One of the many attributes of Panama is its melting pot, which we automatically transform into cooking pot. In Panama you can practically find all types of gastronomic flavors of the world and have the opportunity of tasting different types of typical foods of the country, such as: carimañola, gallo pinto (guacho), tamales, puffed crullers, suckling pig, fried tortillas, sugared plantain, chicken soup, rice with chicken, rice with coconut, squash puree, empanadas, fried plantain, chicheme, meringue, suspiros, huevitos de leche, to mention some.

The most famous liqueur processed in Panama is "Seco Herrerano" from the Province of Herrera, such as the famous Panamanian Chichita. Also processed is Ron Abuelo, obtaining the prize of one of the best flavored rums in the world. At the beginning of the year 2006, professionals from the world renown International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) related with cooking arrived to the country and gathered to talk about the culinary identity of Panama, the benefits of preserving this identity, how to create and promote better products, the chef-distributor-producer relation, and the most controversial matter, how to attract tourism by means of gastronomy. Panama is the second country in Latin America having the greatest number of members in the IACP, an organization formed by more than three thousand 500 members in 36 countries of the world (according to information from Bill Wallace of IACP).

Culinary Arts Academy of Panama (AAC). The Culinary Arts Academy was established on July 24, 2002 in the City of Panama by Chef Elena Hernández, who obtained the Grand Diplome from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu of Paris, France. Recently relocated in new, bigger and modern premises, the Culinary Arts Academy is the first private center of formal education offering professional cooking and pastry courses in our country.

To meet the great demand of qualified personnel in our country, the AAC is an excellent alternative for anyone who wishes to learn the essential tactics of cooking without the need to travel abroad where specialized schools on the subject are very expensive.

*For more information on Restaurants in Panama, go to HOTELS-RESTAURANTS Section.