As one who ‘lives to eat’ rather than vice versa, let me share with you a few of the choice eateries the Panamanian Pacific coast has to offer. One thing is for sure; you will not lack good food and fine wine in interesting yet varied locales, at incredibly low prices in Panama. Amazingly, standard tipping rate is just ten percent, and the serving staff are happy to receive it.

Are you dreaming of fancy Chinese food? Try eating at Restaurant Sam’s, authentic Chinese food at low Panamanian prices. I swear I ate the tastiest “Arroz Frito” or fried rice, I have ever had in my life. The large and spotlessly clean restaurant is situated just east of the Correos, in the little town of Chame, on the Pan American Highway (aka – Carreteria Interamericana), about 60 kms. west of Panama City.

I ordered two Atlas beers, which arrived pronto with glasses – 50 cents each. What a bargain. They cost more than that in the local El Rey supermarket. No sooner had I ordered the fried rice, than the waitress was flip-flopping her way back to our table with 2 plates piled high with steaming food. Was the woman psychic? I swear I only ordered 90 seconds before.

Ignore the flimsy tissue wrapping the cutlery(it is a local napkin), and tuck in. This is the best and tastiest fried rice anywhere – and I have lived in Malaysia and Hong Kong so I know my onions, sorry – fried rice. Every forkful was laden with prawns, pork, chicken, carrot, onion and ham. Be warned – do not be tempted to order a full portion. A half portion is “Hungry Man” size and costs just $3.20. You have to round the tip up to a dollar to save embarrassment, and that’s on a good meal and beers for 2 people!

A wonderfully tasty, cheap night out.