I came to this place to look at fruits, vegetables and meats not knowing about the prepared food. Upon entering through the parking lot entrance, I was amazed to find a narrow food court. And that most of the eateries were serving traditional Creole food. Very authentic in its presentation. Visually, you could see the difference between the food here and the food in any other fonda nearby or throughout the country. The offerings here look like they were given an extra touch. Everything seems to be cooked with lots of spices to give it a darker more delicious look. For example, the stewed shrimp looked heavier, making it look more delicious than at any other place. I even found pigeon pea rice which is not easy to find. The food was delicious.
Aside from the mini kiosks offering fruits, vegetables, meats and fish, there are several selling herbs, spices, coffee, sweets and candies. Yes it could serve as a one-stop shop for all your cooking needs. Overall, this is an ideal place for anyone who likes shopping in a modern environment.
The place has undergone a renovation so it is new and beautiful. The market is massive, all indoors and air conditioned. There is a paid parking lot. I love the location since it is located on historic Avenue B. This is where the original Chinatown resides, with small remnants of it remaining but way past...
Read moreThe Mercado has a large selection of native fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and meats. Some of the vendors mark their prices while others do not. So be wary on being up charge if you’re a foreigner. They have typical Panamanian food that is sold at the fondas. Stand number 14 is the most honest with all food plates that comes with rice, meat or seafood and salad sold for $3.50 regardless if your Panamánian or a foreigner. She does not up charge. There is also a stand that sells natural drinks and their prices are marked. There is an older man next to the natural juice stand and he sells coconut water but he is a classic example of a deceitful Panamanian who tried to upcharge and sell me a dry brown coconut for $2, in addition to the coconut water for $1, when I approached him about it civilly, he got an attitude with me, and gave me back the $1 took his coconut water back and ended up trashing the dry brown coconut. Another vendor tried to double charge me for a produce, when I told her that I will look around and come back. I saw her following me and then telling the other vendors how much she told me the price was so that they can say the same price. Lucky for her, I was able to get the true price of the item before she...
Read moreWhen you want to buy meat...when you want to buy fruits and vegetables...This Is The Place...!!!...really cool prices, very large selection of ALL kinds of fresh meats and fresh vegetables...Meats cut to your specifications....just Wonderful...Go early as they start shutting down around three and I believe they close around four...Quite the experience...You will see some meats you may or may not have ever seen...brains, tongues, hoofs, pig heads(whole), innards, chicken feet and more...You may find seasonings, beans, rice, leaves to cook with or wrap foods(tamales etc) banana leaves, palm leaves Just a lot of stuff...Check this place out, it was quite the experience for us ... and yes, We bought some stuff🙂... Also there is a large area provided that has hot prepared foods with a sit down and eat space... Relatively Clean Restrooms, two ATMs in between the meat section and the vegetables section... Be Advised.........some or many venders accept cash but most accept what they call YAPPY...not many but some accept Credit Cards, there is a fee to...
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