Last Updated on March 8, 2026
One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to dive into the local food scene. Not just by eating (although, yes, a lot of that too), but also by cooking. So when I found a Boozy Panamanian Cooking Class in Panama City that included 10 recipes and bottomless mojitos, I was already sold.
Let me take you behind the scenes of one of the tastiest days I had in Panama City!
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
A warm welcome in the Clayton neighborhood
The cooking class in Panama took place in Chef Winnie’s apartment in the Clayton area. This is a quiet, green part of the city that used to be part of the old U.S. Canal Zone (the same zone where I did a guided bike tour). Winnie, a French expat who’s been living in Panama for over 10 years, greeted us with a big smile and an open bottle of rum. We were a small group, which made it feel like cooking at a friend’s place rather than in a formal class.
Kicking off with mojitos
Before we even picked up a knife, our glasses were filled with fresh minty mojitos which kept coming all day long. And the best part? We actually learned how to make them ourselves! Winnie taught us her go-to recipe using Ron Abuelo, a beloved Panamanian rum that’s smooth and flavorful. It was simple: fresh lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, Ron Abuelo, ice, and a splash of soda water.
Let’s talk about the food: 10 dishes
We cooked (and tasted!) our way through 10 recipes. Each one had a story and showed off a different side of Panamanian cuisine. Here’s what we made:
1. Pico de Gallo with a Panamanian Twist
Think fresh salsa, but with a local flair. The salsa included juicy tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime, and a kick from local chombo peppers. It’s not something you eat by the bowlful on its own, but paired with something crunchy or savory. It’s most often used as a side or topping. Think tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, rice dishes, or even just spooned onto a piece of toast.
2. Ceviche
Fresh, citrusy, and full of flavor. We chopped up the day’s fresh catch (often corvina in Panama) and mixed it with lime juice, cilantro, onions. Then we let it “cook” in the citrus.
Travel Tip: Ceviche is a must-try in Panama. It’s so popular you’ll even find it served in little cups at fish markets, perfect for a quick snack! Just be sure to buy from a busy stall where it’s freshly made and kept nice and cold to avoid any tummy troubles.
3. Yuca al Mojo (cassava)
Yucca, or cassava, is a starchy root that’s eaten all over Central and South America, but in Panama, they do it differently. This one surprised me. Boiled till tender, then tossed with butter and herbs, it tastes like mashed potatoes.
4. Picante (chombo pepper sauce)
Warning: this sauce is HOT! But so good. Winnie showed us how to make a small batch. The pepper used was the ají chombo, which is Panama’s name for a variety of the habanero chili. This pepper typically ranks between 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville Heat Units. That’s 10 to 100 times hotter than a jalapeño. So yeah, it was not weird to use instruments to handle it. Despite its heat, ají chombo is beloved for its fruity, slightly sweet flavor, which adds depth as well as fire to sauces. We just added a bit of garlic, vinegar and onions.
Hot Tip: Panama is one of the top producers of hot peppers in Central America, so if you’re a chili fan, you’re in the right place.
5. Carimañolas
Imagine crispy croquettes made with cassava dough and stuffed with spiced ground beef. These were very addictive. I could have eaten a plateful! Carimañolas are often served at breakfast or as a snack, but I’d happily eat them all day.
Did you know? Carimañolas are popular in both Panama and Colombia.
6. Arroz con Pollo
Arroz con Pollo is definitely the ultimate Panamanian comfort food. This one-pot dish brings together chicken, rice, bell peppers, other veggies, and a medley of spices.
Fun fact: Arroz con pollo is a signature dish in many Latin countries, but Panama adds its own flair with annatto (achiote) for color and a special blend of local herbs.
7. Chicha de Saril (hibiscus iced tea)
Red, tart, and infused with warming spices like cinnamon, this is Panama’s take on hibiscus tea, also known locally as saril. It’s traditionally made during Christmas but so refreshing, you’ll want it all year long.
Did you know? In many Central American countries, hibiscus drinks are known by different names. It’s called agua de jamaica in Mexico, flor de Jamaica in El Salvador and saril in Panama.
8. Chicheme
This thick, sweet drink is made with corn, milk, sugar and cinnamon (and sometimes a touch of vanilla). It’s like drinking dessert, with a chewy texture that makes it more than just a beverage. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first, but it totally grew on me.
Fun fact: Chicheme is often sold roadside in plastic bottles and is especially popular during festivals and holidays.
9. Arroz con piña
Yes, pineapple rice pudding exists, and yes, it’s as tropical and sweet as it sounds. Definitely one for the dessert lovers. It was sweet and just a little bit tangy from the fresh pineapple chunks and rice.
10. Geisha coffee
We also sipped on one of Panama’s most prized exports: Geisha coffee. This isn’t your average cup of coffee. Geisha is super smooth, smells amazing, and has a light, tea-like taste. It originally came from Ethiopia but became a superstar in Panama’s mountain regions, especially Boquete. It’s considered one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive brews.
Fun fact: One batch of Panamanian Geisha once sold for over $1,000 a pound! Yep, it’s the Beyoncé of coffee! 😉
A glimpse of the cooking class
Want a sneak peek? I’ve included a video of the cooking class below so you can see the fun (and food!) for yourself:
Want to book this cooking class?
If you’re heading to Panama City and looking for something unique (and tasty!) to do, I highly recommend this cooking class in Panama City.
You can book it on GetYourGuide right here. It costs around $85 per person, and you can reserve now and pay later. Below you can also check the availability of this activity directly.
Whether you’re a foodie, a cocktail fan, or just want to do something fun and local, this experience checks all the boxes 😉
Final thoughts on taking a cooking class in Panama City
This boozy Panamanian cooking class was hands-down one of my favorite experiences in Panama City. If you love exploring new cultures through food (like me 😉 ) or just want a day full of flavor, fun, and bottomless mojitos, this class is an absolute must do activity in Panama! By the end of the day, we were all full, happy, (slightly) tipsy, and buzzing with new cooking skills. Winnie was an amazing host. She was funny, patient, and full of local knowledge. I left with new recipes and a real appreciation for Panamanian home cooking.
Got questions about the class or want more Panama tips? Drop a comment or message. I’m always happy to chat travel and food!
Save for later!
Don’t forget to add this cooking class to your Panama Bucket List or save this post on Pinterest, so you can find it later when you’re planning your trip! Just click the 📌 and keep it handy for your next adventure.
