Panamanian Cooking Classes & Market Tour

Any self-respecting foodie knows the fastest shortcut to a culture’s soul is through its stomach. Panama’s soul? A mouth-watering fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors. No wonder every bite here feels like a fiesta. Join us for four flavor-packed hours: we’ll hunt for fresh ingredients in the historic markets of Casco Viejo, then head to the kitchen to whip up Panama’s proudest dishes. Trust us—you don’t want to skip this tasty adventure.

Restaurante El Nacional — Historic Building Cooking Studios

Cooking class in a museum? Sí, chef! Housed in the beautifully restored first bank of Casco Viejo, Restaurante El Nacional is part culinary playground, part time machine. But before we fire up the stoves, we’re heading out into the cobblestone streets to track down the freshest, most flavorful ingredients Panama City can throw at us.

Guided Walking Tour to the Most Popular Markets in Panama City

Follow your local foodie guide to Panama Old Town’s two legendary markets. First stop: Mercado de Mariscos, the country’s seafood mecca. Here we’ll pick the perfect corvina (sea bass) for our ceviche—straight from fishermen who bring in their catch from both the Pacific and Atlantic.

Next, it’s a quick stroll to Mercado San Felipe Neri where organized chaos reigns supreme. Navigate aisles stacked with vibrant produce, aromatic spices, and the freshest cuts of meat. Once our baskets overflow with goodness, it’s back to El Nacional to turn today’s haul into edible art.

Panamanian Cooking Classes

Aprons on, amigos! With ingredients at the ready, our passionate Panamanian chefs will show you how to slice, dice, sizzle, and spice your way through the country’s classic dishes—while sprinkling in the stories and traditions behind every bite. Wondering what’s on the menu? Here’s a taste:

* Panamanian-Style Ceviche – Fresh corvina meets lime, cilantro, and a kiss of local chili. Simple, zesty, and totally addictive.
* Carimanola – Crispy yucca fritters stuffed with seasoned ground beef. Street snack royalty throughout Central & South America.
* Pollo Guisado – Grandma’s cozy chicken stew, Panamanian edition. Tomato base + soy or Worcestershire = finger-licking comfort. Perfect filling for our carimanolas and tamales.
* Panamanian Tamales – Corn masa parcels hugged by banana leaves (not corn husks!) and packed with savory meats or veggies.
* Plátano en Tentación – Sweet plantains slow-cooked in cinnamon, molasses, and citrus. The ultimate “we shouldn’t, but we will” dessert.

Menus rotate with whatever’s freshest, and we happily tweak recipes for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free friends—just give us a heads-up when you book. Panama’s cuisine is as diverse as its people, so bring your appetite and a sense of adventure.

Don’t just taste Panama—experience it. Book your discounted Panamanian Cooking Classes & Market Tour with The Real Deal Tours Panama today and let’s get cooking!