Traditional Panamanian dishes and drinks to try and the best places to find them. Food is a vital part of the Panamanian travel experience.

Exploring Panama’s Local Cuisine: Traditional Dishes and Drinks to Try and Where to Find Them

Panama is a country that is rich in culture and history, and one of the best ways to experience this is through its local cuisine. The traditional dishes and drinks of Panama are a reflection of its diverse population, which includes indigenous people, Afro-Caribbeans, and Spanish colonizers. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular traditional dishes and drinks in Panama, as well as where to find them.

One of the most iconic dishes in Panama is the sancocho, a hearty soup that is made with chicken, yucca, corn, and other vegetables. Sancocho is a staple in Panamanian cuisine and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. The best place to try sancocho is at a local restaurant or at a family gathering, where it is often prepared in large quantities.

Another popular dish in Panama is arroz con pollo, which is a rice and chicken dish that is flavored with saffron and other spices. Arroz con pollo is a comfort food that is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. The best place to try this dish is at a local restaurant or at a food stall in one of Panama’s many markets.

For seafood lovers, Panama has a variety of dishes to offer. One of the most popular is ceviche, which is a dish made with raw fish that is marinated in lime juice and spices. Ceviche is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for a hot day. The best place to try ceviche is at a seafood restaurant or at a food stall in one of Panama’s many markets.

Another seafood dish that is popular in Panama is pescado frito, which is fried fish that is served with rice and beans. Pescado frito is a simple yet delicious dish that is often served at beachside restaurants and food stalls.

In addition to its savory dishes, Panama also has a variety of sweet treats to offer. One of the most popular is tres leches cake, which is a sponge cake that is soaked in three types of milk and topped with whipped cream. Tres leches cake is a rich and decadent dessert that is perfect for special occasions. The best place to try this dessert is at a local bakery or at a restaurant that specializes in traditional Panamanian cuisine.

Another sweet treat that is popular in Panama is raspados, which are shaved ice treats that are flavored with fruit syrups. Raspados are a refreshing and affordable treat that can be found at food stalls and street vendors throughout Panama.

No meal in Panama is complete without a refreshing drink to wash it down. One of the most popular drinks in Panama is chicha, which is a fermented corn drink that is sweetened with sugar and flavored with cinnamon. Chicha is a traditional drink that is often served at festivals and celebrations.

Another popular drink in Panama is seco, which is a distilled spirit that is made from sugarcane. Seco is often mixed with fruit juices or soda to create refreshing cocktails that are perfect for a night out.

For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, Panama has a variety of options to offer. One of the most popular is jugo de caña, which is a sugarcane juice that is often served with lime and ice. Jugo de caña is a refreshing and healthy drink that can be found at food stalls and street vendors throughout Panama.

In conclusion, exploring Panama’s local cuisine is a must-do for anyone visiting the country. From hearty soups to refreshing drinks, Panama has a variety of traditional dishes and drinks to offer. The best places to try these dishes and drinks are at local restaurants, food stalls, and markets. By trying these traditional dishes and drinks, you will not only experience the flavors of Panama but also gain a deeper understanding of its culture and history.