Flavors and Roots of Panama Food Crawl : Tastings & Culture
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Start your journey in a rehabilitated local market that preserves the spirit of Panamanian commerce since the mid-20th century. Begin with tropical fruit tastings and traditional sweet flavors before moving through the market’s animal products section, where you’ll learn about whole-animal cooking and the Afro-Caribbean roots of one of Panama’s most beloved traditional dishes.
Continue with a stop at local fondas, where the Panamanian “plate of the day” reflects the country’s everyday food culture. Then head toward the seafood market, where the city’s close connection to the sea comes alive through fresh catches and artisanal fishing culture. Along the way, enjoy a ceviche stop, a refreshing local drink by the waterfront, and a walk through historic streets that reveal the contrast between old Panama and the modern skyline. The experience ends at a historic café with classic local snacks and coffee.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Historical context and tropical fruit tastings (guanábana, borojó, orange with raspadura, tamarind sweets) Start your journey at Mercado San Felipe Neri, an emblematic site whose name honors San Felipe Neri. The current building is a rehabilitated gem that preserves the essence of Panamanian popular commerce since the mid-20th century. Begin with a sensory introduction through tropical fruit tastings. Enjoy natural juices while learning about guanábana, prized for its medicinal properties, and borojó, known as the “fruit of love” in the Darién region. Taste refreshing orange with raspadura, the artisanal sugarcane sweetener that has fed Panamanian campesinos for centuries, along with traditional tamarind sweets.
Continue into the heart of the market, exploring the animal products section and learning about the importance of using the whole animal in subsistence gastronomy. Here, you will be introduced to Sao, a pickled pig’s foot dish with deep Afro-Caribbean roots that arrived during the construction of the Canal and became a staple of popular celebrations.
Options
Flavors and Roots of Panama Food Crawl : Tastings & Culture
What‘s Included
Multiple food tastings across different street food vendors
Travel tips & food recommendations for the rest of your stay
Guided food tour led by a bilingual local expert
Cultural insights & food storytelling at each stop
Neighborhood exploration through local markets or streets
Transfers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time and food
jose R,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.003 hrs of walking and tasting typical Panama food. Bring family and be ready to walk and shop if you want not mandatory.
Food tour guide
I542TLphilipper,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00CATHY IS THE BEST TOUR GUIDE EVER !!!!
Highly recommend a food tour with Cathy
D9346MLlindseyh,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cathy was wonderful. She knows many of the vendors at the markets and the history of Panama. The tour was very relaxed. We went at a comfortable pace and she adjusted for food preferences. Cathy has a passion for learning about people and worldly perspectives. I am grateful for her willingness to share about her own experiences and the home she loves. I would happily do this tour again.
Panamanian Food Tour
Wander678063,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time with Cathy. She was knowledgeable and friendly. Great food and conversation. Highly reccomend!
Great walking and food tour!
g24kp58zdm,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This was a great walking and eating tour experience. Tanya was friendly, knowledgeable, and communicative. She found us easily at the market. The tour began with a walk through the meat and fruit and vegetable markets before sampling some food. We then went over to the seafood market where we sampled more food. Finally, we walked through parts of Casco Viejo and had gelato at a lovely local shop. Overall, great experience!
Panama local food tour
giselle s,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an excellent tour. I highly recommend it. We went to local markets and tasted locally sourced food. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and mixed information about local foods and customs with history. We “tasted” our way thru neighborhoods and had ample time to learn about the Panamanian culture thru its good! ! Sat down for a local beer and ended in the historic Cocoa Cola Cafe. Excellent experience!
Walking eating history tour
smiledaily,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Catherine provided us an education of Panamanian food and history. Along with showing us around many foodie sites in old town Panama.
Panama Food Crawl
Q9725BVjessicab,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Catherine was a good guide. She was knowledgeable about the area and Panama. She was personable and hospitable. I will recommend her to my friends and family that visit Panama.
Amazing tour & Catherine is amazing
quip2026,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Catherine was absolutely amazing. She had such an amazing energy. She's fun and she taught us so much history while also providing great food tour and experience. I give it a 10/10 and a would do this your every time I visit beautiful Panama
Panama's culture through every day food
Michel J,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful experience. We had a taste of Panama's food that people love every day. We also went through a food market with a diversity of vegetables and all kinds of meats. Our guide was very nice and extremely knowledgeable of Panama's life and culture. She also spoke very good English.
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