Legalese is not just a legal blog. I really want to cover a broader range of subjects that my clients will find interesting. So, this article is all about grocery shopping in Panama, and it definitely falls in the “non-legal” category.
Intro
Quick disclaimer – I don’t claim to be an expert on this subject. I am writing this as a mom/wife/consumer. This article is based on my personal experience as well as feedback from clients, friends, family, and even the Reddit community in Panama. So, if you have had a different experience or would like to share your perspective, then please do send me a direct message. I would enjoy hearing from you!
This article will provide mostly anecdotal observations on some of the most popular grocery markets in Panama:
- Riba Smith
- Super Kosher
- El Rey
- Super 99
- Super Xtra
- Super Carnes
- El Machetazo
- El Fuerte
- PriceSmart
- Orgánica
- Foodie Market
- Grand Deli Gourmet
- Panama’s Local Markets
For each, I’ll try to frame the discussion around a.) Price, b.) Selection, c.) Convenience and d.) Cleanliness and Organization.
Let’s get started talking about grocery shopping in Panama!
Riba Smith
Riba Smith is currently Panama’s most high-end full-sized supermarket chain, catering toward foreigners as well as the premium segment of the local market.
Price
With Riba Smith, you kind of have to start with the prices. Based on the target clientele, they carry a lot of imported products and brands. So, they are generally more expensive than the other big grocery store chains in Panama.
Selection
As I said, you’ll find a lot of international brands and a decent assortment of specialty and gourmet products so long as you aren’t looking for something too exotic. For example, if your shopping list includes dairy-free yogurt, almond milk without sunflower lecithin, artisanal beer and hydroponic strawberries, then one of the larger Riba Smith stores is more likely to have you covered rather any El Rey, Super 99, Super Xtra or Machetazo.
On the other hand, some of the smaller stores have substantially less selection than the larger stores. For example, the Panama Pacífico location is way smaller than most of the other stores around the city. Not all Riba Smiths are created equal.
Convenience
They don´t have as many locations as El Rey, Super 99 or Super Xtra. But they do have stores spread pretty evenly around Panama City, and they have pins on the map near the areas where a lot of my clients a lot of spend time. For example, they’ve got a store at MultiPlaza Mall, one near Parque Urracá, another in Costa del Este. And they also have stores at Panama Pacífico and in Coronado.
There is also a really nice one at the Market Plaza commercial center in Costa Verde (Chorrera), which is great if you are on your way to the interior for the wknd. Actually, the whole Market Plaza is pretty well done in my opinion, and it is a testament to the potential of the “Panama suburbs” now that the government is investing in a Metro and highway system to connect this area to the city.
Cleanliness and Organization
In general, they are all clean, well-lit and organized more or less like a US grocery store. The newer stores are usually nicer than some of the older stores. For example, the Transístmica and Parque Urracá stores are older stores, and you can feel it when you walk in (even though these still our preferred locations in the city). I also have always found the Coronado store to be too densely packed into a small space, but I need to check out their new location as they recently moved.
Super Kosher
I said that Riba Smith is the high-end full supermarket chain. Super Kosher is not a chain, but it offers even more of a luxury experience.
Price
I haven’t shopped here a ton, but the prices generally appear to be higher than Riba Smith. This makes sense given the kosher inventory.
Selection
The selection is limited to brands that meet certain qualifications and standards, but you can find a lot of your key staples here. And you’ll probably end up discovering something new at Super Kosher to take home and try. They have a lot of vegan food options, imported from Israel. And I wouldn’t buy tahini anywhere else.
That being said, you definitely will not find the same selection that you would find at a larger Riba Smith store.
Convenience
When you visit Super Kosher, you get to pull right up to the supermarket in a very nice parking garage with plenty of parking spaces. I would compare it to a high-end supermarket in a major US city.
But Super Kosher has just one location in Panama City – right between the Punta Pacifica and Paitilla neighborhoods. This is because Super Kosher caters toward Panama’s Jewish community, much of which is centered around these neighborhoods. So, if you live elsewhere in the city, then you’ll probably pass multiple other supermarkets on your way to Super Kosher.
Cleanliness and Organization
Very nice, and very clean.
El Rey
El Rey is an institution in Panama. It was considered one of the more high-end options back before Riba Smith, PriceSmart, Orgánica and Foodie entered the market. Today, I would call it mid-tier across all the categories – except some of their prices seem to still be “high-end”.
Price
I’d say generally a bit less expensive that Riba Smith, but usually more expensive that Super 99 or Super Xtra. Again, that is based on anecdotal evidence rather than a real market study. And I say “usually more expensive”, because El Rey does seem to have a lot of special offers and to compete with the lower end of the market on prices for certain items.
For me it just feels a little bit overpriced when I go in there, which isn’t all that often anymore. But if you are hitting up multiple places on your grocery run, I bet there are some items at El Rey that you won’t find at the Super 99 and that would cost you more at the Riba Smith.
