3.5 -Hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience In Panama

This was a fantastic experience the chef was so personable, the food was excellent!! Atmosphere was lively and informative. Chef Dave really knew his way around the kitchen the presentation, instruction, and cleanliness was spot on!! Couldn’t have asked for a better class this is one you won’t want to miss!!

Great solo experience. I learned a lot about cooking and I never cook at home and Chef Dave was accommodating food was well seasoned!!

My sons are still talking about this class! I am 56 and learned A Lot about cooking in general from Chef! It was an intimate class in a quaint setting…made us right at home! The god was delicious! Don’t be afraid of slicing it up…Delicious!

My Afro-Panamanian cooking experience was such a wonderful way to connect with Panama's rich culture and culinary traditions! I learned about the flavors, ingredients, and history behind the food while enjoying a hands on culture experience. I highly recommend adding this cooking experience to your itinerary. A delicious and memorable way to experience Panama.

The class is very good but bring your patience with you. This is not a quick class but it’s worth the time. The chef’s very professional and will answer any and all questions. He also mentioned that he’s learning. So if you mention something he’s going to research it. In the class we were all from different areas. So he asked about the cooking styles. Also the different names of foods. So although he’s teaching a class he’s open to learning. The dishes we prepared will definitely be added to my dinner rotation. I especially liked the pineapple dipping sauce. The class is definitely a must.

We had the pleasure of taking a cooking class with Chef David, and it exceeded all our expectations! It was our first cooking class, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Chef David was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, funny, kind, and professional. His kitchen was warm and inviting, and from the moment we arrived, he made us feel like family. It was our last night in Panama City, and I wanted to end our trip on a high note. Chef David made it truly unforgettable. The meal we prepared was hands down the best food I had in Panama City, made with the freshest, finest ingredients that were vibrant and full of flavor. We also thoroughly enjoyed meeting the other people in our class. Within just five minutes, it felt like we were preparing dinner with old friends and family. I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience and would do it again and again! One of the things that makes Panama City so special is getting to know its people and culture, and Chef David’s cooking class is the perfect way to do just that. Don’t miss this experience!

This was a very fun cooking class.Chef Dave was a great host and definitely made the experience one I will never forget. Don’t worry if you are not a pro in the kitchen as Chef Dave was very patient and provided step by step instructions that was easy to follow. I definitely recommend taking the cooking class! The meal came out delicious!

Chef was very knowledgeable and engaging during the class! He even shared the recipes afterwards from the awesome food that we prepared & consumed afterwards! I recommend

GREAT EXPERIENCE!!! The vibes were sooo good We felt very safe and the event was held in a beautiful home The food was great and we learned alot of new recipes. Would totally recommend for a couple or small group The oxtail was delicious!

Wow! 10 stars literally. Very engaging, very entertaining, heart felt surprises, lots of knowledge and lots of memorable moments created. Chef Dave is a staple in Panama and you haven’t experienced Panama unless you partake in this true authentic cooking class. Experience history, culture, good food, good vibes, great entertainment and good people. Wear some comfortable shoes and bring your positivity..it’s about to be an experience you’ll NEVER FORGET!!!

Chef Dave was personable and very knowledgeable. We lucked up with a great group of people and had a wonderful experience. Would highly recommend.

The biggest highlight for me in Panama was the amazing food. This cooking class did not disappoint; it was very interactive, fun, and educational, and the food tasted incredible. It felt like we all knew each other, even though we had just met for the first time. The food was not only delicious but also very healthy and natural. I will definitely try to replicate these dishes at home. For the price, you get a lot. The class wasn't crowded, so questions were answered without a rush. We completed the course within the promised time. Just a heads up: if the app you're using says the class is full, try finding Chef Dave's social media and reaching out to him via WhatsApp. I initially tried to book through the Viator app, but it showed no availability. Since we only had one day left in Panama, I contacted Chef Dave through social media and messaged him on WhatsApp. He informed me that he had availability for the day I wanted to attend.

Chef Dave provided a welcoming, professional experience while cooking a delicious traditional Afro-Panamanian dish. He was very thorough and wise beyond his years, with culinary expertise. I highly recommend his cooking class when you are visiting Casco!

Enjoyable experience! Loved having a home cooked Panamanian meal. Great company! At 70 years old, I learned some things. Chef Dave provided copies of the recipes so that we can practice at home!

I booked this curious to learn more about panamanian culture through food. The experience exceeded my expectations. The chef walked us through each recipe step by step offering tips even more experienced home cooks can appreciate. He was also very mimdful of cleanliness, inviting the class to wash their hands as often as needed - touched your phone to snap a pic, feel free to wash hands each time. Good humor, good food is a big win. Take what you learned home and make it for your family - it is a world class souvenir. My friend from panama also loved it! BONUS: He offers different recipes so it isn'talways the same class - so its a sage repeat on future trips.

