Those en route to Isla Palenque: be sure to stop and enjoy some of Panama City’s fine tastes. Seafood lovers will surely appreciate the city’s proximity to two oceans and large fishing industry. You will surely see Panama’s abundance of fried selections as well: fried yucca, similar to French fries, and patacones, or twice-fried and smashed plantains, to name a few. We checked out two places certainly worth a look for those coming to town.
The view from Mi Ranchito
Lunch at Mi Ranchito, Amador Causeway
The Amador Causeway stands 20 minutes up the marina, a thin roadway between the city and the Canal’s Pacific entrance. Mi Ranchito is one of the best Panama City restaurants, boasting fresh seafood and a beautiful view. Guests dine in an open-air hut that looks out onto the ocean and the Panama City skyline, dubbed “Panhattan,” by our guide. Cultural tastes abound with fresh-caught shrimp, bold ceviche, and fried starters. Be sure to try the corvine al ajillo, or seabass in garlic sauce: a classic Panamanian specialty. This peaceful outing allows guests to sit back and take in the city’s beauty.
Dinner at El Trapiche, Metro Area
Visitors must stop at this city favorite, serving up Panamanian comfort food with warm hospitality for a bargain of a price. Tell the cab driver to take you to Via Argentina y Ave 2a B Norte, then mention El Trapiche. Cultural décor hangs from this small restaurant’s loud walls, surrounding green wooden tables and a long bar. An outdoor patio allows guests to come in on a whim, but reservations will always help, given this place’s popularity among the local crowd.
A huge menu offers a wide selection of authentic Panamanian fare, from homemade sancocho soup to fresh meat and fish specialties. But in true comfort fashion, it’s the fried menu that draws the most appeal. Empanadas, bollo de maiz, and bunuelo— ground meat and soft fried cornmeal in a golden shell — start the meal with excellence. The house specialties are holjadros, or sandwiches made with fried dough, that promise luscious taste and lasting character. Enjoy dinner with sweet sangria and end with their spectacular natural cherry ice cream. The choices go on, but the average 3-course meal barely breaks two digits. This family-style hotspot is meant for groups to share food all around, a prime place to partake in culinary indulgence.
TAGS: Culture Food & Drink Island Intern Must Read Panama Panama City Panama Food & Drink Recipe
