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Taste the Tropics: A Food Lover’s Guide to Bocas del Toro

Melissa Attridge

Posted: June 25, 2024

Bocas del Toro, a beautiful archipelago in Panama, is a hotspot for beach lovers and adventurers. But it’s also a hidden gem for foodies. From fresh seafood to tropical fruits and traditional dishes, the food in Bocas del Toro is as diverse and inviting as the islands themselves. Let’s take a look at the must-try dishes and local specialties that make this region a true food lover’s paradise.

Breakfast

Tropical Fruit Platters

Start your day with a colourful platter of tropical fruits. Bocas del Toro’s climate produces an abundance of fresh fruits like pineapples, mangoes, papayas and bananas. These fruits are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, perfect for fueling your island adventures.

Traditional Panamanian Breakfast

For a hearty start, try a traditional Panamanian breakfast. Typically, this includes dishes like tortillas de maíz (corn tortillas), hojaldres (fried bread), and eggs cooked to your liking. Pair these with locally grown coffee, known for its rich, smooth flavour.

Lunch

Seafood Delights

Bocas del Toro’s coastal location means seafood is a staple here. Grilled fish, shrimp and lobster are served with simple yet flavourful accompaniments like lime, garlic and herbs. A popular dish to try is ceviche, made with freshly caught fish marinated in citrus juices and mixed with onions, peppers and cilantro.

Rondon

A traditional Caribbean dish, Rondon is a must-try in Bocas del Toro. This hearty stew is made with a base of coconut milk and features a mix of fish, meat, plantains and root vegetables, seasoned with local spices. It’s a true comfort food that offers a taste of the region’s culinary roots.

Patacones

A favourite side dish or snack, patacones are twice-fried green plantains. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with a sprinkle of salt and a dipping sauce. Perfect for munching on as you enjoy the ocean views.

Afternoon Snack

Bocas Style Tamales

Unlike the Mexican version, Panamanian tamales are wrapped in banana leaves and filled with a savoury mixture of meat, corn dough and spices. They are then steamed to perfection, creating a deliciously moist and flavourful snack.

Coconut-Based Sweets

Coconut lovers will rejoice in the array of coconut-based treats available. Try cocadas, which are sweet coconut macaroons, or enyucados, a dessert made from yuca and coconut, often enjoyed with a cup of local coffee.

Dinner

Arroz con Pollo

A staple in Panamanian cuisine, arroz con pollo is a flavourful one-pot dish made with rice, chicken, vegetables and a variety of spices. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that showcases the best of local ingredients and cooking techniques.

Sancocho

Another traditional favourite, sancocho is a hearty chicken soup made with yams, corn cilantro and a blend of local spices. This dish is not only delicious but also considered a cure-all, perfect after a day of island adventures.

Caribbean Curries

Influenced by the Afro-Caribbean population, curries in Bocas del Toro are rich and aromatic. They typically feature seafood or chicken cooked in a blend of coconut milk, curry spices and fresh herbs, served with rice and plantains.

Dessert

Tres Leches Cake

Finish your meal with a slice of tres leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, condensed and whole milk). It’s rich, moist and incredibly satisfying.

Flan

A creamy caramel custard, flan is a classic dessert enjoyed throughout Latin America. Its smooth texture and sweet caramel topping make it a delightful end to any meal.

Drinks

Local Beers and Rum

Panama boasts a selection of local beers that are perfect for a hot day. For something stronger, try the locally produced rum, which pairs wonderfully with the tropical flavours of the region.

Fresh Juices and Smoothies

Made from the island’s bounty of fruits, fresh juices and smoothies are a refreshing way to stay hydrated and enjoy the natural sweetness of tropical produce. Favourites include mango, papaya and passion fruit.

Bocas del Toro isn’t just a feast for the senses – it’s a culinary adventure waiting to be savoured. So, next time you’re in town, let your taste buds lead the way and discover the irresistible flavours of this tropical paradise. Cheers to good food and even greater adventures!

Dive Into Conservation: Protecting Panama’s Coral Reefs

Join us in Bocas Del Toro for our marine conservation expedition, where you can play a vital role in protecting the coral reefs and diverse marine life of the region. With this program, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to coral reef conservation efforts while diving into the depths of Panama’s underwater world.

No prior diving experience? No problem! We provide training for both Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications as an add-on. Divers of all levels are welcome to join our program.

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