4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience

Explore the vibrant flavors of Panamanian cuisine with this guided cooking class and market tour. Travelers enjoy the local culture as they shop for fresh ingredients and learn to prepare traditional dishes under the expert guidance of Chef Jorge. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, this 4-hour experience promises a delightful culinary adventure in the heart of Panama City.

Key Points

• A 4-hour guided cooking class in Panama City that includes a visit to local markets to purchase fresh ingredients.
• Hands-on meal preparation with Panamanian staples like ceviche, carimañola, pollo guisado, tamale tipica, and plátano en tentación.
• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Late lunch is served after cooking, accompanied by complimentary cold bottled water and alcoholic beverages.
• The class is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers for a personalized and intimate experience.

Overview of the Cooking Class

This 4-hour guided Panamanian cooking class and markets experience takes travelers on a culinary journey through the heart of Panama City.

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars, the class is held in Panama City and includes a visit to local markets to purchase fresh ingredients.

Guests then learn to prepare a sample menu of Panamanian dishes, including ceviche, carimañola, pollo guisado, tamale tipica, and plátano en tentación.

The class accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers and includes a late lunch and complimentary beverages.

A small group size of 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience, complete with a late lunch and complimentary beverages.

Positive reviews highlight the chef’s expertise, the delicious food, and the engaging atmosphere.

Itinerary and Menu

The experience begins with participants meeting at Restaurante El Nacional, located in PH Plaza Catedral in Panama City.

The group then ventures to local markets to purchase fresh ingredients for the cooking class.

Back in the kitchen, participants dive into hands-on meal preparation. The menu features Panamanian staples like ceviche, carimañola, pollo guisado, and tamale tipica.

For dessert, they’ll enjoy plátano en tentación. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

After cooking, the group sits down to a late lunch comprising the dishes they prepared, complemented by cold bottled water and alcoholic beverages.

Included Amenities

The cooking class includes a late lunch based on the dishes prepared during the session.

Cold bottled water is provided, along with complimentary alcoholic beverages like sodas, juices, beers, cocktails, and wine.

These included amenities ensure participants can enjoy a satisfying meal and refreshments after their hands-on cooking experience.

The menu features a selection of Panamanian specialties, including a fresh ceviche, savory tamales, and a sweet plantain dessert.

These delectable dishes showcase the diverse flavors of Panamanian cuisine, providing a true taste of the local culture.

Participant Experience and Feedback

A maximum of 8 travelers can participate in the cooking class at a time, providing an intimate and engaging experience.

Participants consistently praise the class, highlighting the delicious food and enjoyable atmosphere. Key points noted in the reviews include:

Consistently praised for its delicious food and enjoyable atmosphere, with highlights including the chef’s engaging approach and positive participant interactions.

• Chef Jorge’s knowledgeable, humorous, and community-focused approach

• Positive interactions with other participants that enhanced the overall experience

• The class often exceeding the advertised 4-hour duration, sometimes lasting up to 6 hours

While the class duration may run longer than expected, travelers overwhelmingly recommend this Panamanian cooking experience for its authentic flavors and lively ambiance.

Additional Information

Though the cooking class isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed.

The legal drinking age is 18, so participants must be of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages. Booking confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The class location is near public transportation, so it’s easily accessible. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the market walk, and to consider having a snack before the class, as the meals are served at the end.

Pricing and Booking Details

This 4-hour guided Panamanian cooking class and markets experience is priced from $85.00 per person, with a lowest price guarantee. The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Booking confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Some key details to note:

• The class meets at Restaurante El Nacional, PH Plaza Catedral in Panama City.

• The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

• The legal drinking age is 18, so participants can enjoy the complimentary alcoholic beverages.

• Comfortable shoes are recommended for the market walk portion of the class.

Accessibility and Restrictions

The cooking class experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted.

The legal drinking age in Panama is 18, so participants of all ages can enjoy the class together. Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase.

The class location is near public transportation, making it easily accessible by various means. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes for the market walk portion of the experience.

Participants may also want to consider having a light snack before the class, as the meal is served at the end of the session.

What to Expect and Tips

Visitors can expect an immersive Panamanian culinary experience from start to finish. The guided cooking class takes guests to local markets to purchase fresh ingredients, then into the kitchen for hands-on preparation.

Participants will:

• Sample delectable starters like Panamanian-style ceviche and carimañola

• Enjoy hearty mains such as stewed chicken and traditional tamales

• Indulge in a sweet dessert of plantains in cinnamon and molasses

To make the most of the day, visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, consider a light snack beforehand, and be prepared for the class to extend beyond the scheduled 4 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code or Special Attire Required?

The cooking class doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable and casual clothing is recommended. Wear closed-toe shoes for the market walk. The focus is on the hands-on cooking experience, not formal attire.

Can I Purchase Ingredients or Food Items to Take Home?

Participants can purchase ingredients or food items to take home during the market visit portion of the cooking class. The chef provides guidance on local produce and specialties that can be easily transported.

What Is the Level of English Proficiency of the Cooking Instructor?

The cooking instructor, Chef Jorge, has excellent English proficiency. Participants praise his clear communication and engaging teaching style, allowing them to easily follow along and enjoy the full cooking class experience.

Is There an Option to Take the Class Privately or in a Smaller Group?

The class is offered in a small group setting with a maximum of 8 travelers. There’s no option to take the class privately. However, the intimate group size allows for personalized attention from the chef.

Can the Class Accommodate Dietary Restrictions Beyond Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free?

The cooking class can accommodate most dietary restrictions beyond just vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Participants with specific dietary needs should inform the host when booking to ensure their requirements are met.

The Sum Up

This 4-hour Panamanian cooking class and markets experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant flavors of Panamanian cuisine. Participants will visit local markets, select fresh ingredients, and prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of an expert chef. The class culminates in a delightful late lunch, allowing travelers to savor the fruits of their culinary efforts while immersed in the vibrant culture of Panama City.