We are not exaggerating when we say that Panama connects the world, not only through the Panama Canal, its international financial center or the Hub of the Americas but also through the millions of people that throughout its 200 years of history homeland have seen in the country a fertile ground for their dreams, adapting culinary traditions to the isthmus.
With these migratory flows, Panama has gained a lot in various aspects. One of these has been gastronomic traditions that have taken root over the years. In today’s article, we want to tell you precisely about some of the culinary traditions that have come to Panama from modern or contemporary migrants, who with few or many years in Panama have left their mark. Let’s begin!
Italy – La Vinoteca, Cucina de Ciniglio
A small restaurant that reflects the best traditional Italian cuisine. Headed for 10 years by chef Rafael Ciniglio and his daughters, its philosophy is to offer a simplified menu of specialties (the Spaghetti alla Marichelle and Penne Rigate with Ragu alla Toscana stand out), each with a suggested wine pairing. In the words of the family itself: good wine and good food in a cozy place, where any day you can chat with the chef and his team.
In addition to its family atmosphere and its wine list, another detail that stands out in Cucina de Cinigio is the generosity in its portions, especially in an industry where its contemporary exponents seek to deconstruct dishes in rather small presentations. There is also a selection of frozen dishes to prepare at home, such as braised pork ribs alla Toscana or Italian-style chorizo lasagna.
You can visit Vinoteca Cucina de Ciniglio from Monday to Saturday, from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, located in Edificio de Las Américas, calle 57 and Ave. 1st Sur, Obarrio. We recommend you make a reservation as space is limited; you can do so by calling them at 6228-9990 or by calling them at 223-7734.
Japan – Makoto
When it comes to traditional and innovative Japanese cuisine, the safe bet in Panama City is Makoto, a restaurant of the same name by chef Makoto Okuwa, recognized by the James Beard Foundation for his outstanding culinary contributions.
Makoto offers a menu made up of sushi, bento boxes, traditional dishes, and robatas, complemented by craft drinks and sake. Its dishes made with Kobe (Kobe carpaccio, Kobe Hot Stone) and its Wagyu fillets (Australian Wagyu Kurasawa, Wagyu A5 Fillet 602) deserve special attention.
In addition to its dishes, its premises also offer a pleasant mix of interior and exterior spaces in the center of the city, giving a bit of versatility when visiting them. You can visit Makoto every day from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, located in the Kenex Building in Obarrio on Ave. Samuel Lewis. If you want to make a reservation, you can do so by calling 830-2729.
Greek – Meze
The Hellenic community in Panama has always had an important presence in local gastronomy, and Meze stands out among the available options for its particular way of transmitting the sun, tranquility, and vitality of the Mediterranean.
Clearly family-inspired, Meze is a restaurant designed for sharing, focused on mezedes or appetizers, Greek cheeses, wines, and traditional homemade liqueurs such as Ouzo. If we dare recommend, we would probably include the graviera or kefalotiri cheese, or an appetizer of olives, tzatziki, melitzanosallata, and tirokafteri. If it’s about main dishes, you can’t miss the Agioritiki Tigania (a mixed dish of beef, pork, and sausage) or the Lamb Souvla (baked for eight hours in a clay and wood oven, which is only available on weekends).
The restaurant also has cozy interior spaces, which through the furniture and decoration of its rooms tell us a little more about the Greek families that emigrated to Panama, especially after World War II. Meze is located on Calle 49 Este in the Bella Vista neighborhood, open every day from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, except on Sundays when the service is until 10:00 pm, if you wish you can make a reservation at 307- 1821.
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We hope that these first three recommendations have been to your liking. What other gastronomic options in Panama would you like to know about? Tell us by sending an email to editor@panamaliving.com
