What makes Panamanian cuisine so special is its ability to blend the simple with the exotic, the everyday with the festive.
Local ingredients such as corn, plantains, and fresh seafood are transformed into dishes that delight the palate and evoke stories of families, celebrations, and daily life.
In this article, we present the 10 most popular dishes in Panama that you must try.
1. Panamanian Sancocho
Sancocho is Panama's most iconic dish, a soup mainly prepared with chicken, ñame (yam), cilantro, and other aromatic herbs.
While its preparation may vary slightly between regions, its essence remains the same: a comforting meal, perfect for any occasion. Panamanians enjoy sancocho served with white rice and often consider it the perfect remedy for hangovers or hangovers.
Sancocho
Sancocho is a highly cherished dish in different regions of Panama. Each area has its unique way of making it; however, everyone agrees that free-range chicken and yard eggs are essential ingredients to achieve an authentic Panamanian sancocho.
2. Rice with Chicken
Rice with chicken is a classic dish in Panamanian family celebrations. It is a colorful combination of cooked rice with shredded chicken, peppers, peas, carrots, and local spices.
It is a hearty and flavorful meal, usually accompanied by salad, fried plantains, and a portion of stewed beans. A true feast in every bite.
Chicken and Rice
Panamanian-style chicken and rice is a very popular traditional dish celebrated during Panama's national festivities. Its simple preparation and popularity make it a flavorful delight enjoyed across the country.
3. Ceviche
Ceviche is very popular in Panama, especially along the coast. It is made with fresh fish or seafood marinated in lime juice, mixed with onion, cilantro, and garlic.
The freshness of the ingredients and the balance between acidity and spiciness make ceviche an essential dish for those seeking a refreshing bite on hot tropical days.
Panamanian Style Ceviche
Ceviche is a true delight enjoyed in almost every country, but in Panama, it has an authentically unique flavor. This dish is prepared with fillet of corvina, making it an exquisite option to enjoy on any occasion.
4. Pot Tamal
Pot tamal is a more practical version of the traditional Panamanian tamal. Instead of wrapping the corn dough in plantain leaves, the ingredients (corn dough, pork or chicken, and vegetables) are cooked directly in a pot.
The result is a creamy and flavorful dish, perfect for sharing at family gatherings or special celebrations.
5. Carimañolas
Carimañolas are delicious fried snacks made of yuca filled with ground meat or cheese. These crunchy croquettes on the outside and soft on the inside are perfect for breakfast or as an appetizer.
Their unique flavor, blending the soft texture of yuca with flavorful filling, makes them highly sought after in local markets and cafes.
6. Patacones
Patacones are slices of green plantain that are double-fried to achieve a crispy texture. They are a common side dish in many Panamanian dishes and can also be served as an appetizer with various sauces.
Whether enjoyed alone or with ceviche, patacones are a delightful part of the local cuisine.
7. Ropa Vieja
Ropa vieja is a stew of shredded meat cooked slowly with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices.
Originally a Spanish dish, it has been adopted by many Latin American countries, but in Panama, it has its own distinctive touch. It is served with white rice, beans, and ripe plantains, forming a complete and delicious meal.
8. Hojaldras
Hojaldras are a type of fried bread mainly eaten for breakfast. They are made from dough that puffs up and becomes crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Typically served alone or accompanied by cheese, meat, or eggs, hojaldres are irresistible and a must-have in traditional Panamanian breakfasts.
9. Bollo Prestado
Bollo prestado is a kind of tamal made with tender corn, usually filled with meat or chorizo. It is wrapped in corn husks and cooked by steaming, giving it a unique smoky flavor.
A traditional dish for celebrations and important events in Panama, it always surprises with its rich flavor and smooth texture.
10. Chicheme
To end on a sweet note, chicheme is a traditional Panamanian drink made with corn, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
This thick and refreshing beverage is especially enjoyed on hot days and is perfect to accompany an afternoon of conversation.
Besides being delicious, chicheme evokes childhood memories for many Panamanians.
Panama’s cuisine reflects the rich cultural heritage of a country that has historically been a meeting point for diverse civilizations. From the intense flavors of the Caribbean to creole influences, each dish tells a story that connects people to their roots.
Trying these 10 dishes is not only about enjoying good food but also about immersing yourself in the essence of what it means to be Panamanian, where cuisine becomes a synonym for sharing and celebrating life.
