El Beso del Dragon is a small, family-style eatery on the main road in the Saigon neighborhood of Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro, just a short walk from Saigon Bay Bed and Breakfast and facing Playa Istmito (La Cabaña Beach). It is one of the best places near us to try real Bocatorian Caribbean cooking at local prices.
The menu is simple and authentic: rice and beans, boiled green banana, chicken, beef and fresh seafood. The signature dish is rondón, the rich local coconut seafood soup, and the patacones are always crispy. For breakfast, try hojaldres (fried bread), Panamanian corn tortillas with white cheese, eggs and a cup of local coffee. Wash it down with a fresh lemonade sweetened with raspadura.
El Beso del Dragon is open Mon to Sat from 10am to 4pm, so plan it for a late breakfast or lunch. If you want an honest taste of the island, it belongs on any list of local restaurants in Bocas del Toro.
You can walk there from Saigon Bay. For dinner nearby, try Chikita Beach on the same beach, or browse more ideas in our Bocas del Toro travel guide.
