When you make your way to Panama for The Day After Festival, you’ll notice how remarkably diverse the country is. As a transit point for international commerce in the past, Panamanians’ genes stretch from Spain, Africa, China and India, as well as the Middle East, Central Europe and North America. Because of this, Panama has a wide array of food just ready to be eaten.
The Basics
One of the best things about Panama is that it has excellent seafood. You’ll come across a lot of corvina, which is a type of sea bass that’s served grilled or as ceviche. Speaking of which; ceviche of all types is also very common in Panama. This includes octopus and shrimp. Another staple of the Panamanian diet is rice and beans. They are served alongside nearly everything, but are prepared in a variety of ways using different spices and herbs.
Panama’s national alcoholic drink is seco. Seco is made from sugarcane and is often mixed with milk. Beer is most popular of course and there are four local brands — Balboa, Atlas, Soberana and Panama.
Best Restaurant Bets
Las Tinajas
Located in Panama City, this friendly spot is the idle authentic and traditional Panamanian restaurant, offering tortillas, seafood, tropical fruits and typical entertainment.
Cafe De Asis
Cafe De Asis is one of the hippest little restaurants occupying a corner of the old town. Everyone who is in-the-know comes here. The owner makes a potent sangria by secret-recipe and also sells some of the best rums in the world.
Brooklyn Cafe
If you’re looking for some American treats, look no further than Brooklyn Cafe. Owned by a Panamanian woman who fondly remembers her time in the States, the NYC-style cafe is the perfect spot for a cappuccino or muffin, but the daily plato ejecutivo is also a huge draw because it is a slightly upscale version of the traditional Panamanian lunch.
Manolo Caracol
This restaurant is perfect for blending tropical tastes. The creative cuisine ranges from sole carpaccio to ginger prawns and beef tongue and fire-roasted lobster. There’s an open kitchen so you can to watch the cooks try to not burn stuff. Take advantage of the wide selection of wine to splurge on too.
La Rosa Méxicano
This is a hotspot for many. You can start with fresh guacamole handmade right at your table or move immediately to the cocktails which are even more impressive. Try the watermelon margarita topped with a sprig of rosemary.
El Mercado de Mariscos (The Seafood Market)
This is one thing you have to experience at least once during your stay in Panama. The Mercado de Mariscos is the best place to buy fresh fish in Panama City. You name it – they probably sell it. This is a true open market and there is an excellent restaurant right above the seafood market. You can actually buy whatever you want in the market and take it upstairs to the restaurant, where they will prepare it any way you like. Seriously.
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