Topic Wiki

List of TR's:
Denverite
saw50st8
dvol
dvol Pictures
zow
CGR, CGR #2
itreu001
TripsPls
davidrotts63
yuneeq Contadora (Pearl Islands)
Something Fishy (Cuba)
Something Fishy (Honduras)
Ponash123
PBaruch
Moishes 2/5/24 Panama Extended Weekend
Yonahs Trip
APS
sam1297



Kosher Food/ Restaurants:
Places to Eat:
Aria
Aroma Café
Darna Dairy/Bakery
Kava
Jeffrey’s Bakery
Pita Pan
Pita Plus
Lula by Darna
Metsuyan
Hilel Sports Bar and Grill- Closed
Darna
La Spezia
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (including 2 at PTY)
Dr. Sandwich
Prime Grill
Forever yogurt in casco viejo- Chalav Yisroel ice cream - Closed down
NEW - Jerusalem Israeli Cuisine by Chabad in Casco Viejo

Supermarkets:
Check out all items on their websites, huge variety including lots of what you're used to at home
Superkosher https://www.skosher.com/
Supermacardo Deli K https://www.delimarket.net/


Cholov Yisroel:
If you go onto Kosher Panama Website you can search for Cholov Yisroel by entering Jalav Israel in the search, just be aware if the site lists Jalav Israel and Lacteo in the description, the establishment may have both CY and non-CY so be aware and double check with the staff.
SuperKosher also had a nice selection of CY breakfast/snack/frozen items available.

There is a local chalav yisroel that isn't up to everyone's standards. It isn't up to Chabad as they use a lower kasherimg temperature than the alter rebbe holds.
This is what local chabad down there told me. Don't hold me to any of it please.


Synagogue:

The Jewish community in Panama is mainly in Panama City in the Punta Paitilla area.
You must bring your passport with you to enter the shuls. You can bring your passport over during the week if you are not staying in the eruv. They will make a copy of your passport.

Sinagoga Beth El – Orthodox, Ashkenazi. After Shabbat morning services, they have a full sit down Kiddush lunch.
They also serve breakfast after weekday shacharit.
Contact Asistente al Rabino secretaria@centrobethel.com - Déborah Wizel

Shevet Ahim – Sephardic. proper attire required, denied entry for shorts.

Ahavat Sion –

Chabad -  bracha Karniel goldberg  brachagold@gmail.com

Things to Do:
Panama Canal
Amador Causeway
Old City
$30 cabbie for all day
Panama John on FT cab and tour guide
San Blas islands
En Valle Market
Casco Viejo
Barefoot Panama tour company
Boquete
Biosphere
Miraflores Locks
Ancon Hill (tallest point in the City)
Anton Valley (hiking, waterfalls, horseback riding)
Panama Viejo
MultiPlaza (high-end mall)
Parque Natural Metropolitano
Partial canal transit
Monkey Island boat tour
Rainforest Gondola tour
Contadora (Pearl Islands) - whale watching, snorkeling/scuba on Chipera, Mogu Mogu, https://pearlislandsdaytours.com/
Rainbow bass fishing
Ziplining
Rent bikes along the water
Rainforest
Beach- Santa Clara and punta palmar both 1.5+ hours from Panama City
Indigenous tribes
Coffee plantations in the mountains
Whale watching
City tour (includes animals)
Chargres River Tour, hike to waterfall, visit Embrera Indian Village
Hiking Portabello road
Natural Metropolitan Park
www.therealpanamatours.com
Almiza Tours/ My friend mario http://www.bscpma.com/mfm/aboutus.htm (Website not working!)
Colon
Bocas del Toro
Old city/Casco viejo

Hotels:
Eshel Suites: https://eshel-suites-panama.panama-city-hotels.com/en/
others


Getting Around:
Uber is the best way to get around, cheap and reliable (if you go to the rainforest, there might not be any cars available going back, search before)

Notes:


Please Update the Wiki
« Last edited by Alexsei on Yesterday at 11:33:22 PM »

Author Topic: Panama Master Thread  (Read 372128 times)

Offline ethana

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #60 on: January 03, 2016, 03:47:43 PM »
Lula or darna are delicious.

