What to Eat in Panama: Famous Panamanian Foods

Panamanian food varies from simple to exotic due to the many influences it had over the years. You’ll most likely know some of the dishes thanks to being similar to the cuisine eaten in other Central American countries. Vegetarians will have some problems finding options but if you like fish, you’ll be in heaven.

Traditional breakfast

Tortilla, chorizo and empanadas, along with other goodies, are part of the traditional Panamanian breakfast.

Empanadas

These are corn or flour pastries filled with meat, cheese or potatoes. Vegetarian options are also available.

Tamales

These are pockets of dough filled meat, wrapped in banana leaves and then boiled.

Gallo Pinto

This is a dish of rice and beans, usually served with pork meat.

Ceviche

It’s raw fish, conch and shrimp, chopped and mixed with tomatoes, cilantro, onions , then marinated in lime juice. The dish is served with tortilla chips.

Plantains

They come in three forms in Panama. Patacones are salty fried green plantains; maduros are mature fried plantains; tajadas are baked plantains sprinkled with cinnamon.

Tortillas

These are thick, fried corn cakes, usually served for breakfast.

Sancocho

It’s basically a soup made from meat – usually chicken- , vegetables and yucca (instead of noodles).

Carimanola

This is a fried yuca roll , stuffed with boiled eggs and meat.

Yuca frita

It’s fried yuca root, pretty much the tropical French fries.

Chicharrones

This is fried pork fat.

Arroz con pollo

It’s a common, simple dish made from chicken and rice.

Ropa Vieja

This is a stew and includes boiled meat (beef), onions , peppers and garlic; but the preparation and ingredients differ from place to place.

Pasel de Tres Leches

It’s a desert. The cake is soaked in three kinds of milk.

Photo credits:Breakfast , Empanadas , Tamales , Gallo Pinto , Ceviche , Patacones , Sancocho , Carimanola , Yuca frita , Chicharrones , Arroz con pollo , Ropa Vieja