Esencias Panameñas

04/24/2025

Back to work doesn’t mean your meals have to be boring! When the cafe is closed and you're tired of leftovers, spice up your weekly meal routine with the bold, authentic flavors of Panama! Whether you’re craving crispy empanadas for a quick bite, savory tamales for a hearty lunch, or fresh fish to end your day right, check out our menu.

Skip the stress of cooking and let us bring the flavors straight to your table with easy pickup, delivery, and even shipping options. Because good food shouldn’t just be for special occasions—it should be part of your everyday joy! Order now and make every meal something to look forward to!

04/20/2025

Sweet, buttery, and full of tropical goodness—today, we’re celebrating National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day! This classic dessert is the perfect balance of caramelized pineapple, rich cake, and that irresistible golden topping that makes every bite pure bliss. Whether you grew up loving this nostalgic treat or you’re trying it for the first time, there’s no better day to indulge!

So, who’s ready for a slice (or two)? Celebrate with us and treat yourself to this timeless favorite!

04/18/2025

Happy Easter weekend to all who celebrate. Today, we celebrate renewal, joy, and togetherness—best shared over a table filled with love and tradition. Whether you’re enjoying sweet Easter buns, a flavorful feast, or simply good company, may your day be filled with blessings and delicious moments.

04/15/2025

We arrive early, set the scene, come prepared, and consistently communicate to make your day special. Catering brings us so much joy. We get to serve our local community and share our passion with you, cooking authentic Panamanian food.

Esencias Panameñas offers full-service catering. Whether it's weddings, birthdays, family events, or just a get-together with friends, we're here to help.

Click the link in our bio to see our catering menus, or let us help you create a custom menu of your own!

04/10/2025

Tomorrow April 11th last day to order your Easter buns!

Celebrate Easter with a taste of tradition! Our homemade Panamanian Easter Buns are soft, lightly sweet, and filled with warm spices—just like the ones abuela used to make. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat after dinner, these buns bring the perfect touch of nostalgia and flavor to your holiday table.

Our buns are rich and loaded with lots of fruits and raisins. Enjoy your Easter bun “sandwich-style” with a slice of chedder cheese or on it's own. Easter just isn’t Easter without our Easter buns!

Made fresh and available for pickup, delivery, and shipping, so you can enjoy this Easter favorite no matter where you are! WE SHIP TO ALL 50 STATES! The last day to order is Friday, April 11th so don’t wait—order yours today and make this season even sweeter! Click the link in bio to place your order!

04/08/2025

Happy National Empanda Day! Golden, crispy, and filled with flavor! Our authentic Panamanian empanadas are made fresh with the perfect balance of crunch and savory goodness. If you have an empanada craving and can't wait to sink your teeth into one, make your own at home. Check page 47 of my book, Panama on a Plate, for all the info you need to make my delicious empanadas.

Happy National Empanada Day! Golden, crispy, and packed with flavor—our authentic Panamanian empanadas are a must-try! Want to make your own at home? Grab my book, Panama on a Plate, and check out page 47 for the full step-by-step recipe!

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

🔸 Dough: Flour, salt, sugar, shortening, butter, water, vinegar
🔸 Filling: Ground meat (or vegan alternative), onions, seasonings, sauces, tomato paste
🔸 Egg Wash: For that perfect golden finish!

Get all the details in Panama on a Plate and start cooking! Click the link in bio to order your copy!

04/04/2025

Craving a new snack? We’ve got just what you need! Esencias Panameñas ships nationwide, bringing the bold flavors of Panama straight to your door! From crispy fried treats to mouthwatering tamales and fresh ceviche, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a longtime fan of Panamanian food or ready to try something new. Don’t miss out—head to our Shippable Items page and order your favorites today! Click the link in bio to get yours!

https://esenciaspanamenas.com/product-category/shippable/

03/31/2025

Celebrate Easter with a taste of tradition! Our homemade Panamanian Easter Buns are soft, lightly sweet, and filled with warm spices—just like the ones abuela used to make. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat after dinner, these buns bring the perfect touch of nostalgia and flavor to your holiday table.

Our buns are rich and loaded with lots of fruits and raisins. Enjoy your Easter bun “sandwich-style” with a slice of chedder cheese or on it's own. Easter just isn’t Easter without our Easter buns!

Made fresh and available for pickup, delivery, and shipping, so you can enjoy this Easter favorite no matter where you are! WE SHIP TO ALL 50 STATES! The last day to order is Friday, April 11th so don’t wait—order yours today and make this season even sweeter! Click the link in bio to place your order!

03/27/2025

Bring the flavors of Panama straight to your kitchen. Whether its golden carimanolas to hearty tamales and rich candied sweet plantains, this cookbook is your passport to authentic Panamanian cooking. Don’t just taste it—make it! Order your copy today at the link in bio!

03/10/2025

Warm up your weekend with a bowl of comfort! Our Soup Saturday is back! Pair your soup with our crispy, golden appetizers for the ultimate cozy combo. Don’t miss out—Soup Saturday is calling!

Click the link in our bio to get your order in today! 🥣

03/05/2025

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of penance and preparation for Easter. Today, we embrace meatless meals like hearty soups, fresh seafood, and comforting bread, honoring tradition with every bite.

During Lent people traditionally abstain from eating meat and instead reach for eat seafood like fish, eggs, dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

03/02/2025

The Panamanian Carnaval is a colorful, joyous festival that takes place over the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday. It's a celebration of music, dance, and tradition that attracts visitors from around the world. The festivities are held in nearly every city and town in Panama. Carnaval includes parades, floats, live music, and the crowning of a Carnaval Queen.

The final parade is called the "Entierro de la Sardina" or "Burial of the Sardine". The Carnaval Queen leads the parade like a funeral procession, carrying a symbolic sardine to its burial spot. The weekend following Ash Wednesday is known as “Carnavalito” (or little Carnaval). The festivities end with a symbolic event that marks the beginning of Lent, where the excesses of Carnaval are replaced by a period of reflection.

The Carnaval is a tradition that was originally celebrated by Roman Catholic societies, but has become a party for all races and religions. It's a time to let go before the 40 days of Lent.

Gastronomy

02/25/2025

Panama is in Central America, between Costa Rica and Colombia. Panama's food history is full of a fusion of flavors. If you have never tried Panamanian food that is not surprising. Panamanian food is not well-known and, not easy to find in the U.S. So, the best way to enjoy our delectable dishes is to make them yourself. My recipes were developed the way I was taught to make them – from scratch.

If you're Panamanian and missing home or if you want to give a new cuisine a try, my cookbook Panama on a Plate has something for everyone. I've also included vegan and gluten-free variations of some of the dishes. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do, as they bring a little bit of Panama to your home.

02/24/2025