Offline incendia

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #61 on: January 03, 2016, 08:35:36 PM »
can you drink the milk in panama without a hechsher

ie is there cholav stam

Offline whYME

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #62 on: January 04, 2016, 12:55:31 AM »
That's what we did. Miraflores Locks and an great restaurant (can't remember the name - maybe whYME could chime in).

We also went to Ancon Hill, which was a bust due to weather but a good place to go otherwise.
The restaurant we went to was Pita Plus.

Offline yuneeq

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #63 on: January 04, 2016, 01:08:35 AM »
Im going to be in Panama City for a week in mid-Jan anyone have suggestions on what I should,shouldn't do.

http://www.gamboaresort.com/default-en.html
This is a resort in Gamboa that also runs a bunch of fun tours
Monkey Island boat tour
Rainforest Gondola tour and more

-I managed to make an amazing day trip out of Contadora (Pearl Islands).
If I had a chance to redo it I would probably stay overnight.
-Rainbow bass fishing looks fun but I didn't do it.

-I didn't really tour cosco viejo but I drove through slowly and it wasn't interesting to me.

I'm gonna agree with Miraflores Locks and Multiplaza
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Offline jmk62110

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #64 on: January 04, 2016, 10:01:19 AM »
I went to Panama last week and I have some helpful information for anyone that needs for the upcoming January Break

Random Facts
----------------
- Currency is US Dollars and Balboas. (They are equal exchange so no need to change any money)
- Primary language is Spanish and a little tough at restaurants to get someone who understand broken English. All hotel personnel speak english.
- Renting a car they rent you a Wifi hotspot so you can use Waze while driving.
- Tough to drive around the city as there are no street sign so need to have someone navigate with you. A lot of roundabouts.
- Most place are extremely reasonably priced.

Hotel
-----------------
We stayed at 2 different hotels throughout our stay.

Trump in Panama City (2 nights) (Punta Pacifica)
-------------------------
Walkable to a bunch of restaurants. supermarket and a shul.

Westin Playa Bonita ( 2 nights)
-----------------------
20 minute drive outside the city.

Gorgeous resort with a bunch of pools and on the beach. Most people who go stay there the whole time because its an all-inclusive resort type place.

We bought food from the supermarket with us to the resort for breakfast and lunch and then drove into the city at night to go to mincha-maariv and to go out to eat.


Restaurant
---------------------
Kosher Dairy
1. Pita Pan (Pizza and Pasta) -Paitilla, Bal Harbour Mall, tel: 264-2786.- Pizza, dairy dishes, sushi and they have a bakery inside.
2. Metsuyan (Sushi and chinese) Paitilla, Bal Harbour Mall tel: 213-1314.
3. Darna Restaurant - Avenida Balboa, tel: 302-2989.-Right around the corner from trump (A good breakfast place as well)
4. Sabra - Paitilla, in front of Ball Harbour mall. Tel: 2030433- more upscale sit down dairy restaurant.
5. La Spezia (pizza), Obarrio Tel: 3969816- Didn't get to go there but heard they have great brick oven pizza
6. Jeffreys - Paitilla: 235-4591- We went there for breakfast. Very solid menu and all full blown dairy menu. Has a bakery and delicious pastries as well.
7. Coffe bean- Right next to Darna and right around the corner from trump. Usual coffee bean and under the LA Vaad.

Meat Restaurants
1. Prime Grill- Paitilla Bal Harbour Mall, tel: 263-2805- A Hapina/Grill Point type place.
2. Sababa (sandwiches)- Calle 47 bella vista entrando por Banesco local 3. Tel: 203-1081. Shawarma, burgers and other sandwiches.
3. Lula Restaurant - Obarrio, Calle Samuel Lewis, tel: 209-4820- Upscale meat restaurant. Fantastic food. Great appetizers, burgers and I had a fantastci steak as well. Like a nice NYC restaurant.
4. Pita plus - Paitilla Bal Harbour Mall, tel: 209-2048-Shawarma, burgers and other sandwiches.
5. Dr. Sandwich: Paitilla:203-4410

Super Markets-  Both carry any kosher product you would want and both have restaurants in them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Deli K- Avenida Balboa, inside Multicentro Mall. Tel: 208-2818
2. Super Kosher- Paitilla, Calle Ramon Jurado tel: 263-5253.

