What began for Julian Urbina as a series of videos on TikTok showcasing the unique flavors of Colon began to evolve into a tourism experience that connected local entrepreneurs with visitors eager to discover the culinary and cultural soul of this emblematic city in the Panamanian Caribbean.
Reviving Colon Pride and its Local Economy
The idea for “Vamos a Comer Colon” (“Let’s Go Eat Colon) was born in response to a recurring question from Julian’s social media followers: “When are you taking me to Colon to eat?” This question evolved into a tour celebrating the best of the province’s gastronomy and cultural identity. A project that focuses on reviving Colon’s pride, reactivating the local economy, and projecting the city as a vibrant tourist destination.
A Tour to Savor Historical Anecdotes and Stories
The tour begins in Panama City, where participants board a bus that transports them not only physically but also emotionally through anecdotes, political, social, and culinary stories that enrich each stop. A true traveling feast, where you can savor both the stories and the delicious dishes.
Enjoying the Culinary Secrets of Colon
Early on, the group begins by visiting the stalls selling “tortillas preñadas”—made with corn and filled with meat, cheese, and egg—and then walks down the iconic Avenida Central and delves into the local market, where unique ingredients such as thyme (dried thyme), a staple of Colon cuisine, are found.
One of the most moving moments of the tour is a visit to “La Playita”, where a soup with domplin (a type of corn tortilla) and stalk (a type of scallop) is served. This soup not only delights the palate but also tells the story of a women of Colon who overcomed struggles and with her four daughters, has built a business that sells more than 200 soups a day.
The tour also includes a visit to Panaderia Colon (Colon Bakery), home to the famous pati’ and plantinta’ empanadas, as well as a tasting of the legendary Timoteo chorizo, a local creation found only on the streets of this city. The experience is rounded out with historical tours that include Fort de Lesseps, the legendary Washington Hotel—visited by figures such as Queen Elizabeth and Albert Einstein—as well as other sites steeped in local history and pride.
A Dream with a Vision for the Future
For Julian Urbina, the dream goes beyond Colon’s historic center. He envisions this project expanding to the coast, the Gatun Lake’s towns like Escobal and Ciricito, and the mountains of the Trans-Isthmus Highway, among many others.
Colon City has it all, especially with its most valuable ingredient: the willingness of its people to open their doors with joy, pride, and flavors.
For more information on these gastronomic tours held every month and a half, follow Julian Urbina on Instagram (@julianfue_) #ColonTeQuedaBonito.
