Street Food Tour Panama City (25+ tastings) By Paradox Experience
Recommended by 99% of travelers
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Panama City, Panama
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- Alcoholic BeveragesRum & Secret Mixer
- Natural Juices
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Panamanian Treats
- Panamanian Street Food Samples
- Private transportation
- Parking Fees
- Gratuities
- Sign Language Interpreter
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Olivares Seafoodmercado del marisco panama mercado del marisco, calle 75, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
We’ll all meet at the entrance of the fish market, right under the main sign.
End point
- Cafe Coca ColaAv. Central España, Panamá, Panama
We end up outside the oldest restaurant of the city.
Start time.1:00 pm
Itinerary
1
Mercado De Mariscos Cinta Costera
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
San Felipe Neri Public Market
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Avenida Central
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Soccer Field Panama
1 hour 40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 155 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
This was an incredible experience! I am so thankful that they did the tour, even though we were such a small group. The history, the culture, the people all the things encountered throughout. This tour was truly amazing. There was also so much food and tastings I was so incredibly full by the end of it. I will definitely come back to Panama and book this tour just to see Elena and Jonathan.
The tour also help me become more familiar with the area I was staying in and the places and recommendations to eat are top-notch. I was able to explore and eat at many of the recommendations they give at the end of the tour and overall this is just incredible! Thank you so much!
Run don’t walk to this experience! It could not have been more organized. They thought of every single detail from eating utensils to big and little fans. The knowledge and passion was felt from beginning to end! We ate fantastic food from super clean food purveyors. They feed you until you burst… the “sample sizes” were huge and delicious. Thank you to Elena and Johnathon and of course to there amazing crew of Arron and Isaac (they were rockstars also). Continued success to this fantastic tour group!
I have done many travel cooking classes and food tours most recently from Singapore to Bangkok and everywhere in between. As great as many of those food tours were, this is by far the best ever!
If you enjoy food and getting to know a new culture and city, food tours are certainly the best way to do this. It’s especially true if you are a solo traveller. A shared experience is the best. You meet new people and witness new things together. It’s all about perspective and not only yours but those of your companions on the adventure.
That said, this Food tour of Panama City Panama was all I could hope for. From the wet market Seafood market where it all began with a sampling of many unique ceviche to the street food in an area undergoing profound gentrification. The food and the portions were perfectly choreographed. We were surrounded by guides who knew just what we needed before we even knew what we needed.
The stories shared non stop just like the food tastings were so done you want for nothing and you will not leave hungry.
Technically I put in 5000 steps. We sat and enjoyed food and then moved on to our next stop with a single ear piece to clearly hear everything our tour guide was sharing, Very cool and practical way to hear over the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city. Our tour was in English and brilliantly executed from start to finish.
I also like the personal nature of the tour and particularly how it culminated with some of the best tastings in the most unsuspecting yet amazing place.
It was heart felt and profound. I most certainly will never forget this day.
THIS TOUR WAS AMAZING!!! Jonathan and Elena (along with their team) took great care of the group. We sampled the best foods and juices for 5 hours!!! Money well spent!! They provided history and connection to the food scene of Panama. We visited several neighborhoods and sampled authentic ethnic foods of the county. We watched soccer practice, ate grilled chicken and chili dogs and got all the best details about where to shop and eat. This tour is PERFECT for someone moving to Panama or someone who wants to immerse themselves in the culture and food of the city. Jonathan, Elena and their team were professional and personable, they paid attention to details. They provided details about the food we ate and made accommodations for any food allergies. If you are visiting Panama for the first time or looking for good places to eat, THIS TOUR IS A MUST!
This was an amazing and very authentic experience! Johnathon and Elena put a lot of effort and time in focusing on the details of the food, the places and the experience as a whole. This activity is a must!
The experience was amazing, the food awesome.
Johnathan and Elena are very knowledgeable about the history of Panama. Their AWESOME!!!!
Thank you so much!! Jamie
This was way more than a food tour. It was everything. Food, historical. Cultural. Everything about Panama. It was well worth it. Lovely couple tour guides who loves Panama. I highly recommend.
I cannot recommend this experience enough. Not only did they think of everything and plan this trip meticulously, they took us waaay off the typical path of food tours. We didn't even go into Casco Viejo, we went to the really places that Panamanians eat. Including street food in their own neighborhoods. It was incredible. We went back to as many spots as we could and ate over and over again- we even brought food back to the states! PLEASE if you're looking for a food tour-choose this one!
The tour was AMAZING. You get to visit and learn about parts of the city that other tour guides won't take you to. The hosts were wonderful, pleasant and eager to address any concerns and assist. I would recommend this tour to anyone going to Panama because you'll get the real Panamanian experience. I had a blast!
