Due to its position as a world hub, Panama enjoys one of the richest culinary art in Latin America. This is evident as you stroll along Via Argentina. In less than five blocks you’ll find excellent restaurants offering a wide variety of food. Almost every category of food is found in this vibrating street in Panama City, Panama.
The culture, customs, and language of Panama is predominantly Caribbean Spanish. Panama has a very diverse population which is largely of mixed Spanish, Black, and Native American descent/ancestry.
The culture of Panama is derived from European music, art and traditions that were brought over by Spain to Panama. Hegemonic forces have created hybrid forms of this by blending African and Native American culture with European culture.
An example of Panama’s blended culture is reflected in the traditional products, such as woodcarvings, ceremonial masks and pottery, as well as in its architecture, cuisine and festivals.
Tourism is flourishing in Panama. Europe has become one of the key markets to promote Panama as a tourist destination. For example, the arrival of tourists from Europe to Panama grew by 23.1 percent during the first nine months of 2008. According to the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP), between January and September, 71,154 tourists entered the country from the Old Continent. This is 13,373 more than was reported last year.
Most Europeans who have visited Panama were Spaniards (14,820), followed by Italians (13,216), French (10,174) and British (8,833). From Germany, the most populous country in the European Union, Panama received 6,997 tourists.
In 2007, 1.4 million dollars were funneled into the Panamanian economy as a result of tourism. This accounted for 9.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the country, surpassing other productive sectors.
It was not surprising to me to find several Spanish restaurants at Via Argentina. Below are several pictures of the Bon Profit Restaurant which is one of many Spanish restaurants doing business in Panama.
View of the entrance of the Bon Profit Restaurant. Notice the attractive white ironworks which is called "pecho de paloma" (Pidgeon's Breast). The menu of the restaurant is found outside in Spanish and English. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)
A closer look of the Bon Profit Restaurant's sign. If you look closely, you will notice that the sign is a round frying pan. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)
Picture of a Spanish menu located at the entrance of the restaurant. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)
Photograph of an English menu on the outside of the Bon Profit Restaurant. As you can see, the specialty of the house is Paellas, Meats & Poultry and Sea Food. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)
If you love the Spanish cuisine, there are several options at Via Argentina waiting for you with open arms. Come on down! Good Day.
