Cooking Classes in Panama City
Best cooking classes in Panama City for your next culinary journey.
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Cooking classes in Panama City are a fun, interactive way to immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of the scenery. Led by expert local chefs, you’ll explore the signature cooking styles of the region and beyond with a diverse array of available lessons. Expand your culinary know-how as you transform premium ingredients into gourmet masterpieces. Your chef instructor will share clever tips and valuable feedback as you cook together in a fun, welcoming environment. Book your class today!
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What to expect
Panama City is a culinary crossroads where Latin American flavors meet Caribbean spice, Afro-Antillean traditions and Spanish influences. From fresh ceviche along the Cinta Costera to sizzling street arepas in Casco Viejo, the city is a vibrant playground for adventurous eaters. Now, with a growing number of cooking classes in Panama City, you can take that flavor exploration into your own hands. These engaging classes welcome all experience levels and offer a chance to master beloved Panamanian dishes like ropa vieja, patacones or even homemade empanadas. With guidance from experienced chefs, you’ll learn essential techniques while uncovering the cultural stories behind each recipe.
Expect a fully hands-on experience, most classes include all ingredients and equipment plus plenty of opportunities to taste your creations as you go. You’ll also enjoy a warm social setting where cooking becomes a shared journey. And yes, you’ll leave with take-home recipes to recreate your favorite dishes back home. Whether you're a traveler looking to immerse yourself in local cuisine or a resident eager to refine your skills, these culinary classes in Panama City promise an unforgettable flavor-packed experience.
meet Top-Rated Chefs on Cozymeal
Chef Shailini
Boston
Chef Shailini was born in Nepal, and with her father being a well-known diplomat, the family lived all over the world. A life long educator, Chef Shailini taught at both Boston University and Northeastern University earlier in her career, and while she enjoyed that a great deal, she is currently living her true passion at several well-known Boston institutions teaching people how to cook food that is both nutritious and delicious. Chef Shailini also does a great deal of volunteer work.
| 313 Reviews
Chef Washington
Seattle
Chef Washington shares his talents as a trained chef with aspiring cooks of all ages and skill levels. His experience in the culinary industry ranges from roles in hotels and restaurants, as well as years spent in middle school education. Being able to combine his passions for food and teaching brings him immense joy. With Chef Washington in the kitchen, everyone is in for a real gourmet treat!
| 135 Reviews
Chef Francesca
Los Angeles
Born and raised in Sardinia, Italy, Chef Francesca discovered her passion at a young age. She loves to cook traditional Sardinian and Italian food while using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients when handcrafting classics, like homemade pasta, sauces and desserts.
| 342 Reviews
Chef Titik
Chicago
Being proud of her strong Indonesian heritage is a big part of who Chef Titik is. The chef's hope is to impart a passion for food on others so they can learn more about cooking and enjoy meals that always taste incredible, from Indonesian fare to Italian and Indian. Chef Titik's culinary background is peppered with achievements, including graduating with honors from the Art Institute of California with degrees in culinary art, and baking and pastry art.
| 170 Reviews
Chef Ivan
NYC
Chef Ivan’s zeal for cooking began at a very young age, leading him to attend culinary school at the ripe age of just 14. The Italian chef, who has cooked all over Europe, now lives in New York where he runs a catering company and volunteers teaching children kitchen skills. Chef Ivan focuses on Italian, French and sushi courses, and is excited to educate guests on new techniques.
| 372 Reviews
Chef Iain
Los Angeles
After deciding to shift gears and leave the restaurant game, Chef Iain began a successful career as a personal chef in Manhattan Beach for over 15 years while simultaneously catering parties for clients and corporate events. He also became a private celebrity chef, and began providing services and catering on the sets of TV shows and movies. Chef Iain can also be found hosting a variety of fun and exciting culinary experiences!
| 178 Reviews
Chef Made Master
Washington, D.C.
Chef Made Master is a renowned sushi chef known for creating stunningly beautiful and flavorful plates of sushi. He has gained experience in a number of sushi restaurants across the country, beginning as a sushi helper and working his way up to his currently coveted role of head sushi chef. His calming, yet energetic demeanor makes him an outstanding host to a number of memorable cooking classes and culinary experiences.
| 141 Reviews
Chef Lisa
Boston
Chef Lisa has had a long standing appreciation for food, cooking, and nutrition. This passion led her to study Human Foods and Nutrition in college. She was given the opportunity to further her career by working as an executive pastry chef for resorts and hotels, as an healthy eating specialist for Whole Foods Market, and now has her own culinary business, where she helps others explore food, and ultimately, better their lives.
| 274 Reviews
Chef Yasmina
Los Angeles
Born in Rabat and raised in Casablanca, I was surrounded by beautiful smells and great food. Everyday was a celebration of flavors in my house. My mother and grandmothers were amazing cooks and inspired me to learn and develop a love for cooking and hosting. Since moving to America, I have been apart of “Beau Monde” in Philadelphia to “La Creperie” in Chicago. I have started my own business of creating beautiful, healthy Moroccan food with a California twist. I hope to share it with you!
| 96 Reviews
Chef Catalina
Sacramento
Born and raised in San Francisco, Chef Catalina attended college for cultural anthropology where she first worked in catering and discovered her passion for food. After school, she continued to follow this passion and hone her craft in the kitchen. With expansive experience in the industry from serving as lead cook and managing catering to managing special events and working as a cheese monger, Chef Catalina now enjoys instructing group cooking classes.
| 290 Reviews
Chef Gustavo
Washington, D.C.