If you’re visiting Panama City and want an experience that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions, book the Street Food Tour in Panama (20+ Flavors) with Paradox Experience immediately. This was easily one of the most authentic, flavorful, and culturally immersive experiences of my trip.
From hidden local gems to bustling neighborhood markets, every stop introduced us to incredible flavors and the real heartbeat of Panama. The food was outstanding, with an amazing variety of traditional dishes, tropical drinks, fresh seafood, Afro-Caribbean flavors, and local specialties that I never would have discovered on my own. Come hungry, because 20+ flavors is no exaggeration!
What truly made this experience exceptional, though, was the storytelling and cultural connection. The guides were knowledgeable, personable, and passionate about Panama’s history, people, and traditions. It felt less like a tour and more like being welcomed into the community by friends.
I also appreciated that the experience was thoughtfully organized, interactive, and respectful of the local neighborhoods we visited. Every detail felt intentional and authentic.
If you love food, culture, meaningful travel experiences, and seeing the “real” side of a destination, this tour is an absolute must. One of the best tours I’ve ever done, anywhere.
Highly recommend this tour. It's not just a food tour but insights into authentic Panamanian lifestyle. Amazing guides! You will be full and maybe a little tipsy by the end of the tour.
It was a well rounded event full of history and good food. The host were extremely mindful of my dietary restrictions and though we were walking it was sanitary
Overall, this was a good tour. There were plenty of samples to try. What other people might need to know is that the middle part of the tour was inside a market that had no air flow and very little seating available. While the tour guides did give us hand fans, they didn't offer any water after we started. We had to ask twice before they offered us a water bottle "we will have drinks soon". Guests - make sure to bring your own water bottles.
In addition, this tour ended up being closer to 5 hours long. The last 1-1.5 hours was the best part, though, so my suggestion to Elena and Johnathon would be to cut down on the market part (less talk, less salsa, less standing still) and move on.
That being said, we did learn a lot and get to have some great bites. Their passion for food and their communities was highly evident.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for joining us and for taking the time to share your feedback.
Our Street Food Experience was intentionally designed to be immersive, intense, and deeply connected to the reality of Panama beyond the traditional tourist areas. Throughout the experience, guests are introduced to more than 25 different flavors, including traditional foods, desserts, specialty beverages, and even Geisha coffee.
Regarding beverages, we would also like to clarify that drinks were provided repeatedly throughout the experience. Guests were introduced to 6 different natural fruit juice flavors inside the local market, and for those who wished to further support the local entrepreneurs and vendors, additional drinks could also be purchased directly from them. Beyond the tasting portion, we also provide unlimited 16oz beverages for the remainder of the tour as part of the experience.
The markets we visit are authentic working-class community spaces, not curated tourist attractions, so they can sometimes feel hot, crowded, loud, and intense — which for many travelers becomes part of what makes the experience feel so real and memorable.
We appreciate the feedback regarding pacing and comfort, and we’ll continue refining those details moving forward. At the same time, we’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed the food, learned a lot throughout the experience, and connected with the passion we have for Panama’s culture and local communities.
Thank you again for being part of the experience.
This was a great experience! The team worked very hard to make sure everyone could hear and were safe and comfortable the whole time. This was so much more than a food tour. If you are looking for a tour with great food where you can also experience and learn about the real culture of the area, this is it. I loved getting to interact with the local people.
The experience completely surpassed my expectations! I’ve been on food tours before, but this was unlike anything else — full of fun, education, laughter, and incredible food.
Ellena, Jonathan, and the entire team were so welcoming, hospitable, and genuinely fun to spend time with. At the beginning of the tour, everyone feels like strangers, but by the end, you truly get to know Ellena, Jonathan, and even members of the crew. They all work together so seamlessly to make sure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and has an amazing experience.
Everything was phenomenal — the food, the drinks, the energy, and the vibes. But what made this tour truly special was the deeper purpose behind it. They educate you about Panama in such an honest and meaningful way, including the realities of communities that many tourists may never otherwise see. It was eye-opening, humbling, and beautifully done.
They also introduce you to restaurants and local spots you’d probably never find on your own, while giving amazing recommendations throughout the tour. The entire experience was filled with emotion, unforgettable stories, laughter, history, and the raw truth.
My partner and I were especially lucky because the day we booked happened to be during a neighborhood anniversary celebration. The tour ended right in the middle of the block party, and it was truly the cherry on top of an already incredible day. The locals welcomed us so warmly, and it was heartwarming to witness such a beautiful sense of community — kids running around, music blasting, people dancing and celebrating together while I enjoyed an ice-cold Balboa.
