Panama brings together an incredible mix of tropical ingredients and vibrant cultures to create food that is absolutely bursting with life. I put together these 20 Panamanian recipes because this underrated cuisine offers the most magical blend of savory spices and rich sweet flavors.
You are going to fall completely in love with every single colorful bite.
20 Best Foods From Panama
1. Carimanolas
These fluffy fried yuca fritters are a total game changer for snack time.
They look a bit like extra thick mozzarella sticks but feature a doughy exterior that reminds me of an incredibly soft empanada. You get a wildly flavorful spicy beef filling inside that is so perfect you will not even want a dipping sauce.
2. Ropa Vieja
Do not let the translation of old clothes fool you into skipping this incredible Cuban classic that Panama loves.
The brightly colored shredded ingredients might look like tangled rags but they deliver an unbelievable amount of spicy heat. It requires a bit of patience to cook but the rich flavors are completely worth the effort.
3. Panamanian Chicheme
You might easily confuse this sweet and refreshing drink with a classic horchata. Both feature that irresistible combination of cinnamon and vanilla extract mixed with luscious condensed milk.
The magic twist here is using broken corn kernels instead of rice for a totally unique texture and taste.
4. Cocadas
These heavenly coconut treats take the classic macaroon concept to an entirely new level.
The addition of chopped macadamia nuts provides an absolutely perfect crunch against the chewy sweet center. Mixing the coconut with dulce de leche brings in a rich caramel note that I simply cannot resist.
5. Panamanian Beef Empanadas
I have such a weak spot for a warm and flaky empanada crust stuffed with savory goodness.
This recipe features lean ground beef mixed with green olives and tomato paste and lots of peppers and onions. The aromatic herbs provide a lovely mild spice level that keeps the juicy filling completely irresistible.
6. Panamanian Sancocho
This hearty chicken stew features a surprisingly light broth that is absolutely loaded with tender yuca root and fresh herbs. It is chunky and satisfying in the absolute best way possible.
I honestly love curling up with a bowl of this during the winter months. You can definitely enjoy these savory flavors any time of the year though!
7. Yuca Frita (Yuca Fries)
I absolutely had to include these crispy yuca fries on the list.
They look just like traditional french fries but hide a gloriously soft interior and a deliciously salty punch. Plus you get the added bonus of more fiber and protein with less sugar than regular potatoes.
8. Strawberry Raspado
This refreshing shaved ice dessert is essentially a Mexican snow cone made with real strawberries.
I am absolutely obsessed with how the Panamanian culinary world expertly blends sweet and spicy elements together here. A generous dusting of ancho chili powder gives this cold treat a wildly delicious bite.
9. Rice with Pigeon Peas and Coconut (Arroz con Guandú y Coco)
This iconic side dish combines perfectly seasoned rice with tender pigeon peas. The coconut milk adds a delicate sweetness that balances the savory herbs beautifully.
I really love how incredibly silky and fluffy this rice turns out compared to your standard dinner side.
10. Carne Guisada
This thick Colombian beef stew is cooked slowly with beer and a beautiful blend of tomatoes and garlic. The cumin and cilantro and scallions make the whole pot smell like an absolute dream while it simmers for an hour.
You can use water instead of beer but I highly recommend keeping the alcohol for that incredibly rich flavor. Scoop this magical meal right over a pile of fluffy rice.
11. Panamanian Corn Tortillas
These are absolutely essential for scooping up your favorite Latin dishes.
The Panamanian version uses corn and gets cooked right on the grill or baked in the oven. That simple cooking method creates a wonderfully thick and soft texture that beats a fried tortilla every single time.
12. Plátanos Maduros
You only need two simple ingredients to make the most perfect fried sweet plantains.
I just slice up peeled plantains and give them a quick saute in hot oil until both sides are beautifully caramelized. Let them rest on a paper towel to soak up the extra grease and finish them with a sprinkle of salt.
13. Tamal De Olla
You are going to need a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time to pull this creamy masterpiece together. The resulting dish is wonderfully herby and slightly spicy and so incredibly filling.
Just make sure you use all the required liquid so your final meal stays flawlessly juicy.
14. Hojaldres
The name translates to puff pastry but this popular bread is actually a delightful kind of flatbread.
I am obsessed with how it resembles a standard tortilla while maintaining an impossibly airy and light texture. You are going to want to serve this fluffy bread with just about everything.
15. Tomato Avocado Salad
You can throw this incredibly healthy salad together in about five minutes without ever touching your stove.
Just chop up some fresh cucumbers and tomatoes and avocados and toss them with chickpeas and black beans. A quick drizzle of oil is all you need before letting it chill perfectly in the fridge.
16. Caramelized Plantains
Sometimes regular sweet plantains simply do not pack enough of a sugary punch for dessert time.
I coat these beauties in cinnamon and sugar before giving them a gorgeous caramelization in the pan. Top the whole masterpiece with coconut whipped cream for a totally decadent tropical treat.
17. Arroz Con Pollo
This is definitely not your standard Mexican restaurant chicken and rice smothered in melted cheese.
The Panamanian version relies on crushed tomatoes and tomato paste mixed with garlic and savory herbs. I absolutely adore how filling and flavorful this protein packed meal is.
18. Tostones
These deep fried green plantains are smashed flat and salted to golden brown perfection.
I love eating these crispy little bites exactly like tortilla chips alongside a big bowl of salsa or fresh guacamole. They have a brilliant textural crunch that stands up to dipping so much better than your average chip.
19. Potato and Beet Salad
I instantly fell in love with the vibrant pinkish purple color of this incredible side dish. The best part is that gorgeous hue comes completely naturally without a single drop of artificial food dye.
It delivers a wonderfully zesty and tangy flavor tucked inside an impossibly creamy texture.
20. Carne Entomatada
This lean ground beef dish is absolutely exploding with vibrant flavors like garlic and onions and bay leaves.
I love how the brown sugar balances out the bold spice blend of coriander and cumin and ancho chili powder. It brings sweet and savory and spicy together flawlessly whether you serve it on rice or wrapped in a soft tortilla.