Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City

Exploring Panama City’s diverse culinary landscape, the "Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour" promises an immersive experience for adventurous foodies. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour takes participants off the beaten path to discover hidden gems serving up authentic specialties. From renowned fried chicken to artisanal Italian-style ice cream, the $70 per person tour offers a tantalizing sampling of the city’s rich food and drink scene. However, the tour’s venture into lesser-known neighborhoods raises safety concerns for potential guests.

About Your Stay

• This small-group food tour explores a mix of authentic local eateries and hidden gems in Panama City, showcasing the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
• The tour includes sampling of local specialties like coffee, pastries, seafood, and mojitos, providing a well-rounded gastronomic experience.
• While the tour focuses on culture, some safety concerns have been raised regarding certain areas visited, which may impact guest comfort.
• Guided by a knowledgeable local, the tour offers insights into the city’s history and traditions, enhancing the overall cultural experience.
• Guests have provided positive feedback on the variety of local foods sampled and the opportunity to explore the city from a local’s perspective.

Tour Overview

The "Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour" in Panama City offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s diverse culinary landscape.

Rated 4.6 stars based on 10 reviews, the tour takes guests on a journey through hidden gems and local hotspots, with a maximum group size of 6 travelers.

Priced at $70 per person, the tour begins at 2:30 PM and departs from Plaza V Centenario.

Guests can expect to sample a variety of local specialties, including coffee, pastries, seafood, and the best mojitos in town, all while seeing the city’s unique culture and history.

Culinary Highlights

Although the tour explores a range of culinary offerings, it primarily focuses on authentic, flavorful local fare from hidden gems, avoiding luxury dining experiences.

Guests can sample local pastries, Chinese food, seafood and fried yuca, and Fonda the Black Door’s renowned fried chicken.

For sweets, the tour includes chocolate tastings and locally-made Italian-style ice cream.

The tour culminates with the best mojitos or other closing drinks.

All food and snack tastings are included, with guests having the option to purchase additional items separately during the experience.

Immersive Experience

As the tour explores areas typically avoided by travelers, it provides an immersive experience that allows guests to explore Panama City’s culinary landscape through a local’s perspective. The tour focuses on hidden gems, offering a raw culinary adventure that goes beyond luxury dining. Guests can expect to sample a diverse array of authentic, flavorful foods, from local pastries to Chinese delicacies and fried seafood. The experience culminates with the best mojitos or other local drinks, providing a well-rounded taste of Panamanian culture.

| Experience | Description |

| — | — |

| Authentic Cuisine | Sampling hidden gem eateries for a raw culinary adventure |

| Local Perspective | Guided by a knowledgeable local who provides insight into the city |

| Cultural Immersion | Exploring areas outside the tourist bubble to experience Panama City like a local |

| Diverse Flavors | Trying a variety of traditional Panamanian dishes and drinks |

Safety Considerations

While the tour offers an immersive culinary experience, participants have raised some safety concerns, particularly regarding certain areas visited.

The tour explores parts of El Chorrillo, which has a reputation for safety issues, especially after dark. The tour provider acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes that the tour focuses on safer sections of the neighborhood, which has seen positive changes.

The tour explores parts of El Chorrillo, known for safety issues, but focuses on safer sections that have seen positive changes.

However, some guests still reported feeling uncomfortable in these areas.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those requiring wheelchair accessibility, though it’s stroller-accessible and near public transportation.

Accessibility Information

How accessible is this food and drink tour in Panama City?

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible. The meeting point and most of the tour locations are near public transportation, making it convenient for those relying on buses or taxis.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to the amount of walking involved and some areas visited that may pose safety concerns.

Customer Feedback

The customer reviews for the Panama City food and drink tour highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guidance provided by the tour host, Jon.

Guests appreciated the opportunity to try a variety of local foods and experience the city through a local’s perspective.

However, some concerns were raised regarding the cleanliness and safety in certain areas visited, suggesting the need for clearer communication in the tour descriptions.

Exploring Panama City’s Local Gems

Though the Panama City food and drink tour ventures into areas typically avoided by travelers, the experience provides an opportunity to explore the city’s local gems.

The tour immerses guests in authentic culinary experiences, visiting hidden eateries and sampling diverse flavors. From Chinese food samples to local seafood and fried yuca, the tour offers a raw, flavorful journey.

Guests also enjoy chocolate tastings and indulge in Italian-approved ice cream, showcasing the city’s multicultural offerings.

The tour’s focus on off-the-beaten-path discoveries allows visitors to uncover Panama City’s vibrant, lesser-known food scene.

Questions About Your Stay

Do I Need to Be an Adventurous Eater to Enjoy the Tour?

While the tour is marketed towards adventurous eaters, it doesn’t necessarily require an adventurous palate. The tour provides a mix of local and familiar food options, making it accessible for travelers with varying culinary preferences.

Will the Guide Be Available Throughout the Entire Tour?

The guide, Jon, will be available throughout the entire tour. He provides a knowledgeable and friendly experience, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the variety of local foods and cultural insights offered on the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes all food and drink samples, so participants are advised not to bring their own snacks or drinks. The host will provide a variety of local flavors throughout the experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions That the Tour Can Accommodate?

The tour can accommodate various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests are advised to notify the tour operator in advance so they can cater to their specific dietary needs.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Food and Drink Establishments?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional food and drink establishments. Guests can discuss preferences with the knowledgeable guide to customize the experience and explore more of Panama City’s diverse culinary offerings.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The "Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour" in Panama City offers an immersive culinary adventure, showcasing authentic local specialties from hidden gems. While the tour provides valuable cultural insights, guests should be mindful of safety concerns in certain neighborhoods. The tour is a unique opportunity to explore Panama City’s vibrant local food scene.