Around the Panama Seafood Market

Yesterday I introduced the Panama seafood market by posting several pictures of the building located beside the Cinta Costera in Panama City, Panama.  I also indicated the building was a donation from Japan to Panama as a gesture of goodwill between the two countries during the administration of Guillermo Endara.  It was specifically designed for Panama—tailor-made so to speak.

The waters off the coast of Panama on the Pacific side are rich in seafood. The fishermen sell their fresh catches to wholesalers during the day who buy the entire load and resell the fish to retailers who in turn  place it in the hands of  the general public.  The prices here are much cheaper than those you’ll find in any supermarket in town.  This is the place to find bargains and stretch your hard-earned greenbacks.

You can find almost anything at this seafood market, like shrimp, octopus, clams, squids, fish and a whole lot of other fresh seafood products. The routine catch varies somewhat during the year, but there are several months that authorities impose restrictions on the shrimp and other catches to protect the fish population.  It’s called “the cuarentena.”

Below are some pictures of small businesses that take advantage of the customers coming to the market.  They also take in some revenue from this lucrative business.

 

Picture of small stands selling accessory products to customers arriving at the seafood market. All benefit from the seafood business. Notice the Panamanian and Japanese flags on the upper section of the building.  Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photograph of a colorful stand selling lemons and cilantro leaves at the entrance of the seafood market. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

A small business busy selling lemons, avocados, nance bottles, and tomatoes outside the seafood market. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Picture of an attractive young woman selling ceviche outside the seafood market. Ceviche is very popular amongst Panamanians, specially complemented with ice-cold beer. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Ceviche—also spelled as cebiche, seviche or cevice—is a form of citrus marinated seafood salad that originated in its current form in the Viceroyalty of Peru. One theory suggests that it got its name from the Quechua “siwichi”. However, it is likely to be a cognate of another Spanish word, “escabeche” (marinade), derived from the Arabic term “sikbaj”.

The dish is typically made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices such as lemon or lime and spiced with chilli peppers.   Additional seasonings such as onion, salt, and pepper may also be added. Ceviche is usually accompanied by side dishes that compliment its flavors such as sweet potatoes, lettuce, corn, or avocados.  As the dish is not cooked with heat, it must be prepared fresh to avoid potentially detrimental effects on the health of the consumer.

 

Photograph of a young woman selling Panama famous lottery tickets. Hardly will a Panamanian resist the temptation of buying a lottery ticket; it's embedded deep inside the Panamanian idiosyncrasy. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

 

There is an excellent restaurant on the second floor of the seafood market. You can actually buy whatever you want in the market and take it upstairs to the restaurant, where they will prepare it any way you like. This little place is one of the best kept secrets in Panama, and the food and service is excellent, as well as its moderate prices.

Next time you’re in the city, drop by the seafood market and understand more about the typical Panamanian lifestyle.  Good Day.

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