Queen Letizia with sparkling earrings is in the foreground, while in the background there is a restaurant called El Nacional with a heart-eyes emoji superimposed.
LIFESTYLE

El Nacional, the bar that has charmed Queen Letizia in Panama: chicken for €10

This is El Nacional, the Panamanian restaurant where Letizia and Leonor enjoyed local food at a good price

Queen Letizia has once again made headlines, this time from Panama, where she had an exciting reunion with her daughter, Princess Leonor. Taking advantage of the Juan Sebastián de Elcano's stopover, mother and daughter shared an intimate lunch at El Nacional, the bar that has captivated Letizia. Additionally, local sources claim that the queen was able to order the tasty "pollo guisa'o" for just 10 euros.

After several months apart, this meeting has not only moved the media but also caused a sensation among the locals. Largely, due to the choice of venue: a simple bar that has become the setting for one of the most human images of the Spanish royalty. What is it about El Nacional that has captivated Queen Letizia and the heir to the throne?

Letizia and Leonor with brown and blonde hair, both wearing long earrings and dark blue dresses.
Queen Letizia and Leonor Enjoy Panamanian Food During Their Visit to El Nacional | en.edatv.news, Redes sociales, Europa Press

The Experience of Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor at El Nacional

Princess Leonor has been traveling the world for months aboard the Spanish Navy's training ship. The ship, the Juan Sebastián de