4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience

Seeking an immersive culinary adventure in Panama City? This guided 4-hour Panamanian cooking class promises just that. Participants will begin with a vibrant market visit to source fresh ingredients before heading to the kitchen. Under the guidance of knowledgeable chefs, they’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes like ceviche, carimañola, and pollo guisado. This hands-on experience not only teaches authentic cooking techniques but also provides cultural insights. With a maximum of 8 participants, the class ensures personalized attention. And as they savor a delicious lunch and complimentary beverages, foodies can look forward to an unforgettable culinary journey.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Cooking Classes In Panama City.

Key Points

• A 4-hour hands-on cooking class to learn Panamanian cuisine, including ceviche, carimañola, pollo guisado, and traditional tamales.
• Small group experience (max 8 travelers) with personalized attention from knowledgeable chefs and market visits for fresh ingredients.
• Inclusive menu with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and complimentary alcoholic beverages.
• Highly rated class (5-star reviews) for its authentic dishes, engaging instruction, and cultural insights.
• Conveniently located in Panama City, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Overview of the Cooking Class

The Panamanian cooking class offers a 4-hour guided experience that includes a visit to local markets to purchase fresh ingredients for preparing a traditional Panamanian menu.

With a maximum of 8 travelers per class, this hands-on cooking class has earned a Badge of Excellence based on 47 positive reviews.

The class takes place in Panama City and is led by engaging and knowledgeable chefs.

Participants can expect to learn how to make Panamanian favorites like ceviche, carimañola, pollo guisado, and tamale tipica, as well as a sweet plantain dessert.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

The class includes lunch, bottled water, and complimentary alcoholic beverages, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

Cooking Class Details and Menu

The class’s menu features a sampling of Panamanian staples, starting with a refreshing Panamanian-style ceviche made with fresh corvina and carimañola, a mashed yucca dish stuffed with meat or vegetarian fillings.

The main courses include pollo guisado, a stewed chicken dish flavored with local herbs, and tamale tipica, a traditional corn masa filled with meat or vegetables.

For dessert, you will enjoy plátano en tentación, sweet plantains seasoned with cinnamon.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, ensuring a diverse and inclusive culinary experience.

The menu showcases the vibrant flavors and traditional techniques of Panamanian cuisine, providing a hands-on opportunity for participants to enjoy the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The meeting point for the Guided Panamanian Cooking Class is at Restaurante El Nacional, PH Plaza Catedral, in Panama City. The class ends at the same meeting point.

While near public transportation, the location isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The key meeting and pickup details include:

• Meeting point: Restaurante El Nacional, PH Plaza Catedral, Panama

• End point: Returns to the meeting point

• Near public transportation, not wheelchair accessible

• Confirmation received at booking

• Legal drinking age: 18

This cooking class provides a convenient and centralized starting and ending location for participants to enjoy the full Panamanian culinary experience.

Participant Experiences and Reviews

Participants have overwhelmingly praised this Guided Panamanian Cooking Class, awarding it a 5-star rating across 47 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the engaging and knowledgeable chefs who guided them through the hands-on cooking experience using fresh local ingredients.

Many enjoyed the market visits and the cultural insights they gained, describing the class as an authentic and delightful experience.

The food prepared during the class, including Panamanian specialties like ceviche, carimanóla, and platano en tentación, received high praise, with participants recommending recreating the recipes at home.

While some noted the class ran longer than advertised, they still thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience.

Availability and Booking Details

This Guided Panamanian Cooking Class offers a flexible booking experience, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the activity.

Travelers can conveniently meet at the designated meeting point, Restaurante El Nacional in Panama City, with the class ending at the same location. While the class isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s situated near public transportation options.

The booking process includes:

• Confirmation received at the time of booking

• Legal drinking age for alcoholic beverages is 18

• Operated by Panama Day Trips, with prices starting from €79.68

• Maximum of 8 travelers per class

• Duration of the experience is approximately 4-5.5 hours.

Dietary Accommodations and Inclusions

The cooking class offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to accommodate various dietary needs.

Participants will enjoy a sample menu featuring Panamanian classics like ceviche, carimañola, stewed chicken, and traditional tamales, along with a sweet plantain dessert.

The class includes a full lunch, bottled water, and complimentary alcoholic beverages.

The chefs work with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to prepare these authentic dishes, providing a truly immersive culinary experience.

Whether you’re looking to expand your Panamanian cooking repertoire or simply enjoy a delicious meal, this class has a lot to offer.

With a maximum of 8 travelers per session, you’re sure to receive personalized attention and guidance from the knowledgeable instructors.

Duration and Accessibility Information

The cooking class lasts 4-5.5 hours, beginning with a visit to local markets to gather fresh ingredients.

Although not wheelchair accessible, the meeting point is located near public transportation. Participants can freely cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the class starts.

The class experience includes:

• A maximum of 8 travelers per group

• Structured around a 4-hour guided Panamanian cooking session

• Hands-on preparation of a multi-course menu

• Lunch, bottled water, and complimentary alcoholic beverages

• End point returns to the original meeting location

Praise for Authenticity and Hospitality

Participants consistently praised the authenticity of the dishes prepared during the Panamanian cooking class, remarking on the chefs’ mastery in showcasing the vibrant flavors of local ingredients.

Plus, travelers commended the friendliness and hospitality of the staff, who provided a welcoming and immersive cultural experience throughout the class.

Many noted the chefs were engaging and knowledgeable, guiding participants through the hands-on cooking with care and enthusiasm.

The staff’s attention to detail and passion for sharing their culinary traditions contributed to an enjoyable and authentic learning experience.

Participants left the class with a deeper appreciation for Panamanian cuisine and a desire to recreate the delicious dishes at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

The cooking class does not have a strict dress code. Comfortable, casual attire is recommended, as you will be actively involved in cooking. Closed-toe shoes are suggested for safety in the kitchen environment.

Can Participants Bring Guests or Family Members to the Class?

Participants can generally bring guests or family members to the class, as long as the total number in the group does not exceed the maximum of 8 travelers per class. It’s recommended to check with the tour operator to confirm the policy.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Class?

The class has a maximum of 8 travelers, but there is no minimum number of participants required. The experience can run with as few as 1 person joining the guided cooking class.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cooking Class?

The cooking class does not have any age restrictions. It is open to participants of all ages, though the legal drinking age for complimentary alcoholic beverages is 18 years old.

Can Participants Take Home the Recipes They Learn During the Class?

Yes, participants can take home the recipes they learn during the Panamanian cooking class. The class provides participants with all the recipes for the dishes they prepare, allowing them to recreate the authentic flavors at home.

Recap

This Panamanian cooking class offers an immersive cultural experience.

Guests explore a vibrant market, learn traditional recipes from knowledgeable chefs, and enjoy a delicious homemade lunch.

With a small group size, the class provides personalized attention, enabling participants to master authentic cooking techniques.

Whether a food enthusiast or cultural explorer, this class promises an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of Panama City.