We had a great evening with chef Dave, great tips while cooking & an amazing dinner! I would definitely recommend when visiting Panama!

What an absolutely wonderful experience. Chef Dave is a premiere event host! He’s truly skilled at the Afro-Panamanian culinary arts, and he’s welcoming, engaging, and oh so very humorous. Also, I learned many tips & techniques that I was never aware of regarding meal preparation. And the Afro-Panamanian dinner was delicioso! I’d certainly return to this tour should I return to Panama! recommend. This event is a must-do!

This class was so fun, Chef Dave was funny and was careful to explain kitchen safety before we even started. The food also ended up being amazing!

Chef Dave is awesome. He kept the class moving quickly and everyone had a fabulous time. I’ll definitely go again.

Booked this for an anniversary gift for my wife. We had an amazing time. I definitely recommend this to anyone and everyone.

We learned so much about the history and culture of the food. Our chef was friendly, personable, engaging, and a fantastic cook. We met other people on the tour. He facilitated the conversation between everyone until we were all so comfortable, laughing, cooking, and feeling apart of the culture. Recommendations: Eat before going, because you won’t be eating until late. It may run 60-90 minutes longer. So plan accordingly.

Cooking with Chef Dave and my group was truly such a beautiful experience. I cook but learned new things, met great people and ate good!! This was such a fun time. We made oxtails, coconut rice, plantains and pico de gallo and everything was delicious. If I’m ever back in Panama, my mom and I will be cooking with him again!!! Book this! You won’t regret it!

This was easily one of the highlights of my trip! Chef Dave was so welcoming and made the whole experience feel relaxed and fun from the beginning. I learned a lot of cooking tips that I’ll actually use at home, and I loved being able to help prepare the meal. The food was so good, and it honestly felt like I was cooking with a group of friends instead of taking a class. If you’re looking for something different to do, I definitely recommend booking this experience. It was worth every minute. 10/10!

Chef Dave is an awesome teacher. His detail to keeping things clean is commendable. I learned so much in this class and I will take it again when I come back to Panama. I can’t wait to bring my family and friends. This class was the highlight of our anniversary trip.

Chef David was phenomenal. The food was superb. He is an excellent host and teacher. I would HIGHLY recommend this experience.

Very beginner friendly and hands on, everyone gets to contribute. A great activity for solo, couples, friends etc! Food was amazing, can't wait to try at home! I went solo but I'd definitely go again with others.

Great class Dave is a great teacher keeps thinking live and fun the group all enjoyed themselves and we had so much fun that we went over the time and no one cared

This class is the first where I left with so much more knowledge about cooking than I walked in with! Although we helped to prepare the dishes, the details given about certain utensils, materials and ingredients were just like “how’d I never know this?”! Chef Dave knows his stuff! And the food was beyond flavorful and delicious. What a great way to end a day. And yes, he provides the recipes and instructions like most companies forget to do. This isn’t a class to be missed!

Chef Dave puts his heart and soul into his cooking classes. I have been to other cooking classes but nothing like this before. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish.

Lots of fun, great food, and knowledgeable and high energy instruction. I’ve taken a lot of cooking classes before and this was one of the best. Highly recommend.

I had the most amazing time in this cooking class. The food was absolutely divine and the ambiance was nothing short of the best. This class was worth every red cent.

Chef Dave never disappoints second time going always impress. Chef Dave puts his heart and soul into the food and make it's top notch he needs his flowers ASAP.

Finding the location was a bit challenging, but that can be Panamá sometimes. Chef Dave was accessible and graciously helped me navigate my way there. At one point, someone on the street recognized his name immediately and helped me to his front door. Honestly, that part was not surprising at all. It’s one of the things I truly loved about Panamá — the way community still seems to move naturally through everyday life. When I arrived, Chef Dave welcomed me warmly into a space that already felt inviting and alive. My station was fully prepared and waiting, which immediately set the tone for the evening. The group of seven turned out to be the perfect size: intimate enough for real connection, but large enough to keep the energy interesting and engaging. Everything felt intentional. The ingredients were fresh, the kitchen was beautifully stocked, the space was immaculate, and every station was arranged for an easy, natural workflow. Even more special, we were being welcomed into Chef Dave’s home — and it genuinely felt that way. Chef was quick to smile, laugh, and fully engage with everyone in the room. He seemed just as interested in the attendees as we were in him, the food, and the preparation itself. What made the experience especially memorable was the way he shared knowledge. Chef created space for everyone to participate, contribute, and even share stories from their own kitchens. The atmosphere never felt intimidating or performative; it felt collaborative and warm. As the cooking unfolded, he revealed small details and techniques that made the entire process feel approachable and exciting. There was always something happening. While Chef was handling the more delicate parts of the cooking, the rest of us were chopping, prepping, tasting, grazing, laughing, and moving together through the experience. While e was clearly the Chef, he was also making everyone feel like part of the team. The entire evening felt immersive, welcoming, and unexpectedly special. Chef Dave is an absolute delight. 10/10

Chef Dave was a vibe! Very personable, very knowledgeable and skillful! I attended with my wife really just as a tag along but I truly enjoyed this experience. Enough to come back for seconds next time we’re in town!

