Panama is a vibrant Central American nation offering a unique blend of modern cosmopolitan life, rich colonial history, and pristine natural wonders. From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo and the untouched beaches of Bocas del Toro, Panama provides diverse experiences for every traveler.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Panama through its food.
Casco Viejo Food and Culture Walk
A guided walking tour through Casco Viejo's UNESCO heritage streets combining food tastings with history. Stops include a traditional bakery, ceviche bar, rum tasting, and Panamanian sweets shop with stories of colonial history.
Mercado de Mariscos and Seafood Tour
Morning tour of Panama City's famous seafood market followed by a cooking demonstration using fresh Pacific catch. Learn to prepare traditional corvina ceviche, then eat your creation with local condiments and patacones.
Panama City Street Food Crawl
Evening crawl through El Cangrejo and Via Argentina neighborhoods tasting at least seven traditional Panamanian street foods including empanadas, tamales, carimañolas, ropa vieja, and chicheme. Covers budget street food culture.
Panama Coffee Experience Tour
A deep dive into Panama's world-renowned coffee culture including visits to specialty cafés, a coffee roastery tour, and a structured cupping session comparing Geisha with other Panamanian varietals. Available Panama City and Boquete.
Panama Culinary Diversity Dinner Tour
Evening multi-stop dining tour exploring Panama's multicultural food scene — Chinese Panamanian chifa food, West Indian Caribbean dishes, and contemporary Panamanian fine dining at three separate restaurants in one evening.
Tour formats
Different ways to experience Panama's food scene.
Street food tours
Evening street food crawls covering local fondas, cevicherías, and roadside stalls serving traditional Panamanian bites from $45-60
Market tours
Morning market tours at Mercado de Mariscos and Mercado Nacional de Artesanías with cooking demonstrations from $40-55
Restaurant tours
Multi-restaurant dining tours exploring Panama's cultural diversity from Chinese-Panamanian chifa to Caribbean Afro food from $80-100
Specialty tours
Coffee, rum, and chocolate specialty tours focusing on Panama's world-class agricultural products from $50-80
Cooking classes
Take a piece of Panama home with you.
Panamanian Home Cooking Class
Small-group class in a local Panamanian home kitchen learning to cook three traditional dishes: sopa de pana (breadfruit soup), sancocho (chicken stew), and arroz con pollo. Includes a shared meal with the host family.
Ceviche and Seafood Masterclass
Hands-on class at a Panama City culinary studio teaching traditional corvina ceviche, tiradito, and patacones. The head instructor is a professional chef from Mariscos Mercado restaurant with 20 years experience.
Embera Jungle Cooking Experience
Full-day excursion by boat to an Embera village in Chagres National Park where community members teach preparation of traditional jungle foods including yuca flatbread, plantain dishes, and heart-of-palm salad over open fire.
DIY self-guided food tour
Panama City's diverse food scene is easy to explore independently. A self-guided food route from Casco Viejo through El Cangrejo covers the city's best food culture in one day.
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Stop 1: Breakfast at Unido Coffee in Casco Viejo — specialty Panama Geisha coffee and local pastries
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Stop 2: Mercado de Mariscos for mid-morning ceviche — the freshest corvina ceviche in the city
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Stop 3: Lunch at a Via Argentina fonda — sancocho or ropa vieja for under $8
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Stop 4: Afternoon visit to Super Gourmet or El Rey for artisan products and Panama rum browsing
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Stop 5: Happy hour at La Rana Dorada craft beer bar in Casco Viejo — Panama's best local craft beers
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Stop 6: Dinner at Maito or Donde José for fine Panamanian cuisine (book weeks ahead)
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Panama City has one of the most diverse food scenes in Central America — explore Chinese-Panamanian chifa restaurants for a unique fusion experience not found elsewhere
Corvina (corvine drum) is Panama's most prized fish — order it grilled or in ceviche at any seafood restaurant for the freshest Pacific catch
Sancocho de gallina (hen soup) is Panama's national dish — the best versions are found in modest local fondas (family restaurants) rather than tourist-facing restaurants
Patacones (double-fried green plantain) appear as a side dish at nearly every meal — try them with ceviche on top as a local snack
Carimañola (yuca fritter stuffed with meat or cheese) is the best Panamanian street snack — available at markets and street vendors from $1-2
Panama City's Chinatown (El Barrio Chino) on Calle 12 has been established since the 1850s — the chifa (Chinese-Panamanian) restaurants here are among the city's best value meals
Boquete Geisha coffee is among the world's most expensive — try it at source in Boquete or at specialty cafés in Panama City for a fraction of international prices
The Mercado de Mariscos second floor restaurant serves ceviche made from fish purchased that morning in the market below — arrive before noon for freshest selection
Chicha is Panama's traditional fermented corn drink — non-alcoholic versions at street stalls are refreshing and authentic; try chicha de maíz or chicha de piña
Restaurant reservations are essential at top spots like Maito, Donde José, and Wakame — book at least one week ahead during dry season (December-April)