Panamanian food is similar to that of other Latin American countries, but is not particularly spicy. Corn in many forms is often found in Panamanian cuisine. Cooking is done mainly in oil. Fish, seafood and shellfish dishes are Panamanian specialties.

Other common foods in Panama include are pollo (chicken), ceviche (raw fish in lemon juice and cilantro), patacones (fried plantain slices), corvina (a white fish from the Pacific), and camarones (shrimp). Though a variety of fruits are grown in Panama, fresh fruit is not served in restaurants as often as in other countries; fruit can be purchased in outdoor markets and at stands along major roads.