So glad that we booked this experience! Chef Dave taught us so much on cooking and gave amazing tips and tricks that I will definitely be using when we get back home. The Afro Panamanian food we cooked was probably one of the best that I've eaten in Panama city and the process of cooking it was so fun! Would definitely recommend anyone to experience this unique and absolutely delicious cooking class.

GREAT CLASS! I love that this was a small setting allowing for a very hand on experience with Chef Dave. Chef Dave is very knowledgeable and very fun. We were able to get to know each other, learn great techniques and cook authentic, tasty food. I'm pescatarian and Chef Dave changed the menu for me - which I'm very grateful to him for that.

This was a very joyful and unexpected experience. Unexpected because we learned so much about basic cooking prep that we thought we knew. The 8 of us prepared a shared meal which made the class all the more intimate. Joyful because in taking part in this shared meal we really got a chance to interact with the other classmates. Chef Dave was an excellent host and skillfully guided us in creating a lovely meal of chicken stew with coconut rice and beans. We had fun and everyone included Chef Dave and his assistant enjoyed the conversation, kidding around and great food.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ More than a cooking class—this was a whole vibe. The energy was warm and welcoming, and cooking Afro-Panamanian dishes with people from all over turned it into a true cultural experience. The Chef kept it fun, engaging, and authentic, and every dish was full of bold, incredible flavor. But honestly, the best part was the connection—strangers quickly felt like a crew. If you’re in Panama, don’t think twice. Come hungry and ready for a good time.

Chef Dave is truly amazing!! He throughly explained every step of the cooking process, encouraged and practiced cleanliness and had a welcoming spirit. The food was absolutely delicious 🥰. My Sistas and I came for the food, enjoyed the laughs and left with so much more!! Will definitely book this experience again upon our return.

Wow! What an amazing tour. We had such a good time learning how to make afro-Panamanian dishes with Chef Dave and we laughed and joked with our host and group the entire time. Food was relishes and Chef Dave’s energy was inviting, warm, and fun. I can’t recommend this tour enough, we would do it again the next time we’re in Panama.

Chef Dave was absolutely amazing and very thorough. He takes his time to teach you safety while cooking and the purpose of each ingredient used in his recipes.

As a solo traveler doing activities on your own can be scary, but not with chef Dave . What an incredible talent this man has for bringing people together and create connections between people where there weren't any before. I've had an amazing time, met amazing people, and maybe most importantly, had amazing food and learned incredibly much. 10/10 experience.

What a wonderful experience! Chef Dave was awesome. We learned so much not just about the food, but also the preparation process. And it was so much fun doing it with other people and sharing an incredible meal at the end. It’s definitely worth the time. He even made a point of celebrating our anniversary and another person‘s birthday while we were there.

Chef Dave’s class was absolutely amazing. I picked up so many helpful cooking tips that I know I’ll actually use at home, and the way he structured the class made everything flow effortlessly from start to finish. His instructions were clear, engaging, and easy to follow, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. What really stood out was the vibe—Chef Dave creates such a warm, welcoming atmosphere that it feels less like a formal class and more like cooking at home with friends. It was fun, interactive, and genuinely memorable. I’d highly recommend this class to anyone looking for a great cooking experience!

Unfortunately, the group including my family (a total of 7) all arrived early and had to wait 15 mins after the scheduled start time before someone finally opened the door only for us to be told that the class was canceled because another group canceled. What that had to do with the 7 of us, I am unsure. But it was highly unprofessional as the host was contacted multiple times by those of us waiting without a single response.

Chef Dave was extremely engaging and guided us through his cooking class with ease. The meal was wonderful.

I can’t comment much on the experience as there wasn’t one. We got to the location a little early and waited for 20 minutes past the reservation and he didn’t show. Finally grabbed someone from the restaurant next door, who called him, to then be told that he had to cancel. It was for me, my friend, and five other people. We were very disappointed. He did agree to give us a refund but it was still disappointing.

​I recently had the pleasure of attending an Afro-Panamanian cooking class with Chef Dave, and it was an absolute standout experience. ​Chef Dave is not only a talented chef but a fantastic host and teacher. He creates such a welcoming atmosphere and shares his expertise with so much passion. I walked away with some incredible cooking tips that I can’t wait to try out in my own kitchen. ​And the food? Simply delicioso! If you want to experience authentic flavors and learn from the best, do not miss a class with Chef Dave. Highly recommended! Book early as his class sells out.

This was so worth it. Chef Dave makes this a full experience. You are a part of the full process and you learn about the why of the process.