Panama City: Afropanamanian Cooking Class & Shared Meal

Summary

Cook Panamanian & African dishes in Panama City with locals

You’ll join locals in a cozy Panama City kitchen to cook Afropanamanian classics like empanadas and coconut rice using fresh ingredients. Share stories as you chop, fry, and laugh together—then sit down for a lively meal with your group. It’s not just about food; it’s about feeling welcome at someone else’s table.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I showed up late because I got lost looking for the right building—my Spanish is still a work in progress. But as soon as I walked in, the smell of sautéed onions and something sweet (maybe coconut?) hit me, and suddenly it didn’t matter. Our host, Mari, waved me over with a big grin and handed me an apron before I could even apologize properly. There were already a few people chopping plantains at the counter, laughing about how uneven their slices were. I felt instantly at ease.

Mari started us off on empanadas—she showed us how to pinch the dough just so, though mine kept popping open at the edges. She didn’t mind; she said “that’s how you know it’s homemade.” We talked about her family’s recipes from both Panama and Ghana while stirring coconut rice (the steam smelled like home even though it wasn’t mine). At one point, someone tried to pronounce “mkate wa sinia” and everyone cracked up—honestly, I still don’t know if we ever got it right.

The best part was sitting down together at this long wooden table that looked like it had seen a hundred meals before ours. We passed bowls of jollof rice and seafood curry around until everyone had tried everything twice. It was loud and messy and honestly just felt good after so many days eating alone in restaurants. If you’re looking for a day trip cooking class in Panama City where you actually get your hands dirty—and maybe make some new friends—I’d say this is it. I still think about that coconut rice sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afropanamanian cooking and dining experience

• Prepare meals together with fresh ingredients
• Socialize and meet other travelers
• Share the food at the dining table

Top questions

What dishes will I learn to cook in this Afropanamanian class?

You’ll prepare dishes like empanadas, patacones, coconut rice, jollof rice, pilao rice, biryani, bacalao, pollo guisado, seafood curry, and mkate wa sinia.

Is everything provided or do I need to bring ingredients?

All cooking utensils and fresh ingredients are provided by the host.

How long does the cooking experience last?

The Afropanamanian cooking class lasts about 3.5 hours.

Where does the cooking class take place in Panama?

The experience is held in Panama City; exact location details are shared after booking.

Is there public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the venue.

Do we eat what we cook during the class?

Yes—you’ll share all the dishes you make together at a communal meal after cooking.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all fresh ingredients and utensils needed for every dish on the menu. After preparing everything together with your host and fellow travelers, you’ll sit down to enjoy all the food you’ve cooked as a group meal before heading out into Panama City again.