While visiting Panama, I had lunch at the "Mercado de Mariscos" (the city Fish Market) which is THE best place to buy fresh fish and seafood in Panama City. You will not have any problem finding your favorite seafood here, anything from calamari, octupus, squid, shrimp, clams to corvina, red snapper and much more. Whether you're looking to pick up some fresh seafood to cook at home or want to enjoy a nice homecooked style meal you're in the right place. If you are exploring Panama City and are looking for a good local experience, this would be a good one. There are plenty of restaurants/stalls that sell all types of dishes right outside of the Mercado de Mariscos. While the service may not be the best, you can still enjoy a nice meal while doing some people watching and enjoy a nice view of the city. The fish in this photo is a classic Panamanian dish, "pargo rojo frito" or fried red snapper. You will see variations of this dish throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, side dishes may vary but in Panama it is usually accompanied with lemon or lime and with patacones (fried green plantain). Another common side dish is white coconut rice among others. I realize the presentation of a whole fried fish may not be appealing to some, but it really is a tasty dish. If you like seafood and you're ever in Panama City, Panama, I'd definitely recommend you check out the Mercado de Mariscos. Below is a short video of the Mercado de Mariscos. Enjoy!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnBC6pAXJ8g&w=560&h=315]
