(PanamaGringo)When most of us think about moving abroad one of the last things we consider is where we’re going to stock our cabinets. So it was funny to me that on my first day in Panama City after enjoying my morning cup of coffee and taking in the views I got ready and headed to the grocery store. It’s that daunting task that we all hate to do even in our home countries.
On my first grocery excursion in Panama I hit up Riba Smith in Mall Multiplaza in Punta Pacifica. After all of my time spent in this country I still consider this store as The Good among grocers in Panama. Riba Smith boasts probably the cleanest (aside from the grossly overpriced Kosher markets dotted throughout the city) stores in Panama and the freshest grocery store produce. The employees are usually friendly and helpful and they have a pretty large selection of liquor, wine and beer.
My second (and regrettably not last) grocery run in Panama took me to Super 99 in Punta Paitilla. While their employees are always courteous and the store is usually pretty clean I still consider Super 99 as The Bad among grocery store choices in Panama City. What they gain in conveniently being open 24 hours they seriously lack in quality of produce and meats.
My favorite, yet probably not the most convenient, way to grocery shop in Panama is to stroll the markets in Caledonia or El Cangrejo then stop at any fruiteria for essentials like bread, eggs and milk. While I call this option The Ugly it’s not the worst choice by any means. You will likely get some odd stares, maybe even a few random whistles (if you’re of the feminine persuasion) and probably smell some precarious things that aren’t really inviting or familiar, but it’s the best way to get fresh quality Panamanian produce.
Buying fresh and cooking is the only way you can expect to spend the Panamanian average on food costs. I also don’t recommend buying too many processed, packaged convenience foods such as frozen pizzas because you would probably be better off eating these items at café for about $4-$6 a pizza, and all of the work is done for you.