If you’re planning a trip to Panama or even thinking about relocating, one of the best ways to experience the country is through its food.
Panamanian cuisine is a beautiful mix of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, with flavors that are comforting, simple, and deeply rooted in tradition.
During national holidays, you’ll see many of these dishes everywhere: at family gatherings, street stalls, and local celebrations.
Here are 10 national foods you should absolutely try when you’re in Panama.
1. Sancocho – Panama’s National Dish
If there is one dish that represents Panama, it’s sancocho.
This is a traditional chicken or beef soup made with ñame (yam), culantro, onions, and garlic. It’s light but flavorful and usually served with a side of white rice.
You’ll find sancocho in homes, fondas, and even hospitals. Panamanians swear it cures everything from colds to hangovers.
If you only try one local dish, make it this one.
2. Arroz con Pollo – A Celebration Staple
Arroz con pollo is a classic rice and chicken dish that shows up at birthdays, holidays, and Sunday lunches.
It’s made with seasoned rice, chicken, vegetables, and often olives, giving it that festive yellow color. Simple, filling, and very comforting.
This is one of those dishes that every family makes a little differently.
3. Carimañolas – The Perfect Snack
Carimañolas are fried yucca rolls stuffed with ground beef or cheese.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and extremely addictive.
You’ll usually find them for breakfast or as a snack at bakeries and street stalls.
4. Hojaldres – A Panamanian Breakfast Favorite
Hojaldres are pieces of fried dough, slightly crispy and fluffy at the same time.
They’re typically eaten for breakfast with cheese, eggs, sausage, or beef, and they’re a very common at most restaurants.
Simple, but so good. This is hands down my favorite Panamanian breakfast.
5. Tamales Panameños – Holiday Classic
During national holidays and Christmas, you’ll see tamales panameños everywhere.
They’re made with corn dough and filled with seasoned chicken or pork, wrapped in banana leaves, and boiled.
Every family has their own recipe, and people take their tamales very seriously here.
6. Ropa Vieja – Shredded Beef in Tomato Sauce
Ropa vieja is shredded beef cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions and peppers.
It’s usually served with rice and plantains, and it’s one of the most common lunch dishes in Panama.
Hearty, flavorful, and very traditional.
7. Patacones – A Must-Try Side Dish
You cannot come to Panama and not try patacones.
These are twice-fried green plantains: crunchy, salty, and served with almost everything.
They’re usually a side dish, but honestly, they deserve their own spotlight.
8. Ceviche de Corvina – Fresh and Coastal
Panama has amazing seafood, and ceviche de corvina is one of the most popular ways to enjoy it.
Fresh corvina fish is marinated in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and peppers.
You’ll find some of the best ceviche at the Fish Market (Mercado de Mariscos) in Panama City.
Perfect for anytime of day and its usually served as an entree.
9. Mondongo – A Traditional Stew
Mondongo is a traditional tripe stew cooked with vegetables and spices.
It’s a dish that comes from deep home-cooking traditions, and while it’s not for everyone, it’s definitely part of Panama’s culinary identity.
If you like trying authentic local dishes, this is one to experience.
10. Arroz con Coco y Pescado Frito – Coastal Comfort Food
This is a favorite on the Caribbean coast.
Coconut rice mixed with green peas (Guandu), served with fried fish is rich, slightly sweet, and absolutely delicious. You’ll find this a lot in Colón, Bocas del Toro, beach towns at right at the Mercado de Mariscos.
One of my personal favorites.
Final Thoughts
Food is such an important part of Panamanian culture, and trying local dishes is one of the best ways to truly experience the country.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay, make sure you go beyond international restaurants and try traditional Panamanian food.
It tells you a lot about the people, the history, and the culture.
If you’re planning your first trip to Panama, I also recommend checking out my First-Timer’s Guide to Traveling to Panama and my relocation resources right here on the blog.