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Panama City·Cooking & Food
Silhouette of a person standing on a hill at sunset during the Portobelo Afro Caribbean tour in Panama City, Panama.
Three chefs in aprons preparing ingredients during an Afro Panamanian cooking class in Casco Viejo, Panama City.
Towering Bank of America Building at dusk, illuminated against a twilight sky in Panama City, Panama.
Roasted vegetables and garlic prepared for a cooking class in Casco Viejo, Panama City

Afro-Panamanian Cooking Class in Casco Viejo

5.0 ·

About this experience

Learn to cook and enjoy traditional Afro-Panamanian and African dishes in the heart of Panama City's historic Casco Viejo. This hands-on cooking class connects you with the rich culinary heritage of Panama's Afro-Caribbean community through authentic family recipes. Your host Chef Dave inherited these recipes from his mother, an excellent chef who passed down generations of cooking wisdom. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Dave guides you through each step of the cooking process with enthusiasm, humor, and professional expertise. The intimate kitchen setting at Casa de Horno creates the perfect atmosphere for learning and connection. Start by gathering and selecting fresh ingredients for the traditional dishes you'll prepare. Learn proper knife skills and cooking techniques as you work through the recipes. The menu features beloved Afro-Panamanian classics like Bacalao, the famous salt cod dish, and Arroz con Coco, coconut rice that is a staple of Caribbean cuisine. Once your dishes are prepared, sit down together with your fellow food lovers and dig into your freshly cooked creations. Chef Dave creates a welcoming, fun atmosphere where strangers become friends over shared plates and great conversation. Leave with new cooking skills, printed recipes to recreate the dishes at home, and a deeper appreciation for Afro-Panamanian culture. This experience shines a light on a culinary tradition that is unforgettable and truly needed for the community. Adults 18 and up only.

What you'll do

5.0 ·

698 reviews

Latasha

Latasha

McDonough, GA

· 1 week ago

Chef Dave was amazing. Great vibe. Delicious food. Fun group. Lots of laughs and fellowship. Would recommend to anyone in Panama and would definitely join Chef Dave if I'm ever here again. 10 out of 10.

Stephanie

Stephanie

Savannah, GA

· 1 week ago

From start to finish, this experience was wonderful! Chef Dave was personable, professional, knowledgable, and just FUN! I attended solo, but was lucky enough to be with a wonderful group of energetic and engaged fellow tourists. The meal was delicious, and Chef Dave shared his recipes afterwards. I'll definitely be trying these Afro-Panamanian dishes when I return home. This experience was absolutely outstanding and highly recommended. I am so grateful 🙏🏾

Linton

Linton

Chicago, IL

· 1 week ago

Chef Dave was a great teacher—picked up some new knife skills and other cooking tips. In addition to being great at cooking, he’s also a great facilitator and budding comedian 😂 can’t recommend this experience enough.

Kadijah

Kadijah

Orlando, FL

· 1 week ago

Amazing experience! So happy I came. The food was absolutely amazing and Dave cultivated a phenomenal atmosphere. Everyone was so friendly and engaged and we learned so much.

Veronica Theresa

Veronica Theresa

High Point, NC

· 1 week ago

Chef Dave is an unbelievable talent. His kitchen was the perfect setup to learn cooking skills and Afro-Panamanian pairings. Every confirmed f

Meet your host

Carlos

Carlos

Local Guide

698

Reviews

5.0

Rating

I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.

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Where you'll be

Map of Panama City, Panama

Panama City, Panama Province, Panama

Meet at Casa de Horno in Casco Viejo, next to Tantalo Hotel. C. 8a Este and Avenida B.

Things to know

Guest requirements

Adults 18 and up only. Beginner skill level welcome.

Activity level

Moderate. Standing and hands-on cooking for most of the class.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes, appetite for delicious food, camera (optional).

Allergies

Please notify us of any food allergies before booking.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

Bandit Guard

Every experience on Bandits is covered by our Bandit Guard protection. If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

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Vetted for quality

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Free cancellation
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