What Food To Try in Panama City and Food Prices

Gallo Pinto - Rice and Beans - A flavorful mix of rice and black beans cooked with spices and cilantro. Breakfast in many Panamanian homes, it's often served with a side of fried eggs for a hearty start to the day.

Patacones - Fried Green Plantains - Thick slices of green plantain that are twice-fried until crispy and served with a sprinkle of salt. Popular as a street food snack, they're often accompanied by a zesty salsa and make for great sharing.

Sancocho - Chicken Soup - A comforting soup made with chicken, yucca, plantains, and a combination of aromatic herbs. Locals enjoy it during family gatherings or Sunday meals, often seasoned to taste with fresh lime.

Ropa Vieja - Shredded Beef - Tender, shredded beef stewed with vegetables and spices, usually served over rice. You’ll find this dish at various family-run restaurants, often prepared with love according to old family recipes.

Ceviche de Corvina - Corvina Ceviche - Fresh corvina fish cured with lime juice and mixed with onions and cilantro, often served with crunchy corn. It’s a popular choice for a light lunch, and by the way, don't forget to order it with an extra side of crisp corn!

Ensalada de Pulpo - Octopus Salad - Tender octopus marinated with lime, onions, and a hint of spice, usually served cold. Perfect for a refreshing dinner option, especially on a warm evening where locals enjoy it alongside a cold beer.

Chicha de Arroz - Rice Drink - A sweet, fermented rice and pineapple drink that's especially common during the summer. While often overlooked, you'll find it at festivals and local gatherings, adding a unique twist to any meal.

Chicha - Chicha (fermented corn drink) - A refreshing beverage made from fermented maize, typically served chilled and sometimes flavored with fruits. Locals often enjoy it at family gatherings or festivals, where it brings everyone together (and often sparks some lively conversations).

Seco - Seco Herrerano (sugar cane spirit) - A potent distilled spirit made from sugarcane, served neat or mixed in cocktails. You’ll find locals sipping it at celebrations, usually in a small glass, with ice on the side if you prefer it chilled. Fun fact: it's often mistakenly thought to be similar to rum, but it's distinctively different with a smoother, herbal taste.

Raspado - Raspado (shaved ice treat) - This is a joyfully colorful dessert featuring finely shaved ice drenched in sweet syrups and condensed milk. Stalls stay busy throughout the hot afternoons, especially during the street fairs, where kids and adults alike indulge in this icy treat.

Pastel de Tres Leches - Pastel de Tres Leches (three-milk cake) - A moist sponge cake soaked in a combination of three types of milk, topped with whipped cream. Served at birthdays and special occasions, this dessert is a crowd favorite, often mistaken for being overly sweet, but it's just right with a rich, creamy texture.

Pan de Coco - Pan de Coco (coconut bread) - A soft bread roll filled with sweetened coconut, it’s best enjoyed slightly warm, and loved by locals during celebrations or with coffee in the morning. Folks often share it during family gatherings, making it a delightful way to bond over a sweet treat. By the way, don’t be surprised if you see a bit of coconut flake on your clothes after indulging!