From the Caribbean to Panama: Exploring Afro-Panamanian Heritage 🇵🇦 Foodie Nation x Sandra Ward

Join Rhett McCarthy and Sandra Ward (@BeingSandraWard) as they dive into the vibrant, flavorful world of Panama — from Caribbean roots and Afro-Panamanian heritage, to delicious eats and rich culture.

In this Panama travel & food vlog you’ll discover:

* The hidden gem restaurant La Tapa del Coco in Panama City, led by chefs Isaac and Armando with roots in Barbados and Jamaica. We tasted everything from coconut curry clams, beef patties / empanadas, salt-fish fritters (accra), pig-foot souse, stew oxtail, a seafood one-pot, to a mango dessert — all inspired by Afro-Caribbean flavours and Panamanian tradition.

* A deep cultural immersion into the Afro-Panamanian (Afrodescendant) community — especially in the province of Colón, where many West Indian migrants settled to build the Panama Canal. Thanks to West Indian labour, the Afro-Antillean heritage is central to Panama’s Caribbean identity.

* A stop at the impressive Agua Clara & Gatún Locks of the Panama Canal — a must-see engineering marvel and historic icon for any Panama visit.

* Lunch at family-owned Nuevas 2 Mares in Colón: we feasted on a whole deep-fried red snapper with coconut rice & peas, octopus and conch with coconut rice & peas and fried plantain — showcasing fresh local seafood and Caribbean-Panamanian flavour.

* A cultural stop at the majestic Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral in Colón — a reminder that Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Panama, yet deeply influenced by Afro-Caribbean traditions.

* An event organised by Trini Tica founder Aleah Guitan focused on bridging Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago) and Latin American cultures via music, arts and youth engagement — featuring the St Francois Girls College Steel Orchestra from Trinidad.

* A gastronomic tour of Casco Viejo: at restaurant Aya La Vida we sampled chicharrón, cod-fish fritters, shrimp empanadas, guacho (seafood one-pot) and carne en palito — while learning about Casco Viejo’s transformation from historic district to vibrant culinary hotspot.

* Nightlife and fine dining back in Panama City: at speakeasy-style Cantina del Tigre Rhett tried seco (Panamanian rum/vodka) for the first time alongside a cow-tongue sandwich with bone-marrow and another seafood one-pot.

* A retail and travel culture break: we explored shopping in Panama City, noted how many hotels are attached to malls, and discussed the trend of Caribbean travellers visiting Panama for shopping trips.

* Indigenous immersion: a tour into the jungle with the Emberá people where we enjoyed a traditional dance, handmade-instrument performance and lunch of freshly caught river tilapia with patacones and fresh fruit. Special thanks to tour operator Discover Panama 365 and guide Danillo (bilingual) for an unforgettable experience.

* A deeply personal finish: Sandra gave Rhett a tour of her childhood home to show the West Indian cultural influences in everyday Panamanian life — the traditions her mother practiced, the language, the food, the music.

Big thanks to Cara Communications for keeping us connected with travel sim cards and WhatsApp support — a lifesaver when exploring new places and managing language barriers.

Why you should watch:

This vlog is more than just food — it’s a cultural journey. You’ll get: Caribbean cuisine in Panama; Afro-Panamanian heritage; historic Canal insights; street foods and fine dining; jungle-tribe immersion; local shopping culture; all wrapped in vibrant visuals and storytelling. If you love travel, food, culture and exploring “hidden” gems in Latin America, this one’s for you.

Keywords & topics covered:

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