuisine.
• Discover five must-try Panama dishes that showcase the country’s culinary versatility.
• Read more about the history and culture that informs Panamanian cooking.
• Here’s how to savor Panama’s unique culinary experiences during your visit.
• Discover some contemporary takes on traditional Panamanian cuisine.

The Foodie Map of Panama

The food scene in Panama is a blend of cultures. Its position between North and South America serves as a bridge between the two and the rest of the world, with diverse cultures and orders. This has influenced its distinctive cuisine.

History of Panamanian Food

Panamanian cuisine is a blend of several cultures that have influenced it. European cooking — and its associated ingredients — arrived with Spanish colonization. Caribbean touches brought flavors such as coconut and spices.

Spanish and Caribbean Contributions

The Spanish dropped off olive oil, garlic, and citrus. The pasta was one of the many delicacies that brought Caribbean and American palates together: We loved the taste of Caribbean tamales, such as Arroz con Pollo, by the sheer fusion you found in them—coconut milk is also an essential ingredient.

Indigenous Cooking Traditions

Indigenous Panamanians have also played a significant role in this. They brought the men corn, beans, and yucca. These are essential to many of its classic recipes.

Panama’s Food Culture Varies by Region

Panama’s geography yields a diverse range of food options in each region. The coast is rich in seafood. Meat stews and soups fill the interior. In each area, there are unique Panama dishes that reflect local ingredients and traditions.

Basic Components in Typical Dishes of Panama

To truly understand Panamanian cuisine, it is essential to grasp the fundamental building blocks that comprise it. These are local, both in terms of their location and their deep cultural roots. The food reflects the country’s diverse terrains and rich culture.

Local Produce and Staples

Local products and staples lay the foundation for Panamanian dishes. These are ingredients that are at the heart of the country’s food identity.

Corn, Rice, and Plantains

Corn, rice, and plantains are all essential for Panamanian cooking. Tamales and tortillas de maíz contain corn. Rice is obligatory in arroz con pollo. Plantains are also a favorite when fried, boiled, or mashed, whether green or ripe.

Tropical Fruit and Vegetables

Tropical fruits, such as mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, lend splashes of flavor and freshness. Vegetables like yuca, ña, and peppers also play a significant role.

Unique Spices and Seasonings

The flavor of Panamanian food is derived from unique spices and flavors. These are the ingredients that set these Panama dishes apart and make them taste great.

Culantro and Wild Herbs

I also love culantro, a cilantro-like herb, but it’s even stronger. Other herbs and spices, such as garlic, onions, and peppers, enhance the cookery.

Must-try Panama Breakfast Dishes

Part of venturing out into Panama includes sampling its delicious breakfasts. The breakfast foods in the country are both tasty and filling.

Hojaldras: The Fry Bread Panama Can’t Get Enough Of

Hojaldras are a popular breakfast item in Panamanian cuisine—sweet fried breads that come topped or stuffed with various toppings or fillings.

How to Eat Them Like a Local

To eat hojaldres like a local, order them with cheese, ham, or eggs. You can also dunk them into hot coffee or chocolate as a sweet treat.

Carimañolas and Tortillas de Maíz

Carimañolas and tortillas de maíz are other breakfast items not to be missed. Carimañolas are a type of fried dough stick with a meat or cheese filling. Tortillas de maíz are the traditional corn tortillas commonly served with eggs or cheese.

Where to Discover Real Morning Food Treats

For an even more authentic experience, head to local markets or traditional restaurants for breakfast. Some top spots include:

• Mercado de Mariscos
• Mercado San Felipe Neri

Favorite Panama Lunch and Dinner Dishes

For an authentic taste of Panama, please have one of their lunch and dinner entrees. Panamanian cuisine blends Spanish, African, and indigenous tastes. This combo makes for delicious, dynamic flavor that fills you up.

Sancocho: The NatiSancochop

If there is a national soup in Panama, that would be Sancocho. It is a thick stew featuring chicken, beef, pork, and vegetables like yuca and plantains. There’s Sancocho for even more flavor.

Regional Variations to Try

While Sancocho itself remains consistent, each of Panama’s provinces adds its twist. Some have more seafood, while others incorporate special spices. Door Kickers 2 is the third version.

Arroz con Pollo and Arroz con Guandú

Arroz con Pollo: A traditional dish of chicken with saffron rice and our signature spices. Arroz con Guandú is infused with pigeon peas for a unique flavor and texture.

Ropa Vieja and Bistec Picado

Ropa Vieja is a shredded beef in a tomato sauce with onions and garlic. Bistec Picado is a stir-fry with beef sliced thin, along with onions and bell peppers. It is sometimes served with rice or fried plantains.

“Panama’s cuisine is as diverse as its people, food that is both delicious and filling.” — Local Chef.

Panamanian Coastal Seafood Specialties

The seafood is Panama’s gourmet delicacy, with thousands of miles of coastline. The nation’s location between two oceans means there is plenty of fresh seafood. This sea creature is part of traditional Panamanian cuisine.

