“Frankly, I am surprised to discover the quintessential Chinese food in Panama City. Here at Wah Kee, the dim sum tastes just as good as it does in Hong Kong.” This is how the journalist begins his account of the “famous” Chinese breakfast in Panama.

This oriental tradition has become part of the idiosyncrasy of the country. When talking about Panama, it is impossible not to take into account the number of nationalities that coexist here and that have helped create the Panamanian identity.

The story goes that the first Chinese immigrants arrived in 1854 to work for the Panama Railroad Company. And from there they never stopped emigrating contributing their culture, customs, and of course: cuisine.

As the author points out, “the most significant contribution of the Chinese population is probably dim sum, colloquially known in Panama as Chinese breakfast.

Dim sum restaurants fill up with residents and tourists of all nationalities on weekends, as it has become the typical Sunday breakfast. You can even find dim sum in most grocery stores. Just like in China, dim sum restaurants are a local option for occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.”

The article gives an account of how food has evolved with the arrival of Chinese multinational companies. “Chinese culture and cuisine in Panama have long leaned towards Cantonese, as the original Chinese settlers were primarily from the Cantonese province. However, this has been changing as an increasing number of Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE have opened headquarters in Panama, bringing in new staff from all across China. As a result, the Chinese food scene in Panama City is rapidly diversifying.”

Adding that “although other Latin American countries like Peru have fusion cuisines like chifa, a distinct cuisine that combines Peruvian and Chinese food, Panama is unique in that much of its Chinese food retains original flavors. Our Chinese food represents our dynamic community and, at the same time, acts as a bridge between the older and newer generations of [immigrants].”

To finish, these are some places recommended by the journalist:

• Kwang Chow in Chinatown,
• Sunly Restaurant, Wah Kee and Noodle Restaurant in El Dorado
• China Bistro in Obarrio.
• So Hot Hot Pot near Plaza Centennial Mall
• Da Long Yi Hot Pot and Grill Fish in Condado del Rey.