Panama Food: A Cultural Guide

Panama is a vibrant country smack bang in-between Costa Rica and Colombia. It not only connects the Atlantic ocean to the Pacific ocean with the world famous Panama canal, it also connects Central and South America. This is an adventure lover’s paradise from waterfalls to hikes and so much more. Add Panama to your bucket list and start creating your dream vacation with the Tripio app. Download it now and start creating a custom itinerary and generate your very own custom top 10. If Panama food excites you, read on!

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One of the best things to do in Panama is to indulge in their delicious and exotic cuisine. This beautiful country is covered with lush landscape that is ideal for growing, combine that with its vibrant culture and you have a food power-house! From bananas to coffee to chocolate to fish! Let’s delve into some of the best places in Panama to fill up on delicious and authentic Panamanian cuisine. One of the best parts of traveling is getting to indulge in different cuisine, try different food and get out of your comfort zone. 

Indulge At CONCOLON Panamanian STREET FOOD

Photo by Raul Baz on Unsplash

CONCOLON Panamanian STREET FOOD serves up traditional Panamanian cuisine in a relaxed setting. Feel like a local as you dig into mouth-watering food. Choose from ceviche, plantains, fried bread sandwiches, empanadas and so much more. Not to mention their absolutely decadent and delicious dessert drinks! This is a wonderful place to indulge in local cuisine!

Enjoy Dinner And Live Music At Restaurante Santa Rita

Photo by @qcyogifoodie on IG

Restaurante Santa Rita is a leading venue in Panama City to spend the evening. They offer up a delicious menu with blends of Spanish and Argentinian cuisine.  Between offering valet parking, divine food and exquisite wine along with attentive service, you’d expect the prices to be much higher than they are. Sit back, relax and enjoy the live music. Before you leave, be sure to try the passion fruit mousse which comes highly recommended by the locals! Those who like to dance, add this one to your custom itinerary!

The Rock Restaurant Panama Food

Photo by @soyfoodiepa on IG

The Rock is a lovely restaurant with a great indoor and outdoor space. They serve up a diverse menu filled with ribs, steak, Panamanian curry, coconut fried chicken, pasta, seafood and even an option to design your own salad. There are Gluten-Free, vegan and vegetarian options available on their menu. You must try some of their unique cocktails too. Come along in the evening and roast some marshmallows by the campfire, the kids love it! This is a great, family-friendly dining option! One of the best parts of going on vacation is getting to indulge in local cuisine. 

Beers And Food Trucks At Boquete Brewing Company Panama

Photo by @xavig25 on IG

Boquete Brewing Company is the place to enjoy a great beer, delicious comfort food and have a good time. Soak in the atmosphere that buzzes with live music and food trucks. Boquete Brewing Company specializes in craft beers and serving up juicy burgers. There’s plenty of space to dance the night away. Calling beer lovers! After a day full of adventure in Boquete, add this one to your itinerary!

Taste Authentic Panama Food At Fonda Lo Que Hay

Fonda Lo Que Hay serves up authentic, local Panamanian cuisine. Indulge in dishes like ceviche, cassava, crunchy rice, fried chicken, seafood and more. I believe one of the best aspects of travelling is trying the local cuisine, there is nowhere that does it better than Fonda Lo Que Hay.

Fill Up on Some local Cuisine At Restaurante Roberto Mina Panama

Photo by Tim from Pixabay

Restaurante Roberto Mina is a no frills little local restaurant serving up traditional home-cooked Panamanian cuisine. Renowned locally for their delicious breakfasts, they serve up puff pastries, plantains, roast chicken and more. This is the home cooked local meal you’ve been looking for! I can’t tell you how much a good coffee can start your day off right especially to beat that travel jetlag. 

Enjoy A Buffet Of Panama Food With Great Views At Don Caimán Restaurant

Photo by @bitesinthecity on IG

Don Caimán Restaurant serves up a buffet filled with authentic and delicious Panamanian cuisine. This restaurant is only open on the weekends but is sure worth the wait to taste delicious Panama food. The view is spectacular and you might even see a few crocodiles and turtles that call the area home. You may even be able to feed the crocodiles from the balcony of the restaurant, now that’s wild!

Indulge In Delicious Local Cuisine At Arrecifes: Next To The Insta-Worthy Colon Sign

Restaurante Arrecifes is a restaurant in Colon, Panama. It is situated right by the seaside. Indulge in delicious and fresh local cuisine as you take in the fresh salty sea air! Enjoy traditional Caribbean cuisine like cod fritters, coconut rice and more. Don’t forget to bring your camera as the Colon sign is right next door for that Insta-worthy photo. This is a great place to delve into Panama’s culture right here in Colon.

Photo by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

As you can see, Panama has a rich and diverse culture resulting in some exquisite cuisine. Download the Tripio app now and start putting together your custom itinerary. Tripio will even generate a custom top 10 based on your personal preferences. How adventurous are you with food while on vacation? Whatever your palette and whichever cuisine you like the best, the flavors of Panama are bound to delight. Panama should be on everyone’s bucket-list for adventure, culture and of course great food! I hope you have enjoyed my blog, until next time, keep travelling!

If you are interested in finding out more about Panama, why not check out my blog: The Best Of Panama

or even looking for more Good Eat, check out: The Best Places To Eat In Madrid

or more of what Central America has to offer: The Best Outdoor Adventures In Costa Rica

-Gemma Winchester, Tripio Guru

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