Typical Panamanian cuisine is a vibrant and diverse mix of African, Spanish, and Native American dishes and ingredients. Though being said, Panamanian foods are generally much milder than that of their neighbours – with less spice than the likes of Mexico and Columbia. Common ingredients include things such as rice and maize, yuca and plantain and simple, readily accessible meats such as beef, chicken and of course seafood.
Popular dishes in Panama include arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), ceviche (raw seafood and fish), bollos (mashed corn cooked in a banana leaf), carimañola (meat pies similar to empanadas), and fried plantains. International dishes such as Ropa vieja beef stew and Sancocho soup are also popular throughout Panama.