Yes, the capital has a good selection of restaurants. However, time and money constraints make it much more convenient for many working people to buy their lunches from street vendors. And then there are plenty of people who just prefer what the street has to offer. In between photos, this reporter bought a chicken empanada, a cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice, a couple of large piva nuts and a slice of watermelon from various vendors, spending a dollar altogether for this day's lunch.

A number of the vendors encountered, including those from whom the empanada and the watermelon slice were purchased, preferred not to be photographed --- lots of immigrants without working papers, particularly Dominicans and Colombians, make their livings selling food on the streets. Every now and then immigration and other law enforcement authorities crack down, but not really by popular demand --- there is a widespread belief that the foreigners add to, rather than detract from, the quality of life in Panama City.

Most of the people selling food on the streets, however, are Panamanians for whom the formal economy has no jobs. This country has socialized medicine and certain other aspects of a public welfare system, but unemployment or other cash benefits for able-bodied adults who find themselves out of work are not part of society's safety net. Without street vending, not only would the lunch options be fewer and more expensive, but in addition this country's economic problems would become explosive.

Back to top

Panama Information, Hotels of Panama - Executive Hotel
Panama Information, Real estate in Boquete - Valle Escondido
Panama Information, Real Estate in Las Cumbres - Villa Concordia
Panama Information - Online guide to information about Panama - www.panama-information.executivehotel-panama.com
Panama Tourism - Online info for the Tourist Panama - www.travel-to-panama.com
Panama Pictures - Collection of pictures of Panama - www.panama-pictures.com