The Raj: Authentic North and South Indian Cuisine in Panama City's Charming Via Argentina

Via Argentina holds a special place in Panama City's expat community, and Austin Hess knows this intimately - it was his first neighborhood when he moved to Panama 13 years ago. This pedestrian-friendly area combines walkable sidewalks, excellent cafes, and restaurants like The Raj that give you the sense of discovery and community that makes relocation exciting rather than isolating. The neighborhood buzzes with afternoon activity, complete with birds tweeting as you stroll between restaurants and shops. For expats relocating to Panama, Via Argentina represents the sweet spot between authentic local culture and international amenities. The area attracts professionals, remote workers, and families who value walkability and authentic dining experiences. If you're considering where to base yourself in Panama City, Via Argentina should be on your shortlist - especially when destinations like this are waiting for you.

The Raj isn't your typical Panama City establishment - it's a fine dining Indian restaurant that takes its culinary heritage seriously. Led by Head Chef Jay, who brings over 20-25 years of professional cooking experience, The Raj specializes in North Indian, South Indian, and Indo-Chinese cuisine. The restaurant spans 50-80 covers and features a full bar with an impressive selection of liquors and specialty drinks. What makes The Raj genuinely unique is that it serves dishes you literally cannot replicate in North America. These are authentic preparations from across India - from the northern states all the way to the south - executed with precision and respect for traditional methods. The menu reads like a culinary passport, featuring tandoori preparations, Indo-Chinese fusion dishes, and regional South Indian specialties that most Panama City residents have never encountered. For expats feeling homesick or adventurous travelers wanting to explore Indian cuisine authentically, The Raj fills a genuine gap in Panama City's dining landscape.

Head Chef Jay walked us through The Raj's signature offerings, and every item tells a story of regional authenticity. Start with tandoori specialties - the mixed non-vegetarian platter, malai tikka, chicken tikka, and shrimp tikka showcase the restaurant's mastery of clay oven cooking. These appetizers alone justify a visit. For Indo-Chinese lovers, chili chicken, chili paneer, sanhai chicken, and fried rice deliver that addictive fusion flavor profile. The menu includes every format you might crave - appas (savory lentil cakes), panipuri, dhokli puri, and other street food favorites that remind expats of wandering through Indian markets. The South Indian section features idly and dosa (rice crepes made from fermented lentil and rice batter) - items prepared fresh, crispy-edged, and customizable with or without fillings. Then there's the dessert showcase: clob jam and kulfi varieties including pista badam and mango kulfi. Head Chef Jay emphasized that everything here is made to their best ability, with each dish representing authentic preparation methods you'd find in India itself. When you order at The Raj, you're not just getting food - you're getting a direct culinary connection to India's regional diversity.

Austin Hess and the DoPanama team have been sending clients and friends to The Raj for years, and the feedback is consistently glowing. This isn't random word-of-mouth - it's strategic recommendation based on several factors that matter to expats relocating to Panama. First, The Raj represents genuine quality and authenticity, which builds confidence for newcomers nervous about restaurant choices in an unfamiliar country. Second, the restaurant's location in Via Argentina puts it in a neighborhood that DoPanama clients frequently choose to live in or visit. Third, dining recommendations from your relocation team creates social anchors - places where you can return regularly, build familiarity, and gradually develop a sense of community in Panama City. When you're relocating to a new country, these anchor establishments matter enormously for psychological adjustment and quality of life. The fact that Austin has been eating at The Raj for over a decade and continues recommending it speaks volumes about consistency and reliability - critical factors when you're new to a city. For expats working through DoPanama's relocation services, The Raj becomes part of your introduction to Panama City's food culture, not just a random dinner.

Panama is experiencing significant growth in international cuisine quality as more expats relocate and demand authentic options. The presence of restaurants like The Raj indicates a maturing food scene where quality Indian establishments can thrive. For expats from India, the UK, or anywhere with significant Indian populations, access to authentic cuisine affects quality of life calculations during relocation decisions. Panama's cost of living advantage extends to dining - you get international-quality food at prices substantially lower than North America or Europe. The restaurant industry in Panama has grown roughly 12% annually over the past five years as the expat population has increased. What this means practically: if you're relocating to Panama and concerned about whether you'll find quality restaurants from your home cuisine, the answer is increasingly yes. Cities like Panama City are developing diverse dining options that cater to international residents. That said, authenticity varies - which is why recommendations from experienced relocators like Austin Hess matter. He can point you toward The Raj rather than lesser establishments, saving you time and ensuring your dining experiences genuinely satisfy. When you're building your new life in Panama, these insider recommendations accelerate your integration and quality of life improvement.

The Raj operates as a full-service fine dining establishment, which means you're getting an experience beyond just food. The restaurant's bar offers comprehensive liquor selection and specialty drinks, so you can pair your meal appropriately or simply enjoy an evening out. The 50-80 cover capacity means it's intimate enough for meaningful dinners but established enough to handle groups. Hours and days of operation should be confirmed before visiting (details are available through DoPanama's contact information), but the restaurant is positioned as a destination spot rather than casual walk-in. Service quality matters when you're relocating and trying new restaurants, and The Raj's fine dining positioning suggests attention to detail and professionalism. The restaurant has built a reputation among DoPanama's clients for reliability and quality - when you make a reservation at The Raj, you're making a choice backed by expert recommendation and years of positive experience. For expats relocating to Panama, this type of vetted recommendation removes uncertainty and allows you to book confidently. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, hosting a business dinner, or simply exploring your new city's food scene, The Raj delivers a polished, authentic experience.