When planning a road trip to a destination in the interior of Panama, there is a very special tradition in our country, stopping to eat on the way. That is why along the Pan-American Highway there is a great variety of places where you can try delicious culinary proposals, from restaurants with traditional Panamanian dishes to small places with artisan delicacies. For many people, the trip is not complete without one or several stops at any of these places.
Terpel Panamerican Travel Center
Starting the road trip, this mega gas station located at the exit of the Panama – Chorrera freeway. The VA & VEN store is so big that you can sit alone, with your spouse or group of friends to have a delicious coffee, order a combo from its extensive menu such as fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads and even the new Creole menu. All at an excellent price.
Delicias Margot (Margot Delights)
With a cozy atmosphere, this restaurant serves traditional Panamanian breakfast. Delicious “carimañolas” (meat-pie in a torpedo shaped yuca fritter), crunchy corn” torrejitas”, Chorizo Tableño (famous sausage from Las Tablas Town, in Azuero) are several of the Creole delights that visitors can enjoy when passing through Capira Town in the mornings.
Quesos Chela (Chela cheeses)
Also located in Capira Town is one of the most popular places in this gastronomic tourt for both Panamanians and foreigners. Here what you buy is to take with you. Although, hot cheese empanadas are the most requested by thousands of people every day. However, there is way more to take and try, you can buy “chicheme” (corn and milk based drink very popular in Panama), as well as braided bred with cheese and herbs, also a variety of fresh white cheese, natural juices, artisan pizzas and much more.
Campo Alto
Before arriving at Campana you can find this meat and seafood restaurant where you can enjoy the house dish, a delicious sea bass with seafood. The best thing is that it has a lively atmosphere to share with friends and family. Of course, you can also enjoy Creole food such as onions, stewed sausages, puff pastries and coffee.
Pampero
Upon arriving at San Carlos Town, this restaurant has one of the best Argentine barbecues in the area, also Spanish chorizo (sausage) which is one of the most requested dishes by diners. Likewise, the meat and pork “choripan” (BBQ style sandwich made with grill sausage) as well as garlic shrimp are requested by diners.
Los Camisones
After Coronado on the way to El Valle this restaurant offers quality in each of its dishes. Its specialty is seafood and fish, accompanied by the most delicious patacones and fried yucca. They also offer seafood rice, Galician octopus, salt prawns and even fried snapper
Annisa Deli Store, in Santiago, Veraguas
To get there, you have to get off the Pan-American Highway when passing through Santiago City, Veraguas Province. However it is worth trying their delicacies. It has a wide selection of Sushi, sandwiches and angus burgers that are requested by adults and children. The menu is extensive and features nachos, garlic chicken, chicken fingers and the Annisa lasagna. An excellent restaurant to have fun and get some rest before continuing your way to Chiriquí or Bocas del Toro.
For those who like to make their trip an adventure for the palate, these and many more restaurants located along the Pan-American Highway offer the best experiences to Panamanian and foreign visitors.
