Food and Drink in Panama

Being such a mix of cultures, it is only right that Panama should have a huge variety of cuisines on offer for visitors. You can find everything here, from extremely high-end international restaurants to American fast-food in major chains to tiny cafes with lots of hearty local food.

Higher-end hotels in major cities almost always provide a very Western, good quality dining experience, completely sheltered from the local life of the city. Alternatively, the Panamanian canteen style of eating can be practically all you can stuff into your stomach while sitting with the elderly chess-playing locals. You can budget your meals from a few Panamanian Balboas to hundreds of US dollars. There’s something here to suit everyone, so dig in.

American, French and Spanish food is available in all restaurants and hotels in Panama City and Colón. There is a huge selection of excellent restaurants in Panama City, as well as other main cities. There are also several Oriental restaurants. Native cooking is reminiscent of creole cuisine, sometimes hot and spicy and always filling and hearty. And if you’re craving a burger, the food courts in the shopping malls will provide.

Seafood is excellent and in abundance, especially in the restaurants of the island towns where it is completely fresh; caught and cooked before your eyes. Expect fish and shellfish of all kinds and in large portions, for a fraction of what you would pay in the US or UK.

The choice and availability of wines, spirits and beers in hotels, restaurants and bars is unlimited. Local beers and spirits are typically cheaper than imported brands, and are usually what are on offer in smaller towns or local bars. Be careful of the Panamanian spirit Seco Herrerano – expect a headache the next day if you don’t take it easy.