UvaCafe: Authentic Venezuelan Bakery Serving Panama's Growing Expat Community

Founded originally in Valera, Venezuela in 2009, UvaCafe represents the entrepreneurial spirit of Venezuelan expats who have brought their culinary heritage to Panama. Owner Geraldine Dávila relocated her successful bakery concept to Panama City in 2016, introducing Panamanian locals and international expats to authentic Venezuelan baked goods.

The bakery's signature items include the beloved cachito (ham-filled pastry), golfeado (sweet spiral bread with cheese and plantain), and traditional Venezuelan empanadas made with both corn and wheat flour. What sets UvaCafe apart is Dávila's Andean roots, bringing specialized knowledge from Venezuela's mountainous region known for producing the country's finest sweet breads.

UvaCafe distinguishes itself through traditional Andean baking methods, utilizing sweet sourdough starters and extended fermentation processes that create complex flavors while making breads easier to digest and longer-lasting. This artisanal approach reflects Venezuela's rich baking traditions, particularly from the Andean regions where sweet breads are considered among South America's finest.

Beyond traditional Venezuelan pastries, UvaCafe offers an extensive dessert menu featuring Tres Leches cake, Tiramisu, various cheesecakes, pineapple upside-down cake, lemon pie, and seasonal fruit tartlets. The bakery also serves Venezuelan beverages including the traditional "chicha de arroz" (rice drink), alongside quality coffee, natural juices, and soft drinks.

UvaCafe operates two strategically located branches that serve Panama City's diverse expat population. The original location in El Cangrejo, housed in Casa Sarita Building, serves one of Panama City's most established expat neighborhoods. The second location at PH Torres de Castilla on Via España expands access to Venezuelan cuisine for residents of this busy commercial corridor.

El Cangrejo has become a hub for international residents due to its central location, walkability, and concentration of services catering to expats. According to local real estate data, El Cangrejo's expat population has grown by 25% over the past three years, with Venezuelan, Colombian, and North American residents forming the largest communities.