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Panama’s food scene continues to track attention and accolades from around the world. A new article in Forbes touts the local culinary scene as “one of the most exciting in the region,” under the headline, “Put Panama On Your List Of Culinary Destinations For 2026.”

Of course, for people familiar with Panama, this is hardly a new idea. We recently reported that two Panama City restaurants, Maito and Cantina del Tigre, recently were named among the Best in Latin America.

But the Forbes article definitely captures the elements of the growing culinary industry.

“Aside from being home to superlative natural beauty and biodiversity, a rich history and culture, and iconic landmarks like the Panama Canal,” Claudia Alarcón writes, “Panama is a gastronomic melting pot in which Indigenous, Afro-Antillean, Spanish, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean traditions meet, creating a vibrant tapestry of flavor that’s uniquely Panamanian.”  

Variety is a big part of Panama’s allure. From fresh seafood to the world’s most expensive coffee, Panama is full of treats and surprises.

“If you only have a few days to spend, you won’t need to leave the city to find fantastic food and drink experiences, from tastings of the famed Geisha coffee in various locations and hands-on chocolate making demos at the Cacao and Chocolate Museum, to craft beer at La Rana Dorada and local rum at Pedro Mandinga.” 

Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover program makes it easy for travelers to spend a few days in Panama exploring the cuisine, the article notes.

“Panama’s culinary scene is one of the most exciting in the region – rooted in indigenous tradition, enriched by Afro-Caribbean influence, and inspired by global flavors that have passed through our canal for more than a century,” says Marco Ocando, senior vice president of marketing for Copa Airlines. “Through the Panama Stopover program, we’re inviting travelers to go beyond the menu and immerse themselves in this culinary heritage—even if just for a few unforgettable days on their journey.”

The article lists many great restaurants worth checking out, including the five restaurants in Hotel La Compañía Casco Antiguo, the icon of  Panama City’s historic UNESCO-listed district, which is one of Copa’s stopover program partners.