1. Sancocho
Panama's national dish is a comforting chicken soup, traditionally prepared with yuca, ñame (yam), culantro, and corn on the cob. It is often served with white rice.
Top 7 Dishes to Try in Panama
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Panamanian cuisine presents a dynamic fusion of flavors, shaped by its rich history as a cultural crossroads. Indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions, alongside Caribbean influences, have distinctly molded its culinary identity. Staples such as maize, rice, plantains, and fresh seafood form the foundation, frequently enhanced with local tropical fruits and aromatic herbs.
Panama offers a range of dining experiences catering to different budgets. For those seeking affordable and authentic local flavors, street food vendors provide quick snacks, while *fondas* – small, family-owned eateries – offer filling, home-style meals at reasonable prices, often featuring a set menu of the day. The Mercado de Mariscos, or Fish Market, is a prime spot for fresh, inexpensive seafood.
Mid-range options include traditional Panamanian restaurants like El Trapiche, which offer classic dishes in a comfortable setting. For higher-end dining, urban centers such as Panama City's Casco Viejo and modern districts host upscale establishments, which blend traditional Panamanian ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques and international influences.
2. Ceviche
A popular seafood delight featuring fresh fish, typically corvina, marinated and 'cooked' in lime juice with onions and cilantro.
3. Patacones
These are green plantains, twice-fried to achieve a crispy texture, commonly served as a versatile side dish.
4. Empanadas
Golden, often deep-fried, pastries filled with savory ingredients like ground meat, chicken, or cheese, and sometimes sweet fillings like pineapple.
5. Carimañolas
Crunchy yuca rolls, deep-fried to a golden color, commonly stuffed with seasoned ground beef.
6. Arroz con Pollo
A classic one-pot dish of rice cooked with chicken and vegetables, seasoned to create a flavorful and hearty meal.
7. Hojaldras
These are deep-fried fritters, similar to a flat doughnut, often enjoyed for breakfast, either plain, with sugar, or savory accompaniments.
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