The gorgeous beaches, lush forests, wildlife, and of course the Panama Canal are what Panama is most well-known for. However, one of the things visitors should most eagerly anticipate is Panamanian cuisine.
In order for you to completely experience Panamanian culture, we'll be sharing with you some information on the delicious local cuisine. Don't say we didn't warn you—Panamanian food is notorious for causing excessive drooling!
WHAT IS TRADITIONAL PANAMANIAN CUISINE?
The majority of Panama's holidays are centered around one of the many traditional meals that make up the country's cuisine. The Panamanians have a cuisine for every special occasion, from birthdays to bachelor parties.
It is easy to see why Panama was dubbed "the Hub of the Americas" due to its diverse cuisine, which is mostly focused on grains like wheat and corn, a vast variety of vegetables, spices, and different types of meat.
The cuisine in Panama is varied and intricate. With the development and operation of the Panama Canal Railway, the nation quickly rose to prominence as the hub of trade in Latin America. Following this, the building of the Panama Canal brought together individuals from diverse corners of the world. They also brought their customs, cultural backgrounds, and of course, cuisines with them.
Each province, from Herrera to Veraguas, Colon, Bocas del Toro, and Chiriqui, will offer Food Travelers a distinctive culinary experience. Every dish has a unique narrative to tell and allows you to lose yourself in the flavors and fragrances that have helped to shape Panamanian cuisine into what it is today.
You'll undoubtedly want to return after tasting some of the many delectable Panamanian dishes on this list. Expect to eat food that has been stewed, baked, grilled by hand over a wood fire, and above all, fried
1. Guacho De Mariscos (Seafood Stew)
A favorite among the locals. It's kind of a hearty rice soup with yams, yucca, mixed vegetables, and mixed seafood. Although beef may be substituted for the seafood, the first option is the most popular.
Guacho is occasionally served in a totuma, a deep bowl made from the calabash carcass, an indigenous fruit. This meal is available in nearly every Panamanian restaurant in the area. We suggest stopping by places on Va Argentina in El Cangrejo or Maito, a restaurant featuring renowned national chef Mario Castrellón.
2. Ceviche Del Mercado De Mariscos (Ceviche From The Seafood Market)
A Panamanian classic. The seafood market, or Mercado de Mariscos, must be visited if you travel to Panama. Most vendors offer ceviche drinks for around US$3. A great deal for premium ceviche.
The catch is as fresh as possible because local fishermen deliver it to the restaurants. Ceviche de corvina, or seabass ceviche, is a local favorite that is occasionally served with crackers or fried plantains.
Enjoy the views and sounds of the marinas, docks, and neighboring parks as you stroll along the Cinta Costera all the way to the market. A massive, world-class pedestrian beltway called the Cinta Costera starts outside of Casco Viejo, travels through the market, and ends in Punta Pacifica, one of Panama City's most affluent districts.
3. Sancocho (Stew)
This is one of the most common dishes in Panama and is also referred to as "yard stew" or "sancocho de patio". It is a mixture of chicken broth, yams, cilantro, veggies, and a number of other spices.
Sancocho is typically served with a heap of white rice that has been included into the stew. Gaucho is closely linked to it, with one little exception. Sancocho is spooned into the rice after it has already been cooked, not before.
Sancocho, which is believed to be able to treat even the worst hangovers. There is always a pot of simmering sancocho when there is a kitchen.
4. Ropa Vieja Y Arroz Con Coco ( Shredded Beef and Coconut Rice)
The contrast in flavor is wonderful. On top of rice, there is seasoned, shredded beef. Coconut milk is used to cook the rice, giving it a thicker and sweeter consistency. This dish is considerably better when served with a side of patacones , which are deep-fried green plantains. Patacones are almost often served as a side dish with main courses in Panama.
5. Pargo Frito (Fried Red Snapper)
The perfect meal to have with your ceviche is Pargo Frito, especially when enjoyed along the Cinta Costera. This meal can be found in practically any beach restaurant, so if you prefer the beach, you're in even better luck.
The meal includes a whole and freshly prepared red snapper that has been deep-fried. French fries and a variety of sauces are frequently included with the meal. To provide a hint of citrus flavor, several restaurants also add tomato slices and lemon slices.
If you're not used to eating seafood, especially when it's fried whole, it could take some getting used to, but once you try it, you'll be hooked.
6. Carimañolas ( Cassava Meat Pie)
Carimañola has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors. It's a yucca pastry filled with ground meat that has been deep-fried (yep, deep-fried food is as Panamanian as the Canal). It's tiny—no bigger than an inch—and you can't really eat just one. Carimañolas are frequently consumed as an appetizer or for breakfast by Panamanians. Restaurants charge roughly US$2 per plate for them.
7. Empanada
Panamanian empanadas are available in two different presentations and are a common street food item in many Latin American nations. They can be made with wheat or corn flour and are frequently filled with ground beef (or chicken that has been chopped up) and veggies. They can occasionally be filled with sweet ingredients like fruit jam and dulce de leche.
You can think of empanadas, one of Panama's most popular snacks, as the essential finger food at festivities and carnivals like the Desfile de las Mil Polleras (1000 Polleras Parade).
8. Arroz Con Guandu Y Pollo Guisado (Rice and Beans with Stewed Chicken)
Without experiencing the country's most well-known dish, a trip to Panama would be incomplete. Despite being simple, rice and beans with chicken can produce a tasty dish when prepared properly. Arroz con guandú y pollo guisado is a staple here.
Recommendation: To give a touch of sweetness, many people top their meals with small, fried yellow plantains.
9. Tamal De Olla ( Pot Tamal)
In Latin America, the tamal de olla recipe differs from one country to the next. The rectangular tamal of Panama uses beef, chicken, or pork, peppers, capers, and olives to create a flavor that is both sweet and salty. It is prepared by boiling it in a pan of water while being wrapped in an abijao, banana, or plantain leaf. Traditionally, tamal de olla is served during Christmas.
10. No Me Olvides ( Don’t Forget Me)
You'll never discover a dessert more truly Panamanian. It is a huge ice cream cup that is topped with "Grandma's Secret Recipe" sauce, Chantilly whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and a layer of biscuits.
It's the best-kept secret at the La Inmaculada restaurant. Although the 1950s-style chain diner in Panama charges roughly US$6 for it, the dessert is certainly worth double that amount.
There is a never-ending selection of delectable foods to pick from in Panama. Panamanian cuisine is renowned for having a range of flavors that is as broad and varied as the country itself. So if you are looking to try the top Panama cuisine, try these delicious foods which have gained popularity for a good reason.
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