Located in Central America, Panama gained its independence in 1903 and gradually it has been transformed into a passage of international commerce. Its society became more complex during the 20th century. Beside other aspects, Panamanian uniqueness is also given by is cuisine, more exactly by the way in which every meal is prepared in this region. Is seems that Panama has been blessed with a large variety of vegetables, herbs, and tropical fruits. Its cuisine is influenced by the Hispanic population, native Europeans, Indians, or by Chinese people. In Panamanian cuisine a lot of cooking traditions have been borrowed from Panama’s neighbors and developed from these neighbor’s traditional dishes. Despite the fact that there are no unique or specific preparation methods in Panamanian cuisine, it should be taken into account that attention to every detail plays a crucial role in this region. This cuisine contains a great diversity of cereals and vegetables. Another attention is given to the visual attractiveness of every Panamanian dish and to the real balance between colors and proportion, as well. Every traditional Panamanian dish is prepared differently than the others. Meat is the most important item belonging to Panamanian cuisine.

Panamanian cooking always requires various equipment meant to generate the most interesting and sophisticated dishes. Such kitchen utensils include cake pans, colanders, can openers, egg rings, poachers and holders, food pans and containers, as well as food scales, food scoops, fryer baskets and many other accessories. In case the food in transported you definitely need insulated food carriers or a set of kitchen linens and uniforms. Some of the items you need while cooking Panamanian food are: kitchen knives, juicers, kitchen slicers, kitchen thermometers, miscellaneous utensils, mixing bowls and skimmers, strainers, measuring cups or measuring spoons. The most common utensils are spatulas, serving spoons, turners, forks, kitchen knives, and scrapers.

Most Panamanian festivities occur during Christmas time. Here, the Holidays begin on December 8 when people celebrate the Immaculate Conception which coincides with Mother’s Day. On this occasion, the Panamanians serve some of their traditional food, such as pavo, which is Turkey; relleno, meaning stuffing; arroz dulce, and tamales which consists of a cornmeal made into a paste with Arturo sauce, prunes, capers, meats, and spices wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled. The most popular dessert from the Panamanian cuisine is represented by fruitcakes. Obviously, this does not mean that the family gathered around the table cannot serve Chicken with rice, Chickpea “Ceviche”, or different kind of soups or meat dishes. No matter how weird or complicated it may sound, in order to prepare an avocado soup you need only Chicken consommé, avocados, and whipped cream or evaporated milk. As for a fish soup, its preparation requires white fish, onions, parsley, celery leaves, lemon juice, pepper, salt, flour, and water.

Panama can give a new definition to versatility. This American country is what you call God’s favorite place. It has been bestowed with every gift of nature. It is that perfect getaway you had been looking for after months of “all work and no play”. Well you already must have turned into the “dull boy” then. Get set to recharge yourself at this very bed of nature.

Panama is the southern most American country known for its rich natural wealth. This country has a total population of around 3,360,475. It has been divided into nine provinces and ten cities altogether. The people generally follow Roman Catholic as a religion and speak Spanish in this region. However English is very much prevalent with almost everybody knowing this language.

The tropical climate and perfect holiday weather of the Panama will just do the needful for you. At Panama you can enjoy the beauty of the pristine beaches along side clear blue seas. You could admire the mighty mountains and be startled by their beauty every single minute. It is a different world altogether, away from the hustle bustle and pollution of big cities and towns; overall a perfect place to relax and de-stress yourself.

The country holds the best eco tourism sites of the world. The rich flora and fauna of this country will leave you awestruck. The multi canopied swamps that are present on one side of this country is a great tourist attraction. After years of seeing only bricks and walls all around, nothing could appeal to you as much as the abundant greenery of the Panamas. For all you adventure enthusiasts, the famous Canopy Adventure at Panama will take you through the enriching experience of ecotourism while rock climbing. That is you get to experience nature at an unbelievable close proximity. You could also plunge in for the amazing water adventure at the San Blas Archipelago.

Panama is famous for it’s “the golden toad”. The locals actually believe this gold skinned frog once found in this country in abundance to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity. No wonder, it is this golden frog that they use as their National Symbol. However this amphibian is believed to be extinct now.

When in Panama, how can you forget the “molas”? This is a fabric made by the natives of this country. They earn their livelihood by manufacturing and selling this fabric. Tourists from all around the world come here and buy these “molas” known to be a part of the Panama heritage. When at Panama, you just cannot miss the soothing local music. This music, again strongly influenced by Spanish music, will make that evening of yours where while relaxing you can forget just about everything and be drowned deep into its soulful rhythm.

Panama is the ideal place when you need to enjoy an amazing holiday and yet not burn a hole in your pocket. The place is extremely affordable unlike most of the holiday destinations in the world. It is extremely safe for the foreigners and the locals are all happy to help and very welcoming and warm. It has all tourism facilities that you could require. Be it with your family or friends, for that budget holiday of yours, choose the Panamas.

Food is one of the basic needs of human being. Without food we don’t survive. That’s why many people are trying to cook different kind of taste to make the meal more scrumptious and delightful. In Panama they are quite similar to other Latin American countries but not on spicy foods. Because of mixed cultures influenced by Afro-carribean, American, Spanish and other indigenous people its cuisines were classified as simple to exotic. Panama is abundant in food, mostly tropical fruit, vegetables, sea foods and herbs. Corn in many forms is widely used in Panamanian cuisine like tortillas, tamales and pupusa. Seafood dishes like fish and sea shells is one of their specialties.
Here are some famous Panama foods from simple to ultra-exotic cuisines.
Tortilla Espanola is one of the most famous breakfast meal in Panama. This cuisine was prepossess by Spanish. Mix with potatoes, eggs, onions and salt. This is easy to cook and a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for breakfast. Here’s another perfect dessert after meal, the Boquete strawberries. It is found in Boquette Valley a very pristine town which is also famous for its strawberries. Boquete strawberries is served differently mostly with chocolates. Mix strawberry, melon and yogurt. Another Panama food is empanada a pastries filled with cheese, meat, potatoes, corn or sweets. Empanadas are good for snacks and also breakfast.
Here’s another cuisine that’s a little bit exotic, a not so typical kind of food. The Kuna Yala it is an indigenous cuisine consisting of fresh sea foods like crabs, shrimp, fish or lobsters added with rice, beans and stewed or steamed vegetables. Ceviche is one of the most widespread dishes in Panama food. Its recipes and ingredients vary from season and place. Mostly it includes raw sea foods like fish, crabs, shrimps and conch. It is an authentic Panamanian dish that you would love to try. These sea foods are chopped into small pieces together with the tomatoes, onions and cilantro. It is marinated with lemon juice or you may add up vinegar. This may kill the raw sea foods bacteria.
These are other common foods that you may see in Panama, Patacones, a fried plaintain slice. This is usually banana chips or potatoes which are thinly sliced. Patacones is a common Carribean side dish. This is alternative for junk foods. Corvina  is a white fish from Pacific. This may be an alternative to Ceviche. It is also marinated with lime or lemon juice, mixed with red peppers, tomatoes, onions and cilantro. You may love this dish which is called the Yuca frita. It is a sprears of a Yuca fruit deeply fried in oil, added with salt and sprinkled with fried garlic. This resembles the French fries. And don’t miss the Panamanian Sancocho, it is an old countryside soup with chicken.
Panama food is close to Latin America’s cuisine but it has its own uniqueness of taste and style. Panama has been blessed with variety of foods. From vegetables, herbs and tropical fruits. It has everything from a simple to ultra-exotic cuisines.