Panama
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy Panama's cuisine safely and confidently.
Consume bottled water.
Tap water in Panama may contain bacteria or parasites that can cause gastrointestinal illness. Stick to bottled or purified water for drinking, brushing teeth, and washing fruits and vegetables.
Be cautious of street food.
While street food can be a delicious and authentic experience, choose vendors that appear clean and hygienic. Ensure food is cooked thoroughly and served hot.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Produce may be washed with non-potable water. Wash all fruits and vegetables with purified water or peel them before eating.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYVegetarian options are becoming increasingly available in larger cities and tourist areas. Traditional cuisine relies heavily on meat and seafood, but restaurants are adapting to offer more plant-based choices. Clearly communicate your dietary needs to ensure a vegetarian meal.
vegan
LOW AVAILABILITYVegan options are less common than vegetarian ones. While some restaurants may offer vegan-friendly dishes, it's essential to inquire about ingredients and preparation methods. Be prepared to explain veganism clearly.
Common Allergens
Seafood
HIGH PREVALENCESeafood is a staple in Panamanian cuisine, making it a common allergen. Dishes often feature shrimp, fish, and shellfish.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Peanuts
MEDIUM PREVALENCEPeanuts are used in sauces, desserts, and snacks. Be sure to inquire about the presence of peanuts, especially in street food and local markets.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define Panama's food culture for travelers.
Sancocho de gallina (Chicken Sancocho)
A hearty chicken soup considered Panama's national dish. It features chicken, ñame (a root vegetable), yuca (cassava), and various other vegetables, often served with white rice.
Ropa Vieja (Old Clothes)
Shredded beef braised in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices. The name refers to the appearance of the shredded beef resembling tattered clothes.
Carimañolas (Yucca Fritters)
Deep-fried yuca fritters filled with seasoned ground meat. They are a popular breakfast and snack food.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase Panama's diverse culinary traditions.
Arroz con pollo (Chicken and Rice)
A flavorful dish of chicken and rice cooked with vegetables, spices, and often saffron, giving it a vibrant yellow color. It's a common dish for lunch or dinner.
Empanadas
Savory pastries filled with various ingredients, such as ground meat, chicken, or cheese. They are a popular snack or appetizer.
Allergens:
Tamales
Steamed corn dough pockets filled with savory or sweet ingredients, wrapped in banana leaves. They are often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.
Allergens:
Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of Panama.
Azuero Peninsula
Known for its traditional folk music, dances, and cuisine. Emphasizes local ingredients like corn, yuca, and seafood. Dishes often feature simple preparations and bold flavors.
Cultural Significance:
Preserves indigenous culinary traditions with Spanish influences.
Signature Dishes:
- Sopa de mariscos
- Tortillas de maíz
- Pescado frito
Key Ingredients:
Bocas del Toro
Reflects the Caribbean influence with dishes featuring coconut milk, plantains, and seafood. Spicy flavors and Afro-Caribbean cooking techniques are prominent.
Cultural Significance:
Blends indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and West Indian culinary traditions.
Signature Dishes:
- Rundown
- Rice and beans
- Patacones
Key Ingredients:
Chiriquí Highlands
Characterized by hearty mountain fare. Fresh produce, dairy products, and meats are common ingredients. Dishes often feature European influences, particularly Spanish and Italian.
Cultural Significance:
Showcases the agricultural richness of the region with European culinary influences.
Signature Dishes:
- Sancocho chiricano
- Queso fresco
- Bollos preña'os
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in Panama's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
Raspadito
A refreshing shaved ice dessert flavored with various syrups, condensed milk, and often topped with fruit and condensed milk.
Sopa borracha (Drunken Soup)
A sponge cake soaked in rum-infused syrup, often served during holidays and celebrations.
Traditional Beverages
Discover Panama's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
Seco Herrerano
A sugarcane-based spirit considered Panama's national liquor. It is often enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
Ron Ponche
A creamy rum-based punch often served during the holidays. It typically includes eggs, milk, spices, and rum.
Soft Beverages
Discover Panama's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
Chicha Fuerte
A fermented corn-based beverage, slightly sweet and tangy. It's a traditional drink often consumed during festivals and celebrations.
Resbaladera
A refreshing barley-based drink, often flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and panela (unrefined cane sugar).