Shuls
----------
Extremely strict security. Must bring passports.
Panama is extremely wealthy and there is very high security around the Jews and must be prepared to be asked a lot of questions before you are allowed in the shul

1. The "Shevet Ahim synagogue" located in the 44th street, Bella Vista.
2. We have another sepharadic synagogue called "Ahavat Sion" located in Paitilla.
3. We have another located in Punta Pacifica.

Things to do
------------------
Barefoot Panama has a ton of Tours to do and they pick you up at your hotel if you are in Panama City. (http://www.barefootpanama.com/) It does get pricey but its a good service.

We did Ziplining which was fantastic and gorgeous views. ($100/person)

Old City in Panama is a must

Coastal views- Can rent bikes or walk up and down along the water. Stunning views and also a must.

Panama Canal- We drove to the Miraflores locks of the canal and watched the educational video about it. They have a four story exhibit as well as observation decks where you can see the ships going through the canal and how the locks work. (i recommend it but do not do a boat tour, the regular visit is jsut fine).

A great trip without worrying about bringing a kosher piece of food with you.

Let me know if anyone has question.

Offline ethana

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #65 on: January 04, 2016, 10:06:15 AM »
I would add if you can get into the club hebreo there are some excellent kosher restaurants in there also

Offline yakrot

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #66 on: January 04, 2016, 10:10:10 AM »
Deli k is a lot bigger that super kosher and closer to the shuls. When I was there we did not realize that until our last night ( got thrown off by the name)

Offline incendia

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #67 on: January 04, 2016, 10:12:36 AM »
can you drink the milk in panama without a hechsher

ie is there cholav stam

Bump

what were the locals drinking?

Offline Denverite

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #68 on: January 04, 2016, 07:13:12 PM »
I went to Panama last week and I have some helpful information for anyone that needs for the upcoming January Break

Random Facts
----------------
- Currency is US Dollars and Balboas. (They are equal exchange so no need to change any money)
- Primary language is Spanish and a little tough at restaurants to get someone who understand broken English. All hotel personnel speak english.
- Renting a car they rent you a Wifi hotspot so you can use Waze while driving.
- Tough to drive around the city as there are no street sign so need to have someone navigate with you. A lot of roundabouts.
- Most place are extremely reasonably priced.

Hotel
-----------------
We stayed at 2 different hotels throughout our stay.

Trump in Panama City (2 nights) (Punta Pacifica)
-------------------------
Walkable to a bunch of restaurants. supermarket and a shul.

Westin Playa Bonita ( 2 nights)
-----------------------
20 minute drive outside the city.

Gorgeous resort with a bunch of pools and on the beach. Most people who go stay there the whole time because its an all-inclusive resort type place.

We bought food from the supermarket with us to the resort for breakfast and lunch and then drove into the city at night to go to mincha-maariv and to go out to eat.


Restaurant
---------------------
Kosher Dairy
1. Pita Pan (Pizza and Pasta) -Paitilla, Bal Harbour Mall, tel: 264-2786.- Pizza, dairy dishes, sushi and they have a bakery inside.
2. Metsuyan (Sushi and chinese) Paitilla, Bal Harbour Mall tel: 213-1314.
3. Darna Restaurant - Avenida Balboa, tel: 302-2989.-Right around the corner from trump (A good breakfast place as well)
4. Sabra - Paitilla, in front of Ball Harbour mall. Tel: 2030433- more upscale sit down dairy restaurant.
5. La Spezia (pizza), Obarrio Tel: 3969816- Didn't get to go there but heard they have great brick oven pizza
6. Jeffreys - Paitilla: 235-4591- We went there for breakfast. Very solid menu and all full blown dairy menu. Has a bakery and delicious pastries as well.
7. Coffe bean- Right next to Darna and right around the corner from trump. Usual coffee bean and under the LA Vaad.

