Panama has a rich and diverse cuisine that is influenced by the indigenous people, Spanish colonizers, African slaves, and later, immigrants from around the world. Some of the traditional foods of Panama include:
- Sancocho: a hearty soup made with meat (chicken or beef), corn, plantains, yucca, and spices.
- Arroz con Pollo: a dish of chicken and rice cooked together with vegetables and seasonings.
- Tamales: a staple food made from a mixture of cornmeal, meat, and spices that is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.
- Ceviche: a popular seafood dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices.
- Chicha: a sweet, fermented drink made from corn, rice, or cassava.
- Empanadas: a popular snack consisting of a pastry filled with meat, cheese, or other ingredients and then deep-fried or baked.
- Patacones: fried plantains that are sliced, mashed, and then refried until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Carimañolas: a snack made from yucca that is stuffed with beef, chicken, or cheese and then fried.
These are just a few examples of the traditional foods of Panama, and there is much more to discover in this rich and diverse cuisine.