This tour was more than just food — it was connection, culture, history, and community. I cannot recommend it enough.
I wanted to share my enthusiastic recommendation for the Street Food Tour by Paradox Tours when visiting Panama. The tour is led by a thoughtful and highly competent team who ensure every detail is covered for the best possible experience.
It’s a walking tour, so I suggest wearing comfortable, preferably enclosed shoes in case it rains. The walking is not excessive, with plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy the food. The tour wonderfully blends local cuisine with cultural insights.
Our guide, Elena, was incredibly knowledgeable about both the food and the culture. The tour departs promptly, so it’s important to be on time. Many thanks to Jonathan, Luis, Melqui, Isaac, and Elena for a memorable experience. Special thanks to Aron for his exceptional care of a deaf member of our group, and a shout-out to a fellow guest celebrating a birthday.
I highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Panama.
What a great experience! The team was super professional, organized and extremely friendly. This food tour was the highlight of my visit to Casco Viejo. We had some much food to taste and the team was very knowledgeable about the various foods and areas that we visited. I was solo but felt very much at home!
Johnathan and Elena provided an exceptional experience that provided great food, great experiences and a look into the everyday lives of the Panamanian people. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to see the real Panama and not just the touristy version. They are efficient , attentive and professional and their staff is top notch.
One of the best food and cultural tour we have experienced. Highly recommended. Do not miss this tour. We tried many delicious foods and saw parts of the city not normally included. We loved this tour.
I had an amazing experience on the Street Food Tour in Panama (20+ flavors) with Paradox Experience, booked through Viator. Everything from start to finish was excellent!
The variety of food was incredible—so many authentic flavors, and every stop was delicious. I especially loved how we got to try a wide range of local dishes that I wouldn’t have found on my own.
What really stood out was how informative the tour was. Our guide shared so much knowledge about Panamanian culture, history, and the stories behind the food, which made the experience even more meaningful.
Our Street Food Tour in Panama City with Paradox Experience was easily one of the highlights of our trip. From start to finish, it was incredibly informative, not just about the food, but about the culture, history, and everyday life in Panama. Each stop introduced us to new flavors (20+ is no exaggeration), and everything was explained in a way that made it feel meaningful, not just like a tasting. What really stood out, though, was the people. The guides made us feel less like tourists and more like family. They were warm, genuine, and deeply passionate about what they do. They openly shared their personal stories and upbringing, which added such a powerful, human element to the experience. You could truly feel how much they love their community, and that pride came through in every part of the tour.
It wasn’t just about eating, it was about connection, understanding, and appreciation. We left full, happy, and with a much deeper respect for Panama and its culture. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the city.
I had a great experience. Not only was the food great, we also were welcomed into a resilient community where the people shared their food, dance, drink, and history with us. The tour guides were very professional and knowledgeable; they also fostered a family oriented environment.
This was an amazing food tour. We truly enjoyed the experience. Great food and great hosts. A true taste of Panamá.
This was an Anthony Bourdain experience … local culture, history, and food … as a local! This was the best food tour I’ve been on, and my teenage daughter concurs!
If you have to choose a food tour or tour in general, DO THIS ONE!! This was an amazing street food tour! The food was absolutely delicious, everything I tried I loved! The food portions are bite sized but you try 20+ flavors and you end up being pretty stuffed by the end of it! The guides were awesome too. It was really cool how they took us into different areas that usually a tourist probably wouldn’t travel to. Their knowledge of the historical area was phenomenal and I was so fascinated by their descriptions. We loved it!
I don't think I can adequately explain how fantastic this tour/experience was in words. Not only did it feel my belly, but it fed my soul. I didn't think I could love Panama more. I feel honored to have participated. Everyone who loves the food and culture connection should experience this tour. 5 stars aren't enough.
Absolutely phenomenal tour guides with an extraordinary passion for Panama. Great food—but even better stories and insights to the city and its neighborhoods.
You can tell that the staff really cared about what they were doing. It was very clear that they were passionate about their company, country, the food and the culture. I think they did an amazing job at having a mixture of food, city tour, and culture. Highly recommend.
This was way more than a food tour. The guides were highly knowledgeable and entertaining. The food was delicious, the scenery was amazing. This is a great starter or finisher to your visit in Panama
Elena and Jonathan’s knowledge runs deep, they live and work within the community, which comes through in every story they share. They also gave additional food recommendations for the rest of our stay
We’ve taken many food tours in various countries, which are typically hit and miss. They are well organized and believe in supporting their community.
We highly recommend this tour!
Wonderful experience the guides were exceptional very knowledgeable humble and gave an insight into local culture snd life
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