Where to Find Delicious Empanadas in Panama (and Why I’m Obsessed and always find them near me)
- Brownie
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
I love empanadas. Honestly, I think nearly every food culture has some version of them—
Samosas in India, dumplings in East Asia, maybe hand pies or pasties in parts of the U.S.?
But there’s just something about a warm, fried empanada—golden on the outside, soft and savory inside—that always pulls me in.
And in Panama? They’re everywhere—if you know where to look.
🥟 What to Know About Empanadas in Panama
In Panama, most empanadas are made with a corn flour dough (masa) and deep-fried.
You’ll typically find them filled with:
Ground beef (seasoned and rich)
Shredded chicken
Queso blanco (mild cheese, melty and satisfying)
Occasionally, you’ll come across versions made with wheat flour (a flakier pastry-like dough), but this is more unusual and typically found in cafes with international leanings.
Panamanians often enjoy empanadas as a snack, quick breakfast, or part of a casual lunch—sold in roadside kiosks, small cafés, or frozen by the dozen in supermarkets.
✨ My Favorite Empanadas in Panama
Nina Concept Store Café (Panama City)
This beautifully curated boutique near the mall blends retail and café culture in the best way. Their café serves wheat flour empanadas with shredded chicken and herbs—and they’re delicious. Subtle, flavorful, and totally unexpected.
The space is lovely too, with curated goods from around the world. Come for the shopping, stay for the snack.
Quesos Chela (La Chorrera)
This is a Panamanian institution. Located off the American Highway before you hit Coronado, Quesos Chela is where everyone stops on the way to the beach—and for good reason. Their empanadas are corn-based, classic, and satisfying. Pro tip: grab a Chicheme to go with your empanada, it's a cold, sweet corn/milk drink and very refreshing.
They also have a location in Panama City and a kiosk in the Panama City airport as of 2025, so you can get a taste on your way out (or right when you land).
Kilian (Farallon)
Kilian is a dinner restaurant hidden from the main road in the quiet town of Farallon. Their homemade empanadas stand out from others in Panama, featuring a dough that appears to be made from white corn, offering a filling yet light experience.
Frozen Finds (Supermarkets)
If you’re staying in a rental or apartment, head to the frozen section of:
Super 99
El Rey
Riba Smith
You’ll find pre-made empanadas in all varieties—beef, chicken, cheese, and even plantain. Toss them in the oven or air fryer for a quick, comforting bite.
🧺 Pro Tip: Pair with Hot Sauce
If you can find Ají Chombo, grab it. This spicy, vinegary Panamanian hot sauce adds the perfect punch to a cheesy or beefy empanada.
Final Thoughts
Empanadas might be humble, but they’re one of the most delicious, accessible bites in Panama—and every local has their favorite. Whether you’re grabbing one from a roadside stand or savoring a flaky version at a concept store café, don’t leave Panama without trying at least a few.
