A Taste of Panama City

As a seasoned traveler and surfer, I’ve always believed that the best way to truly understand a place is through its food. So, when I found myself with a layover in Panama City, I knew I had to make the most of it. Enter the Panamanian Food Tour, a culinary adventure that promised to take me on a whirlwind tour of the city’s top eateries. With just ten hours to spare, I was ready to dive into the flavors of Panama.

Meeting our guide, Sorhay, at a cozy coffee shop in downtown Panama City, I was immediately struck by her warmth and enthusiasm. She had a knack for making you feel like an old friend, and I knew we were in for a treat. Our small group of three piled into her van, and we set off on a journey that would take us through the heart of the city, sampling everything from traditional snacks to high-end cuisine.

Our first stop was a dim sum restaurant, where we learned about the significant Chinese influence in Panama. The delicate dumplings and fragrant tea were a perfect introduction to the city’s diverse culinary landscape. From there, we moved on to a ceviche that was unlike any I’d ever tasted, with a surprising twist of mayo and green apple. Each bite was a revelation, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the creativity and boldness of Panamanian chefs.

Culinary Delights and Cultural Insights

As we continued our tour, Sorhay’s passion for her city was infectious. She tailored the experience to our tastes, ensuring that each stop was a new adventure. We sampled traditional Panamanian snacks like salditas and wafer cookies, and indulged in carimañolas, yuca fritters stuffed with meat and cheese. The variety of flavors and textures was astounding, and I found myself savoring each bite.

One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to a local chocolate shop, where we tasted exquisite bonbons filled with passionfruit. The rich, velvety chocolate was a testament to Panama’s burgeoning reputation as a producer of fine cacao. We also tried tuna carpaccio and mondongo, a Panamanian version of menudo, at a chic restaurant that offered a modern twist on traditional dishes.

But it wasn’t just about the food. Sorhay also took us on a history tour of Casco Viejo, the Old Town of Panama City. We wandered through cathedrals that told the story of Spanish colonization and Panamanian independence, and marveled at a nativity scene the size of a New York City apartment. It was a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, and I left with a newfound appreciation for Panama’s rich cultural heritage.

A Sweet Farewell

As our tour drew to a close, we found ourselves at a bustling fruit market, where we sampled the famous Panamanian pineapple and other local delicacies. The pièce de résistance was a passionfruit topped with local rum, scooped out with fresh pineapple. It was a combination I never knew I needed in my life, and it was the perfect way to end our culinary journey.

Before we knew it, Sorhay was dropping us off at the airport, our bellies full and our hearts even fuller. In just a few short hours, we had experienced the best of Panama City, thanks to Sorhay’s expert guidance and infectious enthusiasm. I left with a deeper understanding of the city and its people, and a longing to return and explore even more.

For anyone with a layover in Panama City, or even just a few hours to spare, I can’t recommend the Panamanian Food Tour enough. It’s a delicious, eye-opening adventure that will leave you craving more. And who knows, you might just find yourself planning a return trip to this vibrant, flavorful city.