Panama on your plate: Vegetarian dishes you should try
While Panama is known for its famous canal, there are a host of other local attractions that make it a beautiful destination on the travel list of many. Of these attractions, its food is regarded highly for its flavor and diversity, suiting everyone's tastes and preferences. If you are traveling to this gorgeous nation, make sure you tuck into these authentic Panamanian vegetarian offerings.
Arroz con Guandu
Arroz con Guandu is among the most popular vegetarian dishes in Panama. It is a rice dish filled with pigeon peas, cooked with a combination of ingredients like tomatoes, celery, and coconut milk. A staple for locals, it is creamy and aromatic in equal measure. A lot of traditional Panamanian spices are added to it, which makes it worth relishing for a good day.
Sopa De Arvejas
If you are into soups, Sopa De Arvejas will blow your mind away. It is a green pea soup that is loaded with authentic spices and veggies like onions, celery, red and green peppers, carrots, potatoes (optional), and of course, peas. A delightful combination of nutrition and flavor, locals usually prefer having it as an evening snack or dinner. Must try!
Patacones
Looking for the perfect Panamanian street food? Well, there's nothing better than patacones. Served with a spicy sauce, black beans, or guacamole, this snack is a deep-fried green plantain that is smashed with a mortar and pestle to flatten it and then fried again in oil until crispy. Locals typically use peanut oil or avocado oil, which makes it perfect for vegans too.
Hojaldre
Hojaldre is a savory puffy pastry dish that makes for the perfect breakfast for locals in Panama. It is a round flat fried roll, the dough of which is made of wheat flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, water, and oil. This crispy, chewy, and airy offering can be served with cottage cheese, assorted vegetables, or even savored as it is.
Tamale
Tamale is another amazing dish from Panama that you just can't miss out on. The vegetarian version of this food is made with steamed corn dough which is filled with a stuffing of cheese and vegetables. The combination is served with a banana leaf wrapped around it and for locals, it is a quick and delicious breakfast or evening snack.
