Chiricana

Panamanian cuisine by Chef Dani

Growing up in the Bay Area, Dani rarely saw Panamanian food represented outside of her own home kitchen. Like many first-generation children, she distanced herself from her cultural foods to assimilate into American culture. In her mid 20s, Dani rekindled her love for Panamanian food and was determined to learn how to make tamales, one of her abuela’s most complex and labor intensive recipes.

Achieving this milestone inspired her to learn as much as she could about Panamanian cuisine and share it with her Bay Area community. Chiricana is a reflection and tribute to her family’s immigration story, marked by struggle, resilience, and a fair share of travesura (mischief)!

Follow and Support Dani:

• Instagram: @chiri_cana
• Website: https://www.chiricana.com/