Which Supermarkets should I use?
August 24, 2004There are several large chains of supermarkets in Panama. The following being the most notable:
- Rey
- Super 99
- Machetazo
- Riba Smith
- Extra
- Casa de la Carne
- SuperKosher
Of these Rey and Super 99 are the most frequent ones around.
Rey
Rey has a large branch network. Most tourist who stay in or near the Banking Area have gone to the Via España branch. It is very convenient for people in the area. However be aware of prices. They are notorious for mislabelling or not labelling the shelves with the correct prices. In Via España there is a price checking machine near the butchers and one near the checkout counters. Use them. If you find that the price labelled was lower than what it says at the checkout let them know and they will normally give you the labelled price.
Rey is relatively expensive as Panama goes. While most foreigners probably will think it cheap. The fruit and vegetable sections is not the best around, however if you’re lucky and go there when they´ve just restocked you’re fine.
The have a decent beer, liquor and wine selection.
One important thing about Rey is that many of them are open 24 hours (including the branch at Via España.)
Super 99
Some of these are huge, but I have never been too impressed with them. They are similar in style to Rey. They stock somethings Rey dont and the other way around. Pricewise I think they are similar allthough for some basic food items they may be cheaper than Rey.
Most Super 99’s close around 9ish.
Machetazo
For a true Panamanian supermarket experience go to Machetazo. You can find them in Calidonia, Avenida Central and San Miguelito. I’m sure there are others.
They don’t have as many foreign products as the others do, but when it comes to quality and price of products used by regular Panamanians they can not be beat. An item that costs 80c in Rey will probably cost 55c in Machetazo. However price isn’t the only reason to go. I rate their vegetable and meat department as being considerably better (and still cheaper) than Rey and Super 99.
You can see their butcher department at work in Calidonia and they are always working throughout the day on bringing fresh cuts of meat and chicken to the store.
Machetazos are in most places multi level department stores. The supermarkets are always at the bottom level.
These supermarkets can become super busy, in particular on quincena (pay day) and on Saturdays. If you want to have an easy life go before noon on a weekday.
If you want to buy meat, the first thing you do when entering the store is to go pick a number from the meat department. If it busy it can take over an hour for your number to come up. Study the meats you want to buy, so you know what to say to the guy when its your turn. Most people walk around the store doing their other shopping while waiting for their turn. But keep an eye on the numbers. There are also handy benches to sit on while waiting.
There is also an area with meats pre packed, which is always worth a study. You may find all you need there. There are some times real bargains here.
Riba Smith
This has traditionally been known as the Gringo supermarket. Here you can find just about all the variations of American foods you want. Including many of the new low carb items sold in the US. All of this comes at a price of course, it is fairly expensive.
That said, their meat department is excellent. Their vegetable department is also good but very expensive. For dairy products this is probably the best supermarket around.
They have their own brand of sliced meat and bread products, which while not spectacular are pretty good.
The wine area is small but outstanding and not particularly expensive.
Extra
I’ve never been, but I’m told it’s like a lower class version of Super 99. They are mostly found in the suburbs.
Casa de la Carne
As you might expect for a place with a name like that, it has a superb meat selection. They aren’t quite as widespread as they used to be. The best one is heading out of town on Tumba Muerto towards El Dorado.
The butchers are excellent. My favorite is to buy half a beef tenderloin. They will butterfly it for you or you can do it yourself. It’s excellent for the price. I don’t think their meat prices are particularly expensive, while the rest of the supermarket isn’t the cheapest you will find.
Wine department is better than Rey.
Super Kosher
It seems to suprise everyone (including me) that there is a larger modern Kosher supermarket in Panama. It’s located in Paitilla close to the McDonalds.
Panama has a large affluent and relatively orthodox jewish community. Their meat and vegetable selection is excellent allthough not particularly cheap. Of course here you will get the best selection of bagels, pastrami and pitta in Panama.
Less obvious is that the place is also popular with the large Arab and Indian population, so this is also the best place to buy Popadom and Jeerah powder.
This entry was posted in the following Categories: Drinks , Food , Shopping
Comments:
How can I find out what kids of products are available in the supeRMARKETS? Is there any liquid soy milk in tetrabrik?Are there any soy milk products in panama? thank you, Laurel anderson
Posted by: Laurel anderson at November 1, 2004 12:20 PM
Rest assured you can buy American soy milk products in Rey and probably also other supermarkets. They also have vegetarian cheese and "ham" type of products.
My guess is that a brick of soy milk costs about $2-3. Im not in Panama right now and cant verify it for you.
Pelle
Posted by: Pelle at November 2, 2004 03:19 AM
Which supermarket sale fresh mushrooms, such as the white bottom (champiñon) or the portobella? Of the ones that sale that product, which offers the best quality and price? Are those mushrooms locally produced or imported?
Posted by: Edilberto Fumero at December 21, 2004 04:17 PM
If I need to do a detail study of fresh mushrooms its consumption in Panama, what type of organization could I contact? Chamber or Commerce? the supermarkets directly?
Posted by: Edilberto Fumero at December 21, 2004 04:18 PM