Latin American cuisine is what Chef Gustavo is all about. As the owner and executive chef of Rumba Café in Adams Morgan for 20 years, he understands this cuisine more than anything else. He draws his inspiration from his own travels through Latin America, the Caribbean, France, Spain and more. He studied at L’ Academie de Cuisine and is knowledgeable in French cuisine as well. He is available to teach classes in both English and Spanish.
| 485 Reviews
Chef Daniel
Bay Area
Originally from Argentina, with its own special mix of cultures, Chef Daniel has lived in Los Angeles for the past 35 years where he has been exposed to its rich diversity of cuisines. This wide range of experiences influences and informs his food on a daily basis, enabling him to borrow ingredients and techniques from one another. Chef Daniel aims to teach fundamentals to his students, so they need not rely on recipes.
| 484 Reviews
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FAQs
How much do cooking classes in Panama City cost?
Cooking classes in Panama City generally range from B/.58 ($59) to over B/.98 ($100) per person. Final pricing depends on class type, group size and event details. For instance, a rooftop ceviche-making class in Casco Viejo or a Panamanian fusion cooking experience in Bella Vista may differ in cost from private cooking lessons in El Cangrejo. Most culinary classes follow a tiered pricing model so rates per person decrease with larger groups. From Caribbean-influenced dishes to traditional sancocho and tamales, the city’s cooking lessons highlight Panama’s rich culinary blend. For detailed pricing, check the specific class page or reach out to our Concierge for help finding the best cooking experiences in town.
Who are these cooking classes suitable for?
Cooking classes in Panama City are perfect for anyone eager to explore the flavors of Panama and beyond. Whether you’re a beginner in Casco Viejo, a family enjoying time in El Cangrejo or a corporate team building near Marbella, these cooking lessons suit all skill levels and occasions. From kid-friendly culinary classes to advanced courses featuring traditional Panamanian dishes like sancocho and ceviche, there’s something for everyone. These top cooking experiences are ideal for birthdays, date nights, anniversaries or simply gathering with friends.
What should I expect during a typical class?
Cooking classes in Panama City immerse you in the rich flavors of Panamanian and Caribbean cuisine. These hands-on cooking experiences often feature dishes like sancocho, ceviche or patacones, using fresh local ingredients from markets in neighborhoods like Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo. Classes are led by chefs who blend traditional recipes with modern twists, perfect for all skill levels. Many cooking lessons include insights into tropical fruits and regional spices that define Panama’s culinary identity. After preparing your meal, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creations alongside fellow food lovers.
What cooking techniques and skills will I master?
Cooking classes in Panama City cover a variety of techniques, from mastering traditional methods like preparing sancocho and ceviche to baking tropical fruit pastries. You might hone grilling and seasoning skills using fresh local ingredients sourced from markets in Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo. Depending on your cooking lessons, you can also explore pasta making, sushi rolling or bread baking. Classes often draw inspiration from popular restaurants such as Mercado de Mariscos or Donde José, helping you recreate authentic Panamanian flavors at home. These culinary experiences focus on knife skills, ingredient preparation and seasoning, welcoming all skill levels.
What are the benefits of taking a cooking class?
Cooking lessons in Panama City offer a flavorful way to experience the country’s rich culinary fusion of Afro-Caribbean, Spanish and Indigenous influences. Many top cooking classes take place in neighborhoods like Casco Viejo and Bella Vista where chefs guide you through the preparation of traditional dishes such as sancocho, arroz con coco and ceviche. These immersive cooking experiences often include trips to vibrant markets like Mercado de Mariscos to select fresh local ingredients. Whether you're exploring with friends or bonding with family, you'll leave with new skills, authentic recipes and a deeper connection to Panama's diverse food culture.
What types of cooking classes can I choose from?
From the bustling Casco Viejo to the modern high-rises of Punta Paitilla, Panama City’s culinary classes offer a taste of both local and global flavors. You can explore baking classes focused on traditional Panamanian sweets like tres leches cake alongside pasta making classes and sushi making classes that bring international variety. Italian cooking classes are also popular, reflecting the city’s diverse palate. Couples cooking classes provide a fun and interactive way to enjoy Panama City’s vibrant food culture together. Whether you’re a novice or seeking advanced cooking courses, these top cooking classes deliver memorable cooking experiences.
What types of cooking classes can I choose from?
Cooking classes in Panama City can take place wherever suits you best. Join chefs in their own kitchens across vibrant neighborhoods like Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo or Punta Paitilla, all known for their lively food scenes. If you prefer to host at your home or vacation rental, your chef will bring fresh local ingredients such as tropical fruits, fresh seafood and traditional Panamanian spices, plus any specialized equipment needed for your cooking lessons. You can also choose premium third-party venues near popular foodie spots like Mercado de Mariscos or the Amador Causeway. Whether you want hands-on cooking experiences or private culinary courses, Panama City offers some of the best cooking classes to suit every taste. Check the map on each class page for location details.
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