Gastronomy in Panama is the product of a series of events that wove our history. The native people, the conquest of Spain, the Africans brought in slavery, the French canal attempt, the Chinese workers who arrived for the construction of the railroad, the Panama Canal, all left their influence on Panamanian culinary culture. In short, the entire world has passed through here leaving behind ingredients, recipes and flavors.
- Traditional Panamanian and Afro-Caribbean Gastronomy.
Panamanian breakfast is served with corn tortillas, accompanied by eggs, potatoes and sometimes sausage or fresh cheese. Lunches and dinners are accompanied by rice with meat or chicken with soup. “Sancocho” is the most characteristic dish of Panama, made with chicken meat and served as a soup. Some of the traditional desserts in Panamanian gastronomy are: Drunken Soup, Bienmesabe, Suspiro, La Cabanga, Mamallena, among others.
Enjoy traditional Panamanian food at these restaurants in Panama City: El Trapiche (Bella Vista, Vía Argentina, San Francisco and Albrook Mall), En La Fonda (Tel. 277-1655), Sabroso Panama (Tel. 205-6692), (Diablicos (Tel. 228-9495), Rincón Tableño (Tel. 227-8166), Sabores del Chorrillo (Tel. 500-5344), El Nacional (Cel. 6213-5989)
Panamanian gastronomy received a lot of influence through slaves coming from the islands of Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica. These Antilles were also influenced by the Indian cuisine, which at that time was a British colony and incorporated fish and seafood from the Caribbean into their diet. Afro-Antillean food is very popular in the provinces of Colon, Bocas del Toro and in various parts of Panama City. It also offers exquisite traditional sweets based on coconut, rice, cassava and “raspadura”. Example: Panamanian cabanga is prepared with green papaya, coconut and cane honey. Also, the delicious “cocadas” with cashew seeds, the johnny cake coconut bread very popular throughout the Caribbean, the traditional Bon bread and the famous plantita. Without a doubt, Afro-Antillean cuisine and cultural traditions have greatly enriched Panamanian gastronomy, making it a reference on the continent.
Enjoy Afro-Antillean food at these restaurants: La Tapa del Coco (in San Francisco, Panama City, Tel.271-0029), Octo (Bocas del Toro, Cel. 6368-5251), Agua’e Pipa (Colon City, Cel. 6827-2040), Centollo’s Place (Panama City, Tel. 323-0931), La Vereda Afroantillana (In Rio Abajo, Panama City).
- Delicious Italian Food
Since the beginning of the 20th century, every Italian who arrived in Panama became directly involved in the food business, managing to reach the palate of Panamanians and foreigners who came to work in the construction of the canal. It came to everyone’s taste so much that Panamanian food itself began to add Italian ingredients and seasonings and the Italians did the same.
The first restaurants in Panama were Italian, although they were not authentic Italian food, since it was made for the taste of the clientele. Garlic and parsley in the clams, Creole sauce in the meat bolognese and lasagna.
Italian food today in Panama is focused on its roots, on creating intimate experiences that take diners on a journey through regions of the old continent. The current history is different from that of its pioneers, since the country has evolved socially and economically.
Enjoy Italian food at these restaurants in Panama City: La Pasta by Pomodoro, (Tel. 387-4454), La Vespa Trattoria (Tel. 387-4454), Restaurante y Pizzeria Napoli (Tel. 387-4454), Ciao Ragazzi – Hotel Sortis (Tel. 203-0291), Lucca Panama (Tel. 381-2810).
- The Always Surprising Chinese Food
The first Chinese citizens arrived in Panama in 1854 for the construction of the railroad that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean Sea. Today, with 170 years of history, you can find a wide gastronomic offer, starting with the very popular Cantonese-style breakfast based on meat, chicken and seafood.
One of the best-known aspects of Chinese food dishes is that it has pasta, rice and a carbohydrate that are accompanied by fish, vegetables and meat. Dishes such as chow mein and fried rice dyed with soy sauce respond to the local Panamanian palate. However, there are also dishes for the Chinese palate that are steamed, braised and stews. Events such as the Chinese New Year celebration have facilitated this culinary integration.
Enjoy Chinese food at these restaurants in Panama City: Palacio Lung Fung, (Tel. 260-4011), Sunly, (Tel. 260-1411), WAH KEE Palacio del Dim Sum (Tel. 6244-2599 / 6292-4547), China Hour (Cel. 6653-1100), Kwang Chow (Tel. 212-1107).
- The New Trend: Asian Fusion
Just as Panama is a mix of people from all over the world, Asian fusion food enters the country full of flavors and inspiration. This trend today has expanded rapidly in the palate of Panamanians and foreigners in the country, multiplying the number of restaurants that offer this type of food. Asian fusion food incorporates elements of Chinese, Japanes, Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, adding additional layers of complexity and flavor. Restaurants offer rolls with sweet and sour sauce, Asian-inspired tempura or seafood combinations with exotic elements. The list is as long as the inspiration of its chefs and the taste of the diners.
Enjoy Asian Fusion food at these restaurants in Panama City: Sugoi Caribbean Sushi (Cel. 209-1899), Brutto Restaurante (Tel. 390-5994), Ato Fusion Cuisine (Cel. 6068-7038), Miss Cho (Tel. 302-0829), Makoto (Cel. 830-2736).
- The Revolution in Gastronomy Starts with Spanish Food
When the Spanish arrived in Panamanian territory, they introduced products that forever changed the diet of the populations. They began to popularize corn, brought cattle, modifying the economy and ecosystem of Panama. They also introduced other products such as olive oil, chicken, eggs, pork, milk and cheese. Some typical Panamanian foods with Spanish influence are “chorizo”, “chicharron”, meat soup, empanada and “lechona” (Piglet). It is very easy to enjoy paella, gazpacho, Spanish omelette, Galician-style octopus, among many others.
Enjoy Spanish food at these restaurants: Casa Alejandro (Panama City, 263-8990), Taberna La Malagueña (Panama City, Tel. 397-7720), Alandalus (Panama City, Tel. 226-4271), Taberna 21 (Panama City, Tel. 214-2021), Sociedad Española de Beneficencia (Tel. 261-9971).
We invite you to also try these delicious cuisines:
▪️ American: Culinary dishes brought by the Americans during the United States administration of the Panama Canal. You can try it at fast food and barbecue style restaurants. Also, in street stalls that sell hamburgers and hot dogs, among others.
▪️ French, the most refined culinary style in the country, where renowned French Chefs cook the best of their gastronomy. Restaurants such as Petit Paris, Bistro, Ciboulette Panama and La Boucherie offer the best of French food.
▪️ Panamanian Fusion, a group of local Chefs who have been creating Panamanian food fused with multiple trends to achieve unique flavors. Restaurants like Maito, Aya La Vida Restaurante and Fonda Lo Que Hay create delights from this culinary trend.
