When you relocate to Panama or come for a visit, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in its culture is by sampling typical Panamanian foods. With a culinary landscape shaped by indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, Panama offers a rich variety of flavors and dishes that showcase the country’s diverse heritage. From comforting stews to street snacks bursting with flavor, Panamanian food is all about freshness, bold spices, and the warmth of sharing meals with family and friends.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some must-try Panamanian foods, delving into their origins and cultural significance. Plus, we’ll give you tips on where to find these foods or ingredients so you can recreate the experience at home.
Sancocho: Panama’s National Stew
Sancocho is the heart and soul of Panamanian cuisine, often considered the national dish. This hearty chicken soup is infused with local herbs and vegetables, including yuca (cassava), ñame (yam), and corn. Sancocho is seasoned with culantro, a fragrant herb similar to cilantro but with a more intense flavor, which gives the dish its distinctive taste.
The origins of sancocho trace back to Panama’s indigenous communities, with variations found throughout Central and South America. In Panama, it’s a staple comfort food, often enjoyed with white rice and a side of hot sauce. Many Panamanians believe a bowl of sancocho can cure anything from a cold to a hangover, and it’s commonly served at family gatherings and celebrations.
- Where to Try It: You can find sancocho in nearly any Panamanian restaurant, especially fondas (small family-owned eateries). Some popular spots in Panama City include El Trapiche and Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market), where you’ll find authentic sancocho made with fresh, local ingredients.
Ropa Vieja: Shredded Beef in Tomato Sauce
Although ropa vieja originated in the Canary Islands and is popular in many Latin American countries, Panama has put its unique spin on the dish. It is one of the most typical Panamanian foods. Translating to “old clothes,” ropa vieja consists of tender, shredded beef cooked in a tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. The beef is slow-cooked until it’s flavorful and juicy, and it’s typically served with rice and plantains.
Ropa vieja has become a beloved comfort food across Panama, symbolizing the warmth and heartiness of family meals. This dish exemplifies Panama’s multicultural influences, with ingredients and cooking techniques that showcase Spanish, African, and Caribbean roots.
- Where to Try It: Ropa vieja is a common offering in traditional restaurants throughout Panama. Look for it in places like Restaurante Mercado de Mariscos or Café Coca Cola, one of the oldest diners in Panama City. For those who want to try making it at home, you can find beef and fresh vegetables at local markets or supermarkets.
Tamales Panameños: Corn-Based Delights
Tamales are popular across Latin America, but Panamanian tamales are unique in their own right. Made with a seasoned corn dough filled with meat (usually chicken or pork), olives, and vegetables, these tamales are wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed. The use of banana leaves gives Panamanian tamales a rich, earthy flavor and makes them a treat to unwrap.
Tamales have indigenous roots and are often prepared during special occasions and holidays, symbolizing family unity and celebration. Making tamales is a labor-intensive process, and it’s common for families to come together to prepare large batches, often for Christmas or New Year’s celebrations.
- Where to Try It: You can buy tamales from street vendors or local markets, especially during holiday seasons. Supermarkets like Riba Smith and Super 99 also sell pre-made tamales, so you can enjoy this traditional treat anytime.
Carimañolas: Yuca-Stuffed Snacks
Carimañolas are a popular street food made from yuca (cassava) dough filled with ground beef, cheese, or chicken, then deep-fried until crispy. These delicious snacks are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick snack, and their satisfying, crunchy texture makes them addictive.
Carimañolas showcase the importance of yuca in Panamanian cuisine. Indigenous to the region, yuca has been a staple crop for centuries, providing a versatile base for many traditional dishes. Carimañolas are a tasty example of how Panamanians have perfected the art of transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
- Where to Try It: Street vendors across Panama sell carimañolas, especially in busy areas of Panama City like Casco Viejo and El Cangrejo. They’re also easy to find in fondas, where locals grab a quick breakfast or snack.
Ceviche: Fresh Seafood Delight
Given its extensive coastline, it’s no surprise that Panama has a love affair with ceviche. This dish consists of fresh, raw fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro. The acid from the lime “cooks” the fish, creating a refreshing, tangy flavor that’s perfect for Panama’s warm climate.
While ceviche is common across Latin America, Panamanian ceviche often includes corvina (a type of sea bass) and is sometimes served with extra lime juice and spicy hot sauce. It’s a favorite at the beach, on hot days, or as a starter at any seafood restaurant.
- Where to Try It: The Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) in Panama City is the best place to try fresh ceviche made by local vendors. You can also buy fresh fish and ingredients at the market to make your own ceviche at home.
Arroz con Pollo: A Classic Panamanian Dish
Arroz con pollo is a beloved Panamanian dish made from rice, chicken, and a medley of vegetables, typically cooked together in a savory broth. Saffron or achiote is often added for color, giving the dish its distinctive golden hue. This is a go-to meal for family gatherings and celebrations, and it’s often paired with fried plantains or salad.
This dish reflects the communal nature of Panamanian culture, as it’s usually prepared in large quantities to feed groups of people. Arroz con pollo is another example of how Panamanians have combined different cultural influences, with ingredients and cooking styles reflecting both Spanish and indigenous culinary traditions.
- Where to Try It: You’ll find arroz con pollo in many Panamanian restaurants, including El Trapiche and Donde José in Panama City. Supermarkets also carry pre-packaged ingredients if you want to try making it yourself.
Chicheme: A Unique Corn-Based Drink
Chicheme is a traditional Panamanian drink made from corn, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. This thick, sweet beverage is typically enjoyed as a refreshing treat, often served cold. Chicheme’s roots can be traced back to Panama’s indigenous communities, where corn has been a staple ingredient for centuries.
Chicheme is especially popular in the countryside, and it’s often sold at roadside stands alongside other traditional snacks. The drink is both satisfying and filling, and it offers a taste of Panama’s agricultural heritage.
- Where to Try It: For authentic chicheme, visit local food stalls or look for vendors in small towns like La Chorrera or Penonomé. Some local supermarkets also carry bottled chicheme, so you can enjoy it in the comfort of your home.
Plantains: A Versatile Staple
Plantains are a staple in Panama, served in a variety of ways—from patacones (fried green plantain slices) to maduros (ripe, sweet plantains). Patacones are a popular side dish, often served with ceviche or fried fish, while maduros are enjoyed as a sweet accompaniment to savory dishes.
Plantains highlight Panama’s connection to Afro-Caribbean cuisine, brought by African slaves and later integrated into the local culinary tradition. This ingredient is incredibly versatile and used across Panama, from home kitchens to high-end restaurants.
- Where to Try It: You’ll find patacones and maduros in almost every Panamanian restaurant. Plantains are also sold in supermarkets and local markets, so you can try frying them up at home.
Savoring Typical Panamanian Foods
Sampling typical Panamanian foods is a delicious way to dive into the country’s diverse culture. From savory dishes like sancocho and ropa vieja to sweet treats like chicheme, Panama’s cuisine reflects a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Whether you’re here to visit or planning to make Panama your new home, tasting these traditional foods will give you a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich history and vibrant food culture.
For those who want to cook Panamanian dishes at home, supermarkets and local markets carry all the ingredients you’ll need. No matter where you choose to indulge, Panama’s culinary landscape offers something for everyone, providing a true taste of the isthmus. To learn more, contact us here.
