THE BEST BITES UNDER $10 IN PANAMA
Panama’s food scene has so much to offer: swanky rooftops, rum tasting rooms and some of Latin America’s finest restaurants. The opportunities to eat out in PTY are truly endless, but who can afford that? Not this girl. In an attempt to tighten my purse strings over the past year, I’ve looked for ways to still grab a bite out, without spending a fortune. From happy hour specials to just downright cheap, I have come across some really great deals on food in town. I thought I’d put together my list of the best bites under $10 in Panama.
Happy hour specials Monday – Friday, 4-6
Delicious authentic meals for $4.50
Lucca Trattoria has locations throughout the city: El Cangrejo, Multiplaza and San Francisco. Monday through Friday enjoy their “After Office” promotions. A pizza margherita and huge gin and tonic set me back just $9.50. That’s a deal!!!
Mamá Gallina in Obarrio is the best fonda I have ever tried. It’s nothing fancy, but the food was seriously delicious and fresh with a huge grilled chicken breast, pico de gallo, rice, lentils, a good salad and chicha for $4.50. You can’t go wrong! Definitely one of the best bites under $10 in Panama.
Delicious bites, coffees and juices.
Tiempos Specialty Coffee is the beautiful café located in the posh American Trade Hotel in Casco Viejo. The snacks on offer range from empanadas and banana bread all “baked with love.” They pair perfectly with a delicious latte or Americano all for under $10.
The best arepas, empanadas and cachapas in PTY.
This super-busy, super-yellow food truck is the golden ticket when it comes to delicious arepas and other Venezuelan staples. In addition to numerous varieties of arepas, La Areparía also serves up some of the yummiest burgers, chicken sandwiches and pabellón criollo this side of Venezuela.
Amazing Wednesday taco specials: 3 or more for $1.50 each
Wahaka is a contemporary Mexican and Japanese fusion kitchen and bar located in Punta Pacifica. Don’t be fooled by the elegant interior: you can actually get a delicious meal here for under $10. Wednesday night, Wahaka offers up its delicious classic tacos for $1.50 each when you order three or more off their “special menu.” Add a delicious passionfruit margarita for just $5. My favorite best bite in Panamá under $10.
Heaping portions of Panamanian favorites at accessible prices.
El Trapiche is the go-to in PTY for the most delicious twist on local favorites. This traditional Panamanian eatery offers numerous options for under $10: sancocho, sandwiches and even Nashville hot chicken which is to die for. One of my personal favorites is their emparedado de ropa vieja served between two yummy hojaldres. Throw in a side of tostones or yuca for a full meal.
Pho, Rolls and Stir fry at an irresistible price.
Sen Vietnam is located on a side street in El Cangrejo. It consistently scores highly with PTY foodies who love a fantastic meal at a low price. Here, you can grab a hot bowl of Pho or crispy rolls stuffed with pork or shrimp for just shy of $10. If you’re like me, you’ll go home with food for the next day as well.
San Felipe Neri
Visit the fondas of San Felipe Neri and go home stuffed for a bargain price.
Mercado San Felipe Neri is not just a fresh food market brimming with fresh vegetables and meats, it’s also a place to get an affordable meal. Walk to the far end of the market and you’ll find the food stalls tucked away in the back. Here, grab a huge portion of local grub for around $5.
Daily specials and ceviche starting at just $3.
I am not a seafood girl, but on several occasions, people have recommended this spot as the best in ceviche at bargain price. La Bendición is located both in and outside of Mercado de Mariscos. Their restaurant is always packed. With bites starting at just $3 and daily specials coming in around $5, it’s not surprising.
Delicious pastries, coffees and 2×1 happy hour Monday-Friday 4-6.
I never use the word “divine,” but seriously, everything at Gamboa Baking Co is heaven-sent. From the homemade breads to the pastries, Brian Winz’s offerings are worth multiple trips to Clayton. He is a baking genius and his restaurant has such a great vibe. Grab a cup of coffee and a beyond perfect pastry for less than $10.
Delicious, traditional pies in the most delicious flavor combos.
El Rey de la Empanada is a popular spot near the Via Argentina metro station to grab several of these delicious, traditional street treats. These flavorful little pies come in under $2, so grab 3 or 4 and a yummy chicha for just under $10.
Snacks, breakfast, dips, burritos well worth the trip.
Snack Shack is Mahalo’s sister restaurant in Casco Viejo. The menu offers healthy and delicious dips, breakfasts, bowls, burritos and more with many delicious options coming in around $8. Treat yourself to something really special. Thank me later.
But wait, there are more ways to cut your food bill like regularly checking the websites and Instagram feeds like Oferta Simple and DeGusta. Much like Groupon, these sites often offer certificates or discounts to use in restaurants around Panamá City often at a savings of up to 50%. If I’m feeling lazy on a Friday night, I often find myself checking the Uber Eats “offers” tab or Pedidos Ya specials to have the best deals on food brought right to my door. Finally, I have even seen ads and emails from banks like Banistmo and BAC, promoting discounts of around 30% for using your debit or credit card at certain restaurants during the week.
Without a doubt Panamá has outstanding, high-end restaurants, but those options aren’t always practical or on budget. It’s easy to not only stretch your dollar, but to make eating out more often possible if you just know where to look.
What are your best bites under $10 in Panamá? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.