25 Traditional Panamanian Foods You Have to Try

Panamanian ceviche is one of those dishes that wakes everything up. It’s bright, citrusy, and super fresh, with tender fish, lots of lime, cilantro, and onion in every bite. The little spoonful of tomato sauce on top makes it extra good and gives it that Panamanian touch.

Panamanian food stands out for its fresh seafood, bold flavor, and rich cultural roots. In this article, we’re diving into some of the most delicious dishes from Panama.

And if you love exploring global food, be sure to check out the best food from Guyana, delicious dishes from Honduras, and traditional delicacies from Barbados.

Ceviche

Panamanian ceviche is fresh, bright, and full of flavor. Made with fish, lime juice, cilantro, and onion, it’s light, tangy, and so refreshing. In Panama, it’s often served with a little tomato sauce on top, which gives it an extra layer of flavor.

You’ll find it at markets, restaurants, and street food spots all over the country.

Guacho de Rabito

This traditional Panamanian dish is made with tender oxtail slow-cooked with vegetables and spices until it’s rich, flavorful, and falling off the bone. It’s the kind of meal that feels deeply comforting, especially served with white rice to soak up all that savory sauce.

If you’re exploring Panamanian food, this one is absolutely worth trying.

Volteado de Piña (Pineapple Upside Down Cake)

Volteado de Piña is one of those desserts that feels simple but so good. It’s a soft, moist pineapple upside-down cake with sweet caramelized fruit and a warm hint of vanilla.

Every bite is buttery, fruity, and full of that classic homemade feel. Don’t miss Volteado de Piña on your next trip to Panama.

And for more sweet inspiration, take a look at my guides to Bolivian desserts and a tasty dessert from Ecuador.

Cabanga

Cabanga is one of those sweet little extras that makes a meal feel even more special. It pairs really well with Panamanian favorites like arroz con pollo, potato salad, or fried sweet plantains, adding a nice touch of sweetness to the plate.

It may not be the most famous dish, but it’s still part of what makes Panamanian food so good.

Bollo de Maíz Nuevo

Bollo de Maíz Nuevo is a soft, comforting Panamanian favorite made with fresh corn. Wrapped in banana leaves and cooked until tender, it has a lightly sweet flavor that works really well with savory meals or as a simple snack.

It’s one of those traditional foods that feels humble, homemade, and full of history. For more corn-based recipes, check out these corn dip recipes or corn salad recipes.

Sancocho Panama style

Panama-style sancocho is one of those soups that feels like pure comfort. Made with chicken or beef, yuca, corn, plantains, and vegetables, it simmers into a rich, flavorful broth that’s so hearty and satisfying.

Every country has its own version, but the Panamanian one is especially cozy and full of homey flavor. Check out this deliciousSancocho Dominicano.

Carimañolas

Carimañolas are crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, and so satisfying. Made with yuca and filled with seasoned ground meat, they’re the kind of snack that disappears fast. Serve them as an appetizer or enjoy a few for a hearty bite.

Tamal de Olla

Tamal de Olla is made with corn dough and a savory filling like pork, chicken, or vegetables, all wrapped in banana leaves and cooked until tender.

It’s rich, comforting, and full of that sweet-and-savory flavor that makes traditional Panamanian food so special.

Pargo Rojo Frito (Fried Red Snapper)

Huevitos de leche are soft, creamy, and lightly sweet, with that simple homemade feel that makes them so good. Served chilled, they’re a classic Panamanian dessert that’s comforting and easy to love.

Also, check out my delicious Puerto Rican chillo frito recipe.

Huevitos de Leche (Milk Eggs)

Huevitos de leche are a simple, old-school Panamanian dessert made with milk, eggs, and sponge cake. They bake up soft, creamy, and lightly sweet, then get served chilled for the best texture. It’s the kind of dessert that feels humble, comforting, and so easy to love.

Dulce de leche

Dulce de leche is sweet, creamy, and so hard to resist. It has that deep caramel flavor that makes even a small bite feel special. Whether you eat it by the spoonful or use it in other desserts, it’s a classic Panamanian favorite for a reason.

Sopa de Pata (Cow’s Feet Soup)

Sopa de Pata is one of those slow-cooked soups that feels deeply traditional and full of comfort. Made with cow’s feet, corn, squash, chayote, and root vegetables, it’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that shows up on weekends, special occasions, and family tables.

Enyucado (Yuca cake)

Enyucado is rich, cozy, and completely worth saving room for. Made with yuca, it has a dense, moist texture and a sweet, homemade feel that makes it really memorable. It’s the kind of dessert that feels simple, traditional, and so good with every bite.

Bacalao con Papas (Salted Fish with Potatoes)

Bacalao con Papas is cozy, flavorful, and wonderfully simple. The salted cod gives the dish its signature savory bite, while the potatoes make it soft, hearty, and satisfying. It’s a classic Panamanian meal that feels old-school and comforting in the best way.

Cocada (Shredded Coconut Balls)

Cocada is one of those simple desserts that’s hard not to love. It’s sweet, chewy, full of coconut flavor, and made with cozy ingredients like condensed milk and cinnamon. A little nostalgic, a little festive, and definitely worth making.

Sopa Borracha (Rum Cake)

Sopa Borracha is one of those desserts that feels warm and nostalgic. It’s rich, creamy, and full of cinnamon-spiced flavor, with bread, milk, raisins, and a little rum mixed in. If you love comforting desserts with a homemade feel, this one is really special.

Tortillas de Maíz

Tortillas de Maíz are one of those simple foods that feel extra special. They’re thick, golden, and crisp on the outside, with a soft middle that’s often filled with melty cheese or savory meat. Super comforting, super flavorful, and so tied to the heart of Panamanian cooking.

Patacones or Tostones

If you’re craving something crispy and savory, patacones are always a good idea. These twice-fried green plantains come out golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender in the middle.

They’re so good served hot with a little salt or garlic, whether you pair them with a full meal or snack on them straight from the plate.

Arroz con Pollo (Chicken and Rice)

Arroz con Pollo is a cozy Panamanian classic made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and plenty of savory flavor. Everything cooks together in one pot, so the rice soaks up all the goodness from the chicken, garlic, onion, and tomato paste.

Green plantains add a unique texture that makes the dish even better. It’s hearty, comforting, and always a good idea.

Chicheme

Chicheme is a refreshing and sweet drink that is perfect for hot days in Panama.

Made from boiled corn, milk, sweet syrup, and shaved ice, this beverage has a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that will leave you wanting more.

Chicheme is definitely worth trying when visiting Panama.

Conclusion

Panama is full of flavor, and every dish tells a little piece of the story. From fresh, citrusy ceviche to cozy Guacho de Rabito and sweet Volteado de Piña, the food feels vibrant, comforting, and full of heart.

If you’re craving something new and delicious, Panamanian food is such a fun place to start.