The nation’s favourite snack
With coastlines on two oceans, Panama takes its ceviche seriously. Fresh fish or shellfish “cooked” in lime juice with onion, culantro and chili is a national obsession — cheap, fresh and everywhere.
How Panama does it
Panamanian ceviche is typically served in a cup with crackers or patacones, often made with corvina (sea bass), shrimp or octopus. It’s a snack, a starter and a street food all at once.
The classic spot
Panama City’s Mercado de Mariscos (fish market) is the iconic place to try it, with vendors serving fresh cups all day. Coastal towns everywhere have their own versions.
A must-try
Affordable, refreshing and quintessentially Panamanian, ceviche is a first taste of the country every visitor should have.
Hungry to explore more? Find restaurants, cafés and markets in the Panama Digital Directory.
