Quesos Chela

Every town has a place that sticks out for being special. This place is famous for their cheese empanadas. That is all I have tried so far therefore I cannot comment on anything else. But those empanadas sure are phenomenal. The outside dough is unlike anything I have tried. It has the texture of an actual artisanal bread. Imagine how it must taste with cheese inside.

By the way, dear tourists, this place has accomplished the dream. And that is to mass produce chicheme and put it inside a commercial bottle. That means that it can now be sent abroad for other countries to enjoy. Other accomplishments include opening several other branches and producing self-branded cookies, breads, pastries and cheeses.

Let’s briefly talk about the humble beginnings of this company. In 1969, a gentleman named Joseph opened this very first branch. His wife, Graciela, later sells the company in 1984 to a husband and wife duo. Then in 1997, their son-in-law Emilio takes over and the rest is history. His secret is to base their products on innovation and quality.

Delicious place to stop on any road trip. Fresh baked good and refreshing drink available. Staff is polite and efficient. You cannot drive by without stopping for an empanada. The sweet empanadas are ridiculously good.

This is a popular small store located in Panama that has all the local and panamenian traditonal breakfast or snack food and drinks. It''s always crowded, but the wait on ther line is worted.

Best traditional pastries and cheese, a legendary shop not to miss if you travel on this road.

Best empanadas in the country. The place should be named a national treasure. I have been going for the past 20 years. In fact, I am friends with the family that owns the place. Just wonderful! If you are on your way to the country side, then you MUST stop by!

The best cheese and pastries in Panama. It is well known by the entire country population. Everyone stops here when driving to and from the interior. It's known as the "Obligatory Stop." The prices are low and the food tastes great. You have to try the local drink "chicheme." It's corn with milk and sugar. The empanadas are great as well. A must visit place in Rio Hato. We will return.

Classic stop on the way to the beach. Same quality but the sizes have shrunk. They do their best to accommodate the mass of people on the weekends and have multiple lines but if it is too full I don't stop.

They make cheese from Finland. My Hurst/ Oilon boiler/burner supplier. Was super happy that Quesos Chela had cheese just like from Finland. Big surprise. Loved it.

This is the place to stop if you want to have something traditional from Panama

Best empanada queso, use the car express line to avoid waiting too long in line.

A must for every person traveling on the road that pass! Such a big variety of cheeses and a local corn drink that is delicious!
The local Panamanians told us about this shop and we were not disappointed.

String cheese - bland, not really worth it.
Mozarella with Cajun - if you like Cajun, it's good.
Aged cheddar - not bad, decent flavor.
Smoked mozzarella - super duper awesome, buy 2.
Soft serve ice cream - pull a Forrest Gump & buy one for each hand! 🍦🍦

A fantastic must-stop. The empanadas are delicious and the chicheme is worth the try!

Great sweets and customer service

This place is super popular and for a good reason, so there's a good chance there will be a line. The empanadas, breads, and cheeses are excellent. The tres leches is amazing, better than any I've had in the US. (If you are lactose intolerant be sure to take your meds)

Cool place with nice cheese and much more

Makes tasty cheese and snacks, not the best in the world so don't get your expectations up but tasty enough that makes you want to eat there every time, it's a mandatory stop whenever driving to the interior. But overall, you will definitely enjoy it. Highly recommend

The obligatory stop is one we always look forward to on the way out of the city. My favorite thing there is the ricotta empanada, but any kind will be sure to satisfy. The chicha is fresh, cool, and delicious. It's the perfect stop to stretch your legs and get a bite to eat to keep you energized for the rest of your trip.

Fantastic spot to gran an empanada or 10..... must stop if you are in the area. The best we found. 🇺🇸🇵🇦

The best soft cheese I have ever tried! They sell a variety of soft cheeses made of cow milk as well as goat milk! Especially I liked cheese with black olives. And also they have a variety of fresh baked bread. Try it! It is really delicious!