Meat Restaurants
1. Prime Grill- Paitilla Bal Harbour Mall, tel: 263-2805- A Hapina/Grill Point type place.
2. Sababa (sandwiches)- Calle 47 bella vista entrando por Banesco local 3. Tel: 203-1081. Shawarma, burgers and other sandwiches.
3. Lula Restaurant - Obarrio, Calle Samuel Lewis, tel: 209-4820- Upscale meat restaurant. Fantastic food. Great appetizers, burgers and I had a fantastci steak as well. Like a nice NYC restaurant.
4. Pita plus - Paitilla Bal Harbour Mall, tel: 209-2048-Shawarma, burgers and other sandwiches.
5. Dr. Sandwich: Paitilla:203-4410

Super Markets-  Both carry any kosher product you would want and both have restaurants in them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Deli K- Avenida Balboa, inside Multicentro Mall. Tel: 208-2818
2. Super Kosher- Paitilla, Calle Ramon Jurado tel: 263-5253.

Shuls
----------
Extremely strict security. Must bring passports.
Panama is extremely wealthy and there is very high security around the Jews and must be prepared to be asked a lot of questions before you are allowed in the shul

1. The "Shevet Ahim synagogue" located in the 44th street, Bella Vista.
2. We have another sepharadic synagogue called "Ahavat Sion" located in Paitilla.
3. We have another located in Punta Pacifica.

Things to do
------------------
Barefoot Panama has a ton of Tours to do and they pick you up at your hotel if you are in Panama City. (http://www.barefootpanama.com/) It does get pricey but its a good service.

We did Ziplining which was fantastic and gorgeous views. ($100/person)

Old City in Panama is a must

Coastal views- Can rent bikes or walk up and down along the water. Stunning views and also a must.

Panama Canal- We drove to the Miraflores locks of the canal and watched the educational video about it. They have a four story exhibit as well as observation decks where you can see the ships going through the canal and how the locks work. (i recommend it but do not do a boat tour, the regular visit is jsut fine).

A great trip without worrying about bringing a kosher piece of food with you.

Let me know if anyone has question.

Thanks for the mini-trip report, had a trip planned for mid-winter but had to cancel but it's at the top of my list for next year!  Also, I knew about a lot of the restaurants but had no idea about a kosher Coffee Bean so thanks for that info too.

Offline Srsy

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #69 on: January 07, 2016, 08:01:15 AM »
What is the closest hotel walking distance to a shul?

Offline jmk62110

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #70 on: January 07, 2016, 10:25:45 AM »
If you stay at Trump its walking distance to Punta Pacifica Shul and can do meals at Chabd which is also walking distance.

Offline Srsy

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #71 on: January 07, 2016, 11:37:54 AM »
Any SPG hotels within waking distance to the shul?

Offline mgarfin

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #72 on: January 07, 2016, 11:56:31 AM »
I would add if you can get into the club hebreo there are some excellent kosher restaurants in there also

What is  club hebreo?

Offline yuneeq

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #73 on: January 07, 2016, 02:16:05 PM »
Any SPG hotels within waking distance to the shul?

Yeh the Le Meridien
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Offline rileywiles23

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #74 on: January 07, 2016, 04:44:39 PM »
What activities can I do with a 10 month old ?
Life is as good as you make it...

Offline Denverite

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #75 on: January 07, 2016, 11:25:57 PM »
What is  club hebreo?

It's their equivalent of a JCC and I think it has a meat and a dairy restaurant but from what I understand you either have to have someone vouch for you, have an Israeli passport or a stamp from Israel in your passport to get past the tight security.

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #76 on: January 07, 2016, 11:26:36 PM »
Bump

what were the locals drinking?

Bump again, I also want to know about chalav stam there...

Offline Srsy

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #77 on: February 03, 2016, 10:48:58 PM »
Any restaurants open on Chol Hamoed Pesach?

Offline zow

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #78 on: February 03, 2016, 11:11:42 PM »
I had absolutely no idea there was any kind of Jewish Community in Panama, let alone a good number of kosher eating options (considerably more than Boston, though I recognize it's not saying much). Really glad I happened on this thread. Seeing the Panama canal has been on my bucket list, but now it's way up there. Thanks to  jmk62110 and others who contributed here.

Offline gsquared

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #79 on: February 04, 2016, 12:14:26 PM »
We went to Club Hebreo and ate at the dairy restaurant. It was really very well done. Excellent food, service and prices. We did have to show passports(US) and it took about 10 minutes for them to check us out  etc.