Every town has a place that sticks out for being special. This place is famous for their cheese empanadas. That is all I have tried so far therefore I cannot comment on anything else. But those empanadas sure are phenomenal. The outside dough is unlike anything I have tried. It has the texture of an actual artisanal bread. Imagine how it must taste with cheese inside.
By the way, dear tourists, this place has accomplished the dream. And that is to mass produce chicheme and put it inside a commercial bottle. That means that it can now be sent abroad for other countries to enjoy. Other accomplishments include opening several other branches and producing self-branded cookies, breads, pastries and cheeses.
Let’s briefly talk about the humble beginnings of this company. In 1969, a gentleman named Joseph opened this very first branch. His wife, Graciela, later sells the company in 1984 to a husband and wife duo. Then in 1997, their son-in-law Emilio takes over and the rest is history. His secret is to base their products on innovation and quality.
A must for anyone going to a daytrip, travels trough or heading back to the city. Quesos Chela has a wide range of treats to choose from: delicious yoghurts, breads, a variety of empanadas (we tried the cheese and the cheese/spinach), chicheme and a huge selection of fresh cheeses. As this place is famous, be prepared for a long wait: Especially at weekends. I didn't manage to take a photo of the empanadas, I was really hungry and I inhaled both straight away. 🥟😜
The cashiers could do with smiling a bit more.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
PAB 1–5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
We arrived around 6 pm on a rainy Friday night and were pretty underwhelmed with this place. Granted, we had just come from the airport and were on our way to El Valle, so were feeling travel weary. There's no where to eat what you purchase except your car (unless we totally missed it), and the empanadas were far from the best we had while visiting Panama.
Delicious place to stop on any road trip. Fresh baked good and refreshing drink available. Staff is polite and efficient. You cannot drive by without stopping for an empanada. The sweet empanadas are ridiculously good.
This is a popular small store located in Panama that has all the local and panamenian traditonal breakfast or snack food and drinks. It''s always crowded, but the wait on ther line is worted.
Best empanadas in the country. The place should be named a national treasure. I have been going for the past 20 years. In fact, I am friends with the family that owns the place. Just wonderful! If you are on your way to the country side, then you MUST stop by!
The best cheese and pastries in Panama. It is well known by the entire country population. Everyone stops here when driving to and from the interior. It's known as the "Obligatory Stop." The prices are low and the food tastes great. You have to try the local drink "chicheme." It's corn with milk and sugar. The empanadas are great as well. A must visit place in Rio Hato. We will return.
Everybody stops here on way from city to beach. It is practically a Panamanian institution. Grab some empanadas to eat on way to the Playa or the Finca.
