How much does a meal cost?
Meals in Panama are generally cheap. From a US$0.50 empanada to a US$19.00 lobster dinner (16onz) you will surely find a decent meal to suit your budget. Lunch could cost you from US$3 to around US$9.00 or more if you are into the good things in life. The basic pattern in Panamanian lunches is: a serving of meat (any kind), rice, beans (or lentils, porotos, or any kind of grain), plantain, and salad. This is the lunch that most workers eat for about US$2.50 to US$4.00 a serving. You can also go to most local restaurants and get a chicken meal for around US$3.00 to US$5.00. A beef meal would cost you around US$3.00 – US$7.00 depending on the quality and the cut of the beef. Pork is also very popular for around US$3.00 – US$5.00. If you want to treat yourself to a nice restaurant the price for a full course meal with wine (don’t choose a US$30 bottle!) can range from US$25 to $60.
