Mark Vogel
Lula Casco Kosher Restaurant in Panama City: More than Israeli Street Food
Kosher meat restaurant in Panama City, Panama ✈
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Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama's historical crown jewel, is not only rich in culture and history, but also is a great place to enjoy a meal. This eclectic neighborhood, where the cobblestone streets reverberate with tales of the past, has blossomed into a flourishing culinary destination. During a recent trip to Panama, I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Lula Casco, a kosher meat restaurant in the heart of Casco Viejo.
Book a Tour: Top Casco Viejo Tours
“The menu promised a symphony of Israeli and Latin flavors, catering not just to meat lovers but also vegetarians.”
Close to landmarks like Las Bovedas and Plaza de Francia, the restaurant’s slogan is, “More than Israeli Street Food!” When I walked into the restaurant, the ambiance was welcoming, almost reminiscent of a cozy library. Wooden shelves lined with an array of books hugged the walls. It's a reader's paradise, where one can sip on a rich cup of coffee while diving into a novel. There were even many books in Hebrew. Adding to the charm was a colorful mural portraying Panama's diverse culture – from women adorned in traditional dresses to iconic landmarks like the Bridge of the Americas set against modern skyscrapers.
With Panama's large Jewish community, the prominence of Israeli flavors wasn't surprising. Yet, Lula Casco went a step further, with Chef Ayelet Vahnish Gal creating a fusion that's hard to resist. The menu promised a symphony of Israeli and Latin flavors, catering not just to meat lovers but also vegetarians.
Eager to sample the food, I began with the Mediterranean salad – an Israeli classic. For those seeking vegan delights, the grilled eggplant tartar paired with tahini and tomato sauce is a must-try. The restaurant also offers a plate bursting with a selection of starters, ideal for a group.
The main dishes were amazing. While the grilled skirt steak beckoned with its side of chimichurri fries, the vegetarian gnocchi, loaded with fresh vegetables and garlic, was an absolute delight. Chicken lovers have many options ranging from chicken teriyaki to the creamy chicken korma. If you love hummus, then this is the place for you, with flavors ranging from the spicy chicken chipotle to the hearty pita ropa vieja with fried plantains. Each hummus variant was served with soft, fluffy pita bread.
Panama City has many kosher establishments, but at the time of my visit, this was the only one in the Casco Viejo neighborhood. However, with the variety of delicious food choices that they offer, there is no need to look for another one. When you want to fuel up after exploring the beautiful Casco Viejo area, make sure to stop by this wonderful restaurant!
Book a Tour: Top Casco Viejo Tours
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