The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Panamanian Foods. If you manage to be in an Panamanian restaurant or you are visiting Panama, I recommend the following:
1. Yuca Frita
It is one of the most consumed tubers in Panama, which is usually fried and served as if it were French fries. This dish, which can be served as a side dish, is usually served with various sauces that enhance its flavour and texture.
2. Tamales
Present in Mexico, Colombia and even Venezuela, Panama also has its own version of this dish. It is prepared with corn-based flour. Depending on the region of Panama where you decide to try it, the tamale will be filled with different products. In each of the regions it is worth trying it, as it is one of the most delicious dishes of Panamanian food.
3. Resbaladera
Resbaladera is a chicha made from rice and barley, very nutritious and with an excellent flavour to the palate. It is made from corn and barley with the addition of milk and cream to achieve a rich and creamy mixture flavoured with spices. Once served, spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg are added.
4. Patacones de Plátano
These double-fried plantain patacones are a versatile item on any Panamanian table. From breakfast to side dishes, with cheese or without, they are delicious, crunchy and comforting. Sliced and fried, the plantains are mashed with a glass, small plate or “pataconera”, and re-fried.
5. Empanadas
Empanada is one of the most popular foods in Panama. It is a traditional dish in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries and, therefore, has many variations. It is a bread or puff pastry dough filled with different meats, vegetables, fruits, cheese and sometimes sweet fillings. It is then baked or fried. The fillings of empanadas in Panama are very varied, as well as the dough, which can also be made of corn flour.
6. Ceviche
Ceviche is one of those things you can’t miss at a party. An ideal accompaniment to a cold beer, Panamanian ceviche is characterised by a long-lasting citrus marinade, unlike its famous counterpart, Peruvian ceviche. It consists of “cooking” the seafood with lemon juice, accompanied by aji chombo, onions and finely chopped coriander. The most popular is Corvina, but you can also find shrimp, octopus, mixed and many other options.
7. Sancocho
It is a chicken soup prepared with yams, coriander, onion and oregano. The origin of this exquisite dish seems to have been somewhere between the mixture of the American Indians and the culture of the Spaniards who came to conquer the New World several centuries ago. Perhaps this is the reason why it is a common dish in almost all of Latin America. However, the Panamanian sancocho has a special place in this region, because it’s seasoning is much more particular.
8. Raspados
It is a dish served as a popular and very sweet dessert; the raspado is basically shaved ice, covered with evaporated milk and fruit juice. To sweeten the mixture, raspadura, unrefined artisanal cane sugar, is used, hence the name. Very refreshing in the tropical heat.
9. Gallo Pinto
Gallo pinto, also known in Panama as guacho de rabito, is a traditional food that is prepared in many homes for its delicious flavour and wide culinary tradition. It consists of a rice stew with chiricano beans and pork tail.
10. Ropa Vieja
Made with beef brisket, usually accompanied by rice, this shredded meat dish is one of the most popular lunches in Panamanian cuisine. It is a dish that you cannot miss if you decide to visit this incredible country, since it is undoubtedly one of Panama’s greatest curiosities. As it happens with sancocho, this dish can also be found in other countries of the region.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Central American Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.