Panama’s culinary scene is an exciting fusion of cultural influences and tropical bounty. From savory stews to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 20 incredible recipes that will transport your taste buds straight to Panama.
1. Potato and Beet Salad
I’m a big fan of this recipe, and it isn’t only for the flavor but also for its vibrant, purple shade.
I always appreciate colorful cuisine, especially when the color comes naturally. It also tastes awesome; it’s delightfully tangy, and it has a sensational creaminess that makes it a total pleasure.
2. Arroz Con Pollo
This rendition of arroz con pollo is unlike any other recipe for this meal that I’ve ever tried. I’m used to the version with chicken and rice that our nearby Mexican places serve.
But the Panama version is truly unique. To start, it uses tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, which struck me as odd at first. But I decided to give it a try.
Wow! It’s nothing like what you’ll find at a Mexican eatery, but it is superb. It has incredible flavor and plenty of spices and herbs.
It’s also packed with protein and vitamin C. If you enjoy chicken, rice, tomatoes, and garlic, you’ll appreciate it, too.
3. Hojaldres
Hojaldres are another well-known bread in Panama. The name translates to “puff pastry,” but do not get this mixed up with puff pastry from the supermarket.
These are more like tortillas. They’re a kind of flatbread, but they possess a lighter, more airy texture than regular tortillas.
4. Tamal De Olla
This meal requires quite a few ingredients, and it will take a little bit of time to prep.
Once it’s ready, you’ll completely understand why anyone would put so much energy into food. This dish is creamy, herby, and a little spicy, but most of all, it’s big on flavor and filling. Ensure that you do not skimp on liquid; otherwise, it’ll get a little thick.
5. Panamanian Beef Empanadas
Empanadas are amazing because they have warm, flaky crusts and fantastic savory fillings.
The filling for this recipe incorporates ground beef, different kinds of onions and peppers, tomato paste, green olives, and plenty of spices and herbs. These are spicy but not too spicy, and the beef is lean, juicy, tender, and not too greasy.
6. Panamanian Sancocho
Panamanian sancocho is a type of stew, although the broth has a thinner texture.
It contains roasted chicken, a variety of seasonings and herbs, onions, and yuca root. It’s a hearty meal that’s ideal for those cold nights, although it tastes wonderful no matter the season.
7. Carne Entomatada
You won’t be disappointed in carne entomatada’s bold taste, regardless of whether you enjoy it wrapped in a tortilla, over rice, or with a side of beans.
The taste is difficult to describe, but it is wonderful. Some ingredients are lean ground beef, onions, garlic, bay leaves, brown sugar, and more. It’s savory, spicy, and sweet at the same time.
Even the spice mix is unique, incorporating cumin, allspice, coriander, black pepper, oregano, and ancho chili powder. This is a dish that you won’t forget.
8. Strawberry Raspado
Panama’s chefs are maestros at blending sweet and spicy, and this recipe is a favorite example of that.
Also called a Mexican snow cone, this dessert is like shaved ice made using real strawberries. It’s cold, sweet, and will refresh you.
But it also has some heat because of the ancho chili powder. Personally, I think that makes it taste that much better.
9. Ropa Vieja
Ropa vieja literally translates to “old clothes,” which doesn’t exactly sound appetizing.
But this food only resembles a stack of ripped-up old clothing; it doesn’t taste like it. The food is colorful, and most of its ingredients are shredded, hence the name.
It is a national dish of Cuba that is also widely enjoyed in Panama. It takes a little while to make, but it has a wonderful aroma and an even better taste.
For those who love foods that are rich in heat, spice, and flavor, you’ll appreciate it.
10. Panamanian Chicheme
A lot of people think that chicheme and horchata are the same thing, but that’s not true.
Although they both contain cinnamon, condensed milk, and vanilla extract, that’s where the similarities stop. Chicheme is made from broken corn kernels, while rice is used in horchata. They are both refreshing and wonderful, though, so keep that in mind.
11. Plátanos Maduros
This two-ingredient recipe for fried sweet plantains is very easy to follow and takes almost no time to finish.
Just peel your plantains and cut them into pieces. Saute them in oil for a few minutes on each side.
After they’re done, put them on a paper towel to soak up extra grease and add salt to taste. Then they are ready.
12. Rice with Pigeon Peas and Coconut (Arroz con Guandú y Coco)
The title for this recipe provides most of what you should know already. It’s a popular side dish from Panama with seasoned rice and pigeon peas.
It’s savory and herby, but you’ll also notice a small touch of sweetness thanks to the coconut milk. Plus, this is fluffier than most rice dishes.
13. Yuca Frita (Yuca Fries)
I figured I would also list yuca frita.
These taste a lot like our French fries, but they are softer inside and saltier. Plus, they’re healthier because they have a greater amount of fiber and protein, along with less sugar.
14. Tomato Avocado Salad
It only requires 5 minutes to put together this salad, and you won’t need to cook a thing.
If you can cut up fruits and veggies and add oil, then you can make this easily. This is a relatively healthy dish, too, considering it features fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, avocados, chickpeas, and black beans. Just remember to chill it prior to serving.
15. Carimanolas
Yuca fritters, also known as carimanolas, are not quite the same as yuca frita. Instead, they closely mimic empanadas.
The key difference is the outer texture, as empanadas have a crispier, flakier shell while carimanolas have a fluffier one. These pastries might bring to mind Sonic’s fried mozzarella sticks, but they are much bigger.
In addition, the spicy beef filling is seasoned with fresh herbs. As a result, you won’t even want any dipping sauce for these.
16. Tostones
Both savory and sweet dishes from the Caribbean and Panama usually incorporate plantains.
Even though fried sweet plantains make a delicious treat, these green plantains have a more salty than sweet taste. They are salted and smashed, then fried until they are deliciously golden.
People frequently eat them in a similar fashion to tortilla chips using salsa or guacamole. However, tostones possess a unique flavor all their own.
17. Caramelized Plantains
Even though sweet plantains are delightful, they may not be sweet enough to serve as dessert for those with a real sweet tooth.
That is where caramelized plantains come in. These plantains are extremely sweet, covered in sugar and cinnamon and topped with coconut whipped cream. With this treat, even the most dedicated dessert fan should be happy.
18. Carne Guisada
Carne guisada, which started in Columbia, is a delicious, rich beef stew.
You will need to simmer the beef in a mixture featuring cilantro, tomatoes, cumin, beer, garlic, and scallions. If you prefer, you can swap the beer with water, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich. It needs about an hour to prep and tastes best served over rice.
19. Panamanian Corn Tortillas
A number of island-based and Spanish-speaking countries use tortillas frequently.
The people in Panama often prepare them with corn. While these tortillas taste like any corn tortilla, these have a slightly thicker, softer consistency thanks to being grilled or baked instead of fried.