Feed the Hungry Bala Beast!

During my recent visit to Bala Beach Resort, the restaurant was still not open. Without enough guests and owers, I don't see how it could survive. But if and when it does open, it will be fun to try it out. You can drive in the direction of Portobelo and find a several restaurants.

Until then what does one do? Starve? Eat the local vegetation and any other moving thing? Since the apartments come with kitchens, the logical solution is to buy food and cook.

Maria Chiquita has 3 small convenience stores that I know of. If you walk or drive out the gate and continue along the beach road to the small town plaza, there are two small stores stores. You can buy basics such as sodas, a small selection of food items, laundry detergent, candy etc there.

Continue on toward the main intersection on the highway, where the police station is located and you will find a slightly larger convenience store. These are all good, close places to pick up last minute basics.

Across the main highway, just before the police station if you are coming from Sabanitas is a place that sells rotisserie chicken. We had one and it was pretty good. Try to get one when they are just done being cooked. (Fast food - Maria Chiquita style). They charged $8, a little high for Panama, but it fed a whole carload of gringos.

I hope that in the future, the local fishermen will also become a source of fresh fish for Bala Beachers. I haven't had a chance to ask them yet, but plan to do so on my next visit.

Now for major shopping, you will want to drive or Bus your way to Sabanitas. The bus is about 45 cents each way and you have two supermarkets to choose from (forget the ice cream with the bus method). First is Supermercado REY. It is right on the corner where you turn in Sabanitas to go to Maria Chiquita.  If you enter the driveway across the street from REY, you will find Super 99, another supermarket.

Between these two, you should be able to stock up on a good variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, cereals, coffee, breads, drinks, etc.

There we have it. If you are going to Portobelo, there are some other small stores. There is no need perish of starvation, but if you are looking for the truly exotic, like salt & vinegar flavoured potato chips, you may have to search further afield.

Bon Apetite!