Ceviche Panameño: Panama-Style Marinated Fresh Fish

Ceviche Panameño is a classic Panamanian dish. It’s a preparation of fresh raw fish that has been marinated in citrus juices. The mixture contains onions, peppers, and spices. This meal is a good representation of what Panamanian food is like.

How to Choose the Freshest Ceviche

When sampling ceviche, opt for freshness and quality. Here are some tips:

• Fish is done when it is firm and no longer reeks of the ocean.
• Ensure the citrus is kept in check and doesn’t overshadow the other flavors.
• Select venues that make their ceviche new each day.

Corvina and Other Favorites

Corvina is highly regarded in Panama, where it is commonly prepared by grilling or frying. Panamanian food doesn’t get better than this. Other favorites include:

• Fish grilled with local spices and herbs.
• Another soup features fish simmered in a broth flavored with the essence of the sea.
• Raw fish dishes like ceviche.

Beachside Restaurants to Try

For a taste of authentic coastal dining, try a little seafood restaurant. They use local ingredients. Some top spots include:

• Casco Viejo, Panama City restaurants serve contemporary spins on classic dishes.
• Seaside shacks in Bocas del Toro, fresh catches each day.

It’s a culinary adventure to explore Panama’s vibrant seafood scene. Panamanian food is fantastic, featuring delicious flavors and fresh ingredients.

Local Markets We Visit to Learn About Traditional Panama Dishes

For authentic flavors of Panama, local markets are the place to be. Here, you can enjoy truly Panamanian food by trying the typical dishes.

Mercado de Mariscos: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise

The Seafood Market (Mercado de Mariscos) is a haven for seafood enthusiasts. This bustling market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood. There are fish, shrimp, and lobster — all prepared in the traditional Panamanian manner.

What to Order and When to Go

Don’t miss the Ceviche Panameño while at the Mercado de Mariscos. It’s a crudo-style, refreshing dish of marinated raw fish. The market is extremely bustling at lunch, so consider visiting then. For the ultimate in seafood, come in the morning.

Mercado San Felipe Neri and Other Food Markets

Popular markets, such as Mercado San Felipe Neri, also serve a variety of Panamanian dishes. These are great markets to try more local food and immerse yourself in the Panamanian environment.

How to Eat Your Way Through Food Stalls Like a Pro

To make the most of your market trip, arrive early and avoid the crowds. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Be sure to respect local food safety and conventions when dining.

Street Food & Snacks You Can’t Avoid

Eating street food in Panama is cheaper than using injectable steroids. As you wander around, you will come upon many of the tasty, true-to-their-roots dishes.

Empanadas, Patacones, Chicharrones

Empanadas, patacones, and chicharrones are some of Panama’s most well-known street foods. Empanadas, pastry-filled pockets of meat, cheese, or vegetables, fried until golden brown. Green plantains, fried and then flattened, are typically served as patacones, accompanied by cheese or meat. “Chicharrones” are fried pork rinds, cooked to a crisp for snacking or as a first course.

For a local sampling of Panama’s street food scene, look for stands in Casco Viejo or near markets. There are, of course, vendors offering traditional dishes that ought to make your taste buds happy.

Local Drinks: Chicheme, Chich, and More

Do not miss Panama’s traditional drinks. Chicheme is a sweet, gruel-like fermented corn drink that is sweet, refreshing, and very filling. Another favorite is chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn or fruit. Don’t skip out on Seco, a potent sugarcane liquor, typically imbibed with limonada or cola de mono.

Drinks + Local Snacks to Snack On!

The perfect drink to accompany your snack can make it even better. For example, chicheme is well-suited to savory snacks such as empanadas or chicharrones. Chicha, meanwhile, goes well with sweet things, such as fried doughnuts or tres leches cake.

“Street food is about a whole lot more than just eating in Panama, it’s about culture and community.”

Bringing Panama Home: Cooking Traditional Dishes

Now you can savor some of Panama’s great flavors in the Sancochon kitchen. Begin by sampling classic Panamanian food, such as Sancocho, a meat-and-vegetable soup served throughout the country, or sample ceviche panameño, a chilled dish of marinated raw fish.

For typical Panamanian food, one should use general staples such as yuca, plantains, and corn. Add other ethnic seasonings, such as achiote and cumin, to customize your flavors.

Find the ingredients (and inspiration!) at the local market, or online. You could also prepare traditional street foods, such as empanadas, patacones, and chicharrones. With that and simple steps, you will be able to savor the rich food heritage of Panama in no time.

Using essential ingredients like yuca, plantains, and corn. Experiment with unique spices and seasonings, such as achiote and cumin, to add authentic flavor to your dishes.

Visit local markets or online stores to find the necessary ingredients and inspiration. You can also try making popular street foods, such as empanadas, patacones, and chicharrones. With these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying Panama’s rich culinary heritage in no time.