Selection
The selection is not amazing in my opinion and experience, but there are so many stores that I suspect it is probably varies by location. If you’re looking for products that are less processed, or that don’t contain seed oil, or something like this – then I think you’ll probably have better luck at Riba Smith or Orgánica. This is my impression and the main reason as we haven’t done regular grocery shopping at El Rey for quite some time, so let me know if I am mistaken about this.
But the selection will cater more towards international tastes that Super Xtra, and you’ll find more diverse selection at El Rey than Super 99. I don´t know enough about El Fuerte or El Machetazo‘s grocery selections to compare.
Convenience
Like I said, El Rey is an institution. They have lots of stores all around Panama City and the country. They were also the first supermarket chain to open a location in Casco Viejo where we lived during most of the last 10 years, and I really appreciate what they have done there as it was a nice convenience for our family.
I will also add that El Rey on Vía España used to be open 24-hours prior to Panama’s crazy Covid lockdowns. I don’t think any of the numerous locations are open all night anymore. But in case anyone from Grupo Rey is reading this – if bringing back a 24-hour schedule makes financial sense, then would definitely win some convenience points!
Cleanliness and Organization
There are so many stores that it is difficult to speak in generalities. From my experience, they are usually no frills, but pretty clean and well-organized.
Super 99
I recommend Super 99 for specific items. If you have enough time to pick up groceries from a couple of different places, it can be worth including Super 99 on a grocery shopping trip.
Price
Less expensive that Super Kosher, Riba Smith and El Rey.
Selection
A little inconsistent from one week to another, and from one store to another. Generally, the brands are less high-end that Riba Smith, but you might be surprised what you can find there. They have a decent beer selection priced well below Riba Smith.
Convenience
There are probably well above 30 stores just in and around Panama City, including right near Punta Pacífica and Paitilla. They are also in Coronado and also in Río Hato, at the entrance to Playa Blanca and Buenaventura.
Oh, and the one at Albrook stays open until midnight.
Cleanliness and Organization
Some locations are a bit run down. The one in Costa del Este is pretty nice.
Super Xtra
This is not a grocery store that I use often. Mostly just to run in and grab something basic and specific. They don’t really keep stores in the areas where most of my clients live in Panama City. I would consider this on the low-end of the market compared to the other supermarket chains referenced in this article.
Price
Generally, less expensive that Super Kosher, Riba Smith and PriceSmart. I haven’t done a market study, but it’s possible that El Rey and Super 99 may compete with them on prices for certain products.
Selection
Again, I don’t have much direct experience here, but you’ll probably find a mix of products and brands geared toward local tastes, recipes and cooking styles.
They also seem to have a lot of generic and obscure brands. But for example, I would that say you can probably choose from a couple of different yellow mustard options, but probably not much selection of gourmet mustards. You might also find a case of canned beer of a brand you never heard of and priced less than bottled water (and it might actually be pretty good).
Convenience
Lots of stores, but more in areas mostly populated by locals.
Cleanliness and Organization
A lot of the locations do not feel particularly clean. That could be an understatement. This may vary from one store to another.
Super Carnes
This is another one where I haven´t shopped much, mostly because they don’t keep many locations in the city. I have gone into the one in Chitre a few times on the way to Pedasi-Venao.
Price
Again, limited experience – but they are known for their meats, which are supposed to be well priced relative to quality.
Selection
I can’t really speak to this. I’d be curious to know how the quality of their meat compares to Riba Smith. I also understand that people like their bakery. I’d be happy to get some feedback from someone who shops here.
SIDE NOTE – if you are really looking something more special when it comes meat, you should check out Pretelt or La Casa del Jamón (both more expensive than what you will find at the supermarkets).
Convenience
I think the closest location in the city is the one in Albrook. There are a couple stores in the Arraijan-Chorrera areas.
Cleanliness and Organization
I can’t really speak to this without having spent more time in more of their locations. The one in Albrook seems pretty nice.
El Machetazo
I have been inside plenty of El Machetazo stores, and I think most of them have a grocery area. But I have never done regular grocery shopping here. So, I’ll write what I have been told, and I would love to hear about any readers’ experience shopping here.
Price
I don’t have enough data or anecdotal evidence to speak to pricing just yet.
Selection
I think they have most of what you might look for, but probably not all that diverse of selection. I have run into the one in Santa Ana couple of times looking for something specific, and my impression is that El Machetazo is not your best option if you are shopping for organic groceries, low-processed, no seed oils, etc. But maybe there is more selection in the stores located in higher income areas. Again, if anyone writes in with feedback here, I’ll update the article.
Convenience
There are quite a few stores, but not really in the area where I live or where most of my clients live in the city. I have also been told that they offer one of the slowest check-out experiences in Panama.
Also, kind of random, but their Costa Sur location is open 24 hours if you ever get into a late-night bind.
Cleanliness and Organization
Just as I have said about some of the other options, not all El Machetazo stores are created equal. The one in Santa Ana is pretty run down, as is the one in Caledonia. But the one in Albrook is pretty clean.
I have been told that their layout can be a bit strange and counterintuitive.
