Panama City Street Food Tour: Honest Review & 24 Tastings

So, you are thinking about checking out the Panama City Street Food Tour and wondering if it’s, like, worth the money and the hype? I get it! Looking for good eats when you are traveling can be, you know, tricky. That is why, I am going to break down my whole experience, what I ate (all 24 tastings!), and whether I’d suggest it to someone like yourself. Get ready to feast, more or less in your imagination for the time being!

First Impressions: Meeting Up and Setting the Stage

Basically, the tour kicked off in Casco Viejo, which is, like, the historical center of Panama City. It’s super beautiful with all these colonial buildings. Meeting the group was fairly easy, we spotted our guide holding up a sign. Our guide’s name was Carlos. He was very energetic, which made me comfortable. I also felt assured of Carlos’ knowledge of the city, food and culture. It was actually kind of a small group, only eight of us, which was nice, made it feel very intimate and easy to hear what Carlos was saying.

As a matter of fact, before we even ate anything, Carlos shared some very fascinating historical background about Casco Viejo and how that history shaped Panama City’s food scene. You would realize that a lot of Panama’s food has African and Spanish influences, too it’s almost similar to Caribbean fare. Pretty interesting start, anyway.

24 Bites: A Detailed Look at the Deliciousness

OK, this is the juicy part! So, we had 24 different tastings scattered across, like, several spots in Casco Viejo. Now, I can’t remember everything we ate. Although, I do recall having highlights. Also, keep in mind the exact stops and bites can change depending on the day. Carlos, I am sure, has options to fit with different vendor schedules, for example. Yet, you’re definitely going to experience the flavor of Panama on this exploration.

For example, these were some standout moments:

Carimañola: Think, a yuca fritter packed with meat. This, like, might have been my number one. Crispy outside, very soft inside, and the meat filling was well seasoned.
Panamanian Ceviche: Unlike Peruvian ceviche (very popular in the world), this version had, like, a sweeter, less acidic profile. Using fresh corvina and, as a matter of fact, it was served with crackers. Such a refreshing bite!
Hojaldras: This, is that, basically a fried dough that is also really simple yet quite addictive. We had it with different toppings; some, like, had cheese, while others had a sweet syrup.
Raspao: You’ve might’ve seen this on tv – it’s shaved ice. Perfect way to end the tour on a warm day! Of course, topped with condensed milk and different fruit syrups.

Basically, the tour wasn’t just about eating. Carlos explained each dish, the ingredients, and its place in Panamanian cuisine. He also shared, in a way, tips for eating like a local. Which is super helpful if you want to explore food on your own.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out From Other Tours?

Well, Panama City provides other food tours, and in some respects, here are some points which are very different and are a highlight:

The quantity of food: I have taken food tours with way less samplings so this was actually a treat and good value for the cost.
The Local Guide: I could actually tell Carlos cared for what he was doing and genuinely happy to show the local flavor and history to people like myself. This is something that is kind of rare sometimes, alright?
The variety: We ate at street stalls, mom-and-pop shops, and even a local market. You could tell, each location provided a different environment and taste of Panama.

Things To Consider Before Booking

Anyway, no experience is, like, entirely perfect, right? These, I am thinking, are some things to remember when booking:

Bring cash: You might want to purchase extra snacks or drinks along the route, that could be convenient. Most of the smaller spots don’t really take card.
Come hungry!: 24 tastings is no joke. I skipped breakfast that day and was, actually, really happy I did.
Wear comfy shoes: You will do a bit of walking. Wear something, for example, you won’t mind being on your feet in.
Dietary restrictions: Make sure to tell them when you book if, like, you have any food allergies or restrictions. While they try to accommodate, not everything can be swapped out.

Overall: Was the Tour Worth It?

I definitely believe so, in fact! Especially if you’re, you know, a foodie, a culture lover, or someone, arguably, who would like to experience the genuine local flavor without doing tons of research and planning. For instance, you not only taste delightful eats. But you also find more out about the city’s background and get insider tips. Carlos was really nice! Making this, for instance, experience memorable.

So, should you book the Panama City Street Food Tour with 24 Tastings? I would suggest giving it a look, like your taste buds (and your Instagram) will thank you.

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