PAN: Café Coca-Cola

Is it weird not to drink Coca-Cola at Café Coca-Cola?

Here's a trivia: did you know that Panama and Cuba were among the first few countries to operate Coca-Cola bottling plants outside of North America in 1906? Café Coca-Cola isn't only the oldest café in Panama City, but also is the one and only in the world to be endorsed by the Coca-Cola Company. 

Milanesa de Pollo PAB 7.50 (~S$10.20)

Taste: 6.5/10

Literally translated as 'Milanese Chicken', it's a popular dish with Italian influences that's found its way to several South American countries, notably Argentina at first. At the café, the chicken cutlet came with thick fries and a simple salad dish of fresh greens and tomato slices.

The thinly sliced chicken breast, which was breaded and deep-fried until crispy, was adequately seasoned, but the edges were somewhat dry. 

Arroz Frito Combinacion PAB 7.50 (~S$10.20)

Taste: 7/10

I was so eager to experience the Central American take on fried rice. As it arrived at the table, the generous portion fried rice topped with eggs looked quite promising, adorned with ample servings of chicken, minced pork and shrimps. Having a hint of smokiness, it was pretty satisfying for my taste buds.

Especial Coca-Cola PAB 7.50 (~S$10.20)

Taste: 7.5/10

The priciest sandwich selection on the menu proved to be visually appetising. Accompanied by lightly salted fries, the sandwiches were filled with tender pork patty, ham, egg, tomato and lettuce. A single olive on a toothpick perched atop each of them, serving as both garnish and structural support to the ensemble.

Flan PAB 3.00 (~S$4.10)

Taste: 5.5/10

First of all, despite the fact that I saw the premade flan coming from one of the chillers behind the bar counter, it wasn't cold enough. That aside, while the custard was adequately creamy and velvety, it became apparent upon the first bite that the sweetness of the caramel sauce was a bit overpowering.

Melon's Rating

Taste: 6.5/10

Ambience: 6/10

Service: 6/10

Overall: 6/10

The cafe was where I spoke Spanish for the very first time in my life. At least the server could understand my very rudimentary grasp of the language. Pika's advice: Coke glass bottles are becoming increasingly rare, but you can still find them at Café Coca-Cola.

Café Coca Cola

Avenida Central Espana

Panama City

Panama

(Daily: 8.00am - 11.00pm)

*Prices quoted are nett prices.

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)