Panamanian Cuisine
Panamanian flavors that conquer the palate — from corvina ceviche to sweet raspao
Appetizers & Snacks
Ceviche Panameño
Fresh corvina chunks marinated in lime juice with red onion, cilantro, chombo pepper, and a touch of hot sauce. Served with crispy patacones. The star appetizer of Panamanian cuisine.
Patacones
Green plantain slices smashed and twice-fried until golden and crispy. Served as a side dish with almost everything in Panama, from ceviches to meats. The favorite snack of Panamanians!
Carimañolas
Yuca balls stuffed with seasoned ground beef, wrapped in a soft yuca dough and fried until golden. A traditional Panamanian snack perfect for breakfast or a midday treat.
Main Dishes
Sancocho Panameño
Panama's national dish. A comforting stew of free-range hen slow-cooked with yam, culantro (not cilantro), oregano, and corn. Every family has their secret recipe passed down through generations.
Arroz con Pollo
Annatto-tinted rice cooked with shredded chicken, olives, capers, peppers, and a sofrito of onion and garlic. A comforting dish present at every Panamanian celebration.
Ropa Vieja
Shredded beef slow-cooked in tomato sauce with onion, peppers, garlic, and Creole spices. Its name ("old clothes") comes from the appearance of the shredded meat. A Caribbean cuisine classic.
Desserts & Sweets
Raspao
Shaved ice drenched in natural tropical fruit syrups like tamarind, soursop, orange, and strawberry. Topped with condensed milk and a cherry. Panama's most popular street refreshment.
Drinks
Ron Abuelo
Panama's premium rum, distilled since 1908 in the Herrera region. From Ron Abuelo Añejo to the exclusive 30-year Centuria. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a tropical cocktail at sunset.
Where to Try Panamanian Food
Seafood Market
Panama City's Seafood Market is the perfect place to try fresh ceviche and seafood straight from the ocean. Located facing the Cinta Costera, it offers casual dining with skyline views.
Casco Viejo
The historic old quarter houses some of Panama's best restaurants, from traditional fondas to award-winning chef-driven restaurants fusing Panamanian cuisine with international techniques.
Local Fondas
Fondas are small family-run restaurants serving authentic homemade Panamanian food. Look for ones packed with locals — it's the best sign of quality. A full lunch costs between $3 and $5.
🍽️ Itodo Bistro Bar — Dovle Cincuentenario
Located on the ground floor of the Dovle Cincuentenario building in Coco del Mar, Itodo Bistro Bar offers signature fusion cuisine with Panamanian flair in a contemporary, elegant atmosphere. Perfect for our guests seeking a fine dining experience without leaving the building. Sophisticated ambiance ideal for special dinners.
→ View Itodo Bistro Bar detailsReady for your next adventure?
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