We want you to try the tastes of Panama and learn the top 20 most popular and delicious Panamanian foods. From filling tamales to cool ceviches, each of these dishes is sure to please your senses and taste buds. Are you ready to go on a tasty trip?
When you try them, you’ll fall in love with the country’s tropical ingredients, lively culture, and rich cooking traditions, which come together to make a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Come with us as we try some of Panama foods best dishes, find out where they came from, and learn about all the beautiful new tastes this Central American country has to offer.
20 Most Popular and Delicious Panamanian Foods
1. Panamanian Carimañola
Carimañola is a popular dish in Panamanian cuisine. It consists of a deep-fried stuffed yuca dough filled with ground meat, usually beef or chicken, and seasoned with garlic, onions, and other spices. The dough is made from grated yuca mixed with flour, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and chewy texture inside. Carimañolas are commonly served as a snack or appetizer and are enjoyed for their savory and flavorful taste.
2. Panamanian Ropa Vieja Stew
Ropa Vieja is a hearty stew that is popular in Panamanian cuisine. It is made with shredded beef cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices. The dish gets its name, which translates to “old clothes,” from the shredded beef resembling tattered clothing. Ropa Vieja is typically served with rice and beans, and it is loved for its rich and savory flavors that come from slow cooking the beef with aromatic ingredients.
3. Panamanian Fruitcake
Panamanian Fruitcake is a traditional dessert that is enjoyed during special occasions and holidays in Panama. It is a dense and moist cake that is filled with a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and mixed candied fruits. The cake is typically spiced with warm flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes soaked in rum or brandy for added richness. Panamanian Fruitcake is often served as a sweet treat to celebrate festive occasions with family and friends.
4. Panamanian Ceviche de Corvina
Ceviche de Corvina is a popular Panamanian dish made with fresh corvina fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, bell peppers, cilantro, and other herbs and spices. The acidity of the lime juice “cooks” the fish, resulting in a tangy and flavorful seafood dish. It is often served as a refreshing appetizer or light meal, accompanied by crispy tostones (fried plantains) or saltine crackers. Ceviche de Corvina is a beloved dish in Panama, showcasing the country’s abundant seafood and vibrant flavors.
5. Panamanian Yucca Fries with Spicy Mayo
Yucca fries with spicy mayo is a popular Panamanian snack or side dish. Thick-cut yucca fries are deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are served with a tangy and creamy spicy mayo sauce for dipping, which adds a kick of flavor and heat. The combination of the crispy yucca fries and the zesty mayo creates a delicious and satisfying snack that is enjoyed throughout Panama.
6. Panamanian Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is a staple condiment in Panamanian cuisine, adding a spicy kick to dishes. Panamanian hot sauce is typically made with a blend of chili peppers, vinegar, onions, garlic, and various spices. It offers a balance of heat and flavor, enhancing the taste of savory dishes. Panamanian hot sauce can vary in spiciness depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. It is commonly used as a condiment or marinade for meats, seafood, and vegetables.
7. Panamanian Mondongo
Mondongo is a traditional Panamanian dish made from tripe (cow stomach) cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and spices. It is often prepared as a hearty stew, enjoyed for its rich and comforting flavors. The tripe is typically tenderized and simmered until it becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the broth. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers are commonly added to enhance the dish. Mondongo is often served with rice or bread and is a popular choice for a filling meal.
8. Panamanian Lengua Guisada
Lengua Guisada is a traditional Panamanian dish made with stewed beef tongue. The beef tongue is cooked until tender and then sliced into thin pieces. It is typically simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and spices. Lengua Guisada is known for its rich and savory flavors, and it is often served with rice and beans or accompanied by a side of plantains. It is a popular and hearty dish enjoyed by many in Panama.
9. Panamaian Seafood Stew
Seafood Stew is a delightful Panamanian dish that showcases a variety of fresh seafood. It typically includes a medley of shrimp, fish, clams, and mussels cooked in a flavorful broth made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and spices. The stew is simmered until the seafood is tender and the flavors are well-infused. It is a comforting and aromatic dish, often served with rice or crusty bread for sopping up the delicious broth.
