En Panamá, la Navidad se come
By: Sra. D
Photos: Panorama de las Américas
December arrives with a festive spirit that unites people of all nationalities present in the isthmus. It’s a month of mingling and celebration: shared traditions, familiar aromas, cherished flavors, and music that awakens joy. The streets resonate with the sounds of Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico; the tables smell of Venezuelan ham bread and hallacas, turkey with gravy or cranberry sauce, and roasted pork with Panamanian tamales.
- December 1, 2025
Drinks of the time
In Panama, eggnog is a tradition that has been passed down through generations. The classic Minita rum punch is an essential part of the December celebrations, and in recent years, artisanal versions with flavors like amaretto, pistachio, or coffee have emerged. At coffee shops like Kokoma, Brew Coffee, or Momo Coffee, you can enjoy a delicious cup of specialty coffee with rum punch: aromatic and with a distinctive aftertaste.
At Amano bar, the season is celebrated with Christmas cocktails served in themed cups, ideal for toasting in style.
Breads and Sandwiches
The traditional egg bread is a must-have in many Panamanian homes during this time of year, and the Rimith brand remains a classic. At Deli Gourmet, you’ll find a homemade version and a reinterpretation in the form of a sandwich, made with phyllo dough and filled with turkey breast and cranberry sauce.
The combination of turkey and cranberry, so characteristic of the season, can also be enjoyed in the Christmas salad from Delicias Betzabé, ready to take away, or in the Thanksgiving sandwich from Miranda Bakery, which includes marinated turkey, stuffing and pumpkin bread.
If you have the opportunity to visit a Christmas buffet, be sure to try the traditional flavors: coconut rice and pigeon peas, turkey with gravy and baked ham, accompanied by the classic fruit dessert, a recipe with Afro-Caribbean roots that puts the sweet finishing touch on the celebrations.
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