El Fuerte
I have never been inside one of these. But I know people who really like El Fuerte.
Price
From what I am told, this is one of the most value-priced options in Panama. Less expensive that Super 99 or even Super Xtra.
Selection
I am told to skip the meat section. I´d be interested on any recommendations as to what are good buys at El Fuerte.
Convenience
In and around Panama City, they are located in 24 de Diciembre, San Miguelito, Villa Zaita and on the old highway Carretera around Arraijan.
Cleanliness and Organization
I have heard that the inventory can get pretty messy and disorganized.
PriceSmart
This is a membership club, sort of like CostCo or Sam’s Club. The membership starts at around $35 per year for one person, and is a great addition to your grocery shopping toolkit.
Price
We started going to PriceSmart because their prices on diapers are really low. PriceSmart is great for buying in bulk. For example, a tube of toothpaste might cost 4-5 dollars in El Rey, but in PriceSmart you might find 6 tubes for 12 dollars.
However, it seems like prices have been rising.
Selection
Especially good for items with a distant expiration date (pastas, rice, sealed salsas, raw nuts and condiments). It can also be a good place to buy soaps, detergents and cleaning supplies.
They good prices on meat, especially if you are feeding a lot of people. But not the same quality as you can find at the specialty meat places like Pretelt or La Casa del Jamón.
We also like their produce. My husband thinks they have the best apples, and approx. 50% of the time he says the pears are really juicy.
SIDE NOTE – Lately, we buy all of our soaps, detergents and cleaning supplies at EcoRefill in Ciudad de Saber, where you can bring your recycled containers and fill up with organic products (like Dr. Bronner’s) right from the spout. Check them out!
Convenience
They have a few locations in and around the city. The most relevant for my clients is probably on Vía Brasil, or maybe the one in El Dorado. You can also order online and pick up without actually going inside, which is nice.
Cleanliness and Organization
The store on Via Brasil is kept both clean and well organized.
Orgánica
I love Orgánica, but shopping here is a luxury.
Price
It is mostly organic, gourmet and specialty products. So, it is expensive.
Selection
Interesting, high-quality, imported products. For example, we buy peanut butter here (just peanuts, no palm oil), and healthier food for our small children.
The stores are very small, and the selection really caters toward a very specific lifestyle. It would be difficult to do all of your regular grocery shopping here.
Convenience
They have a small store place in the Punta Pacífica and Paitilla area, one in San Francisco and another in Costa del Este.
There is also one in Coronado in the same commercial center as the Felipe Motta (and with a specialty meats store called GourMeats that is worth checking out as well).
Cleanliness and Organization
Very clean and well organized.
Foodie Market
Something between a high-end convenience store and a mini-supermarket.
Price
Expensive. This is not the place to do regular grocery shopping, but good for picking up something specific.
Selection
Not bad for their size. A lot of higher-end products, nice packaging, etc.
Like I said, good for picking up something specific. For example, if you are on your way home from work and suddenly remember that it is Valentine’s Day, you can swing through Foodie Market and pick up flowers.
Convenience
They have stores in Paitilla, Marbella, Punta Pacífica and Ocean Reef. These are areas where a lot of foreigners spend time, so I think convenience is a key part of Foodie’s offering.
Cleanliness and Organization
Densely packed, but clean and well-organized.
Grand Deli Gourmet
Similar to Foodie, but with less pre-packaged selection. And with a coffee shop-deli.
Price
Expensive. This is not the place to do regular grocery shopping, but it is a good place to pick up some snacks for now or later.
Selection
Good for what they offer, but their grocery selection is more of a specialty mini-super rather than a regular grocery store.
Convenience
There are a handful of locations around the city, including Calle 50, Obarrio, El Dorado and Albrook. There is also one in Coronado, and another right outside of the hotel in Buenaventura.
My husband used to buy coffee here some mornings, but he always complained that he had to wait in 3 lines for 1 cup of coffee (one line to request the coffee, another line to pay for it, and a third line to pick up the order). I think most of the café areas now have a separate point of sale, so hopefully that is resolved!
Cleanliness and Organization
Reasonably clean, but sort of a fast-food coffee shop.
Panama’s Local Markets
I am referring to Merca Panama, Mercado de Abastos or Mercado San Felipe Neri. They actually deserve a blog article of their own, so I won´t go into detail on these here.
But I recommend checking these out for your grocery shopping needs. You´ll find great prices, and you’ll be buying local products from Panamanian vendors.
SIDE NOTE – It is important to note that local does not necessarily mean organic. In fact, it is more likely that there are pesticides still used in Panama that are banned in the US, Canada or Western Europe.
Bottom Line?
My clients mostly come to me with legal questions, but our conversations often drift into other subjects related to our personal lives and life in Panama. So, I would like to use the Legalese blog to put content out there that my clients will find interesting.
I hope this article gives a good lay of the land when it comes to grocery shopping in Panama. If you have any feedback on any of these places, or if you think I missed a supermarket that would be relevant to the scope of this article, then please let me hear from you. You can email me at tamara@theindependentlawyer.com.