10. Panama Canal Dessert
Panama Canal Dessert is a traditional Panamanian sweet treat inspired by the famous Panama Canal. It is a layered dessert consisting of vanilla cookies or ladyfingers soaked in rum or coffee, topped with a creamy mixture of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream cheese. The dessert is chilled until set and then garnished with cocoa powder or grated chocolate. It is a rich and indulgent dessert that captures the essence of Panamanian cuisine.
11. Panamanian Arroz Con Pollo
Arroz con Pollo is a popular Panamanian dish that translates to “rice with chicken.” It is a flavorful one-pot meal made with chicken, rice, vegetables, and various seasonings. The chicken is typically cooked with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, then combined with rice and simmered until the flavors meld together. The dish is often seasoned with spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano, giving it a delicious and aromatic taste. Arroz con Pollo is a comforting and satisfying dish enjoyed by many in Panama.
12. Panamanian Sancocho
Sancocho is a traditional Panamanian soup known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. It is a stew-like dish made with a variety of meats such as chicken, beef, or pork, combined with vegetables like yuca, corn, plantains, and potatoes. The soup is seasoned with spices like garlic, cilantro, and oregano, giving it a fragrant and savory taste. Sancocho is often enjoyed as a main course and is popular during special occasions and family gatherings in Panama.
13. Panamanian Empanadas
Empanadas are a popular Panamanian snack or appetizer enjoyed throughout the country. These delicious turnovers consist of a savory filling encased in a golden, crispy pastry crust. The fillings can vary and may include ground meat, cheese, chicken, or vegetables, seasoned with herbs and spices. Empanadas are typically fried until golden brown, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a flavorful interior. They are often served as a quick and tasty street food or as part of a larger meal in Panama.
14. Panamanian Pork Stew
Pork stew is a traditional Panamanian dish made with tender chunks of pork simmered in a flavorful broth. It is typically prepared with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. The stew is seasoned with herbs and spices to enhance its rich and savory flavor. This comforting and hearty dish is a favorite in Panamanian cuisine, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It is often served with rice or bread to complete the meal.
15. Panamanian Rum Cake – Sopa Borracha
Rum cake, known as Sopa Borracha in Panama, is a delightful and moist dessert enjoyed in the country. It is a rich and decadent cake soaked in a rum-infused syrup, giving it a distinct and flavorful taste. The cake is typically made with ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and of course, rum. Sopa Borracha is a popular dessert choice for special occasions and celebrations, adding a touch of indulgence and a hint of Caribbean flair to the dining table.
16. Panamanian Hojaldres
Hojaldres is a traditional Panamanian pastry that is loved for its flaky and buttery texture. These deep-fried pastries are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Hojaldres can be eaten plain or filled with various savory or sweet fillings such as cheese, ham, or even fruit preserves. They are a delicious treat that pairs well with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
17. Panamanian Guacho de Mariscos
Guacho de Mariscos is a hearty and flavorful seafood stew that is popular in Panama. This dish features a rich broth made with a combination of seafood such as shrimp, fish, and clams, along with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. It is typically seasoned with herbs and spices like garlic, cumin, and cilantro for added flavor. Guacho de Mariscos is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the abundance of fresh seafood in Panamanian cuisine.
18. Panamanian Bistec Picado
Bistec Picado is a popular Panamanian dish made with thinly sliced beef that is cooked with onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The beef is typically seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, and oregano to add a flavorful punch. Bistec Picado is a versatile dish that can be served with rice, beans, or as a filling for sandwiches. It’s a delicious and satisfying option for meat lovers in Panamanian cuisine.
19. Panamanian Arroz con Guandú y Coco
Arroz con Guandú y Coco is a traditional Panamanian rice dish made with pigeon peas and coconut milk. The dish is fragrant and flavorful, with the sweetness of coconut complementing the earthy taste of the pigeon peas. The rice is cooked with sautéed onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and turmeric, giving it a vibrant yellow color. Arroz con Guandú y Coco is a staple in Panamanian cuisine and is often served as a side dish or as a main course with additional protein.
20. Panamanian Chicheme
Chicheme is a traditional Panamanian drink made from corn, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. It has a creamy and slightly sweet flavor with hints of cinnamon. The corn is cooked and blended with milk to create a smooth and refreshing beverage. Chicheme is often enjoyed cold, especially during hot summer months, and is a popular street food in Panama. It is a delightful and comforting drink that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the country.
You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information
You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information
For More Photos Visit Our Instagram at World Recipes Daily – Our Big Escape
