RIBA Smith ~ Panama’s Expats grocery store. HERE’s Why.

[@nicolepickett3555]

Produce looks fresh! Thanks for taking me on the tour.😋

[@lisadonnelly9811]

@@nicolepickett3555 thanks for coming along. Hope you have subscribed to support us for more content like this.

[@delorescrossgrove6016]

@@lisadonnelly9811Been in Panama, El Espino, for about 12 years or so. We shop on the economy except to get the stuff we like that the locals don’t carry. RIBA Smith is our go to for those items. Panamanian’s chicken, pork quality is great….takes less cooking time it seems. Now the beef….has a different taste and smell. The steaks are cheap cause they are tough as shoe leather. Some of the same brands as in the US seems to be a lesser quality. Overall lots of choices… Reyes, Extra, Super 99 all good. Get your pastries from the panerias and fruits/veggies from the air markets.

[@lisadonnelly9811]

@@delorescrossgrove6016 super. Thanks for sharing. We are moving to Panama soon so this will come in handy.

[@billycarroll9153]

That is not plant based milk. It’s shelf stable milk which is more than norm here than fresh. Dairy alternatives are also readily available. Also, the point of the other comment regarding US food products being unhealthy, I understand what they we’re trying to say. Example, foods as basic as ketchup from other countries don’t contain high fructose corn syrup. Local foods here also don’t contain the additives that are common in the US. I say that as an American who has lived here for over 16 years. For me, life is better here all around. Love it!

[@lisadonnelly9811]

@@billycarroll9153 thanks for your comments. I look forward to spending more time in Panama.

[@olis-f9r]

Riba Smith is for rich people to buy, very expensive

[@lisadonnelly9811]

@@olis-f9r I think that is why it’s referred to as the “expats” grocery store. Lol

[@hilariowilson5570]

FYI - Riba Smith is a Panamanian super market chain around for many, many decades and a local business, it is not an “expat” store, just to clarify.

[@lisadonnelly9811]

@@hilariowilson5570 yes, of course, it’s not only an “expat” grocery store. However, many refer to it that way because of the prices and the selection.

[@vienicestyles]

I’d avoid that grocery store because U.S. food is not good for you.

[@lisadonnelly9811]

@@vienicestyles what do you mean by that?