ENES

Fonda El Motete

Panamanian$El Cangrejo
Perfect forCheap eatsBBQ and smokehouseSancocho
$3 to $6 a plateHow we list and verify
HighlightsUpdated Jul 2026
  • Known for Plato del dia (mixed plate)
  • Typical spend: $3 to $6 a plate
  • One of 10 Panamanian spots in El Cangrejo

What's good

Distilled from public mentions, no ratings

  • Large, buffet-style fonda with more variety and seating than the average fonda.
  • Very affordable typical Panamanian food, with plates starting around a few dollars.
  • Extras that set it apart: a parrillada grill and a chicha station, open 24 hours.

The food

Plato del dia (mixed plate)$4

Self-serve lunch/dinner plate - pick several items (around five) from the buffet line, from roughly $4.

Popular
Sancocho

Panamanian chicken soup, served with rice for a few dollars.

Popular
Stewed and roast meats

Rotating braised and roast meats and chicken along the buffet line.

Parrillada / BBQ

Grilled meats from the on-site grill, a bonus over a standard fonda.

Chicha

House fruit drinks from the dedicated chicha station.

Order & find Fonda El Motete online

Order for delivery, browse the full menu with prices, or follow along.

Follow on Instagram@fonda_el_motete

Where it is

C. Thais de Ponds, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
El Cangrejo, Panama City
Get directions →

Good to know

Via Argentina, El Cangrejo (near the Caja de Ahorros on Via Espana)Open 24 hours, 7 daysBuffet / self-serve formatBudget-friendly typical Panamanian foodOn-site grill (parrillada) and chicha station

Best time to go

BusiestFri-Sat eveningsWeekend nights draw the crowd
Easy tableWeekday lunchQuick, easy seat
Sweet spotThu, 6-7 PMEarly dinner before it fills

Frequently asked

What kind of food does Fonda El Motete serve?

Fonda El Motete serves Panamanian. The menu includes Plato del dia (mixed plate), Sancocho, Stewed and roast meats.

What's good at Fonda El Motete?

Large, buffet-style fonda with more variety and seating than the average fonda. That reflects what people consistently say online - EatsPanama does not post star ratings.

How much does a meal at Fonda El Motete cost?

Based on its published menu, dishes are around $4.00 ($ overall).

When is Fonda El Motete open?

Fonda El Motete serves seven days a week. Some days it runs 24 hours - the day-by-day hours are listed on this page.

Where is Fonda El Motete?

C. Thais de Ponds, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama, El Cangrejo, Panama City.

Nearby alternatives

Subway

International·$

Empanada Street Vendor

Spanish

Ready Pizza

Pizza

Around El Cangrejo

Fonda El Motete is one of 231 restaurants EatsPanama tracks in El Cangrejo, Panama City. Every listing is built from public sources and menus - no restaurant can pay to appear. The neighborhood leans toward Cafe, Bar, International.

See all 231 restaurants in El Cangrejo →

Explore more

More Panamanian in El CangrejoAll El Cangrejo restaurantsOpen now in El Cangrejo
CallDirections

Own this restaurant? Own this restaurant? Keep your hours, menu and photos current - it's free.

Claim this page →