11 Aug Quesos Chela
By Natalie Warner
Imagine a place where you can buy empanadas, pastries, cheese, bread, and typical Panamanian style drinks—all made in house. Such a place exists! We are talking about Quesos Chela in Capira, located approximately 30 minutes east of Coronado.
Quesos Chela opened in 1969 and has been with the current owner since 1985. They specialize in kosher cheeses, making over 110 different varieties. Looking for yogurt? They’ve got it! Looking for goat cheese? They sell it! Mozzarella is their most popular selling cheese. Super markets also sell Quesos Chela cheese. Look for it at stores including Super 99, Riba Smith, El Rey, and Super Kosher.
Quesos Chela
They are probably best known for their empanadas, specifically their cheese empanadas. They can sell over 3,000 of these during a weekday and are made by hand by 6 workers. Quesos Chela also offers chicken and beef varieties. Each variety is made with different dough. Be sure to try some of their leche aquia or chicheme to go along with your empanada. These local drinks are great for cooling off from the warm and humid Panamanian climate.
Lines at Quesos Chela are common. Do not let that that detour you from stopping by. These lines move quickly and the food is inexpensive. It is popular among tourists and locals alike. Quesos Chela does not have tables; plan on making this a pit stop along your drive.
Fun fact: Quesos Chela has been featured on the tv show Bizarre Foods. You can watch the featured segment here:
Quesos Chela is on the left side of the Panamerican Highway in Capira, driving from Coronado to Panama City. They are open from 7:30am-9pm daily.