Back towards the beginning of the year, CT and I learned that CT’s Sister’s Sister-in-Law would be getting married in Panama at the end of July. Why Panama? The Bride’s parents live down there now full-time. We learned that Panama has a huge ex-pat population mostly because it is so cheap and the U.S. Dollar is the functional currency down there. Since CT’s whole family is quite close with her brother-in-law’s family, we were all invited to the wedding. Since neither of us had been to Panama before, we decided to spend an extra couple days down there to explore the city and of course, the food. Join us the next couple of weeks as we eat PANAMA!
After a filling lunch at René Cafe and saying goodbye to CT’s parents so they could rest up before another pre-wedding celebration, we decided to explore a bit more. We read about the famous fish market, El Mercado de Mariscos and already decided that it would be a mandatory stop during our trip for their wide selection of super cheap ceviches. We saw the fish market from the cab when we first got into the city and noticed that it was pretty close to the B&B we stayed at. Since that day was the only time we would be in that area (we didn’t know how close our other hotel would be), we decided that our full stomachs be damned; we were going.
As with all good fish markets, it was right on the water. There was actually a nicely landscaped walking area bordering the water from downtown to Casco Viejo. I would be a little scared to go out on one of those fishing boats though.
The market is split up into two areas; inside, where you can get fish by the pound and outside, where most of the ceviche stands are.
The inside stands had a HUGE variety of fish that appeared and smelled super fresh. There was actually a restaurant on the second floor that will cook whatever you buy.
CT says: Uhh… there was?? If I had realized that, we would’ve been eating a whole second lunch!
It was pretty hard to figure out which stand to get ceviches from. I am sure the locals each have their favorites. Prices were the same everywhere. $1 for corvina(sea bass) and $2 for most everything else (shrimp, octopus, conch).
This stand seemed to be popular, so we ordered from there. The lady was kind enough to let us take her picture with all of the large jars of seafood goodness.
CT got the Camaron. As with all of the ceviches, they had a TON of onions along with the lime juice. The onions caused the ceviche to be somewhat spicy. The shrimp were quite large and delicious.
CT says: I was pretty shocked to see so much seafood for that price! It was so fresh and delicious. Of course, I would have preferred a little less onion, but at least there was plenty of shrimp and for $2, what more can I ask for? I really wish we had something like this in the city.
I got the Pulpo. I love all things octopus, so it wasn’t a question on which ceviche I would get. This did not disappoint with lots of octopus chunks throughout. Like the Camaron, it was also quite “spicy” and considering I was already full, it was too much to finish.
All in all, the fish market was AWESOME. I wish I could come for lunch at least once a week. I would be super full on $4 worth of food. Definitely check out the market if you have some time in Panama City.
Hungry says
Ooooh, that looks so good! I definitely would have tried the shrimp and octopus as well. Thought the concha negra looks enticing as well.
TT says
yea i like conch too, but this 2nd lunch was already pushing it. haha
CT says
I actually grabbed a small “combinacion” to bring to my parent’s hotel, and it included the conch. They really enjoyed it, and I obviously had to try another bite… all parts were delish!
Feisty Foodie says
I’d be so scared of raw-ish seafood from the street in a country I’m not familiar with. Actually I’d be scared here too, I passed when I went to Red Hook.
TT says
there was enough lime juice and onion to kill any germs. it was a fish market with a ton of vendors, not some random lady on the side of the road. also had plenty of locals eating it, that’s why we picked one of the more popular stands.
Feisty Foodie says
True, very good points.
T.C. says
I’d like the shrimp cerviche too or even try their langostino.
Too bad so many onions but at least there is a lot of seafood given. Nice!!
BeerBoor says
Damn, that’s some cheap ceviche! And since I prefer fish ceviche (knowing me, of course), that’s dirt cheap! I like Panama for two reasons now.
KimHo says
(Disclaimer: I lived in Panama “long enough” so my perspective might be skewed!)
For starters, “corvina” and shrimp would be the best options; if you are adventurous enough, pulpo would be the best next. Conch can be a bit of hit/miss. The reason is that, if it has been conch that has been marinated for long, it will lose its sweetness (believe me, conch is quite unique). Langostino (a crustacean larger than a prawn but shorter than a lobster; usually 6 to 8 inches) is usually a waste in ceviche. It is better when done Chinese style or, as done in some restaurants, lightly grilled.
Oh, notice I put corvina (as mentioned, a variety of sea bass) in quotes. It is said in a hush-hush way that some places make it with shark meat.
As for the amount of onions, that’s the one thing that people complain about it (not me, though). In a way, serves as a filler and impart that strong taste. Now, putting it into perspective, at least the pieces are large enough to scrap them around. Compared to other versions in Latin America, I will have to defend the Panamanian version: the Peruvian version is usually served with giant corn kernels which I find a bit mute at times. The Costa Rican version adds catsup. (No kidding here!).
Glad you enjoyed Panama. As for myself, again, because I lived there long enough, I don’t look at it form the same perspective…
TT says
Thanks for the input Kim. Interesting to hear a former local’s perspective.
Dimitris Rusodimos says
Contact me to explain all about ceviche in panama, we own 22 boats, over 60 years in seafood business, selling ceviche in Panama 20 years and 5 in USA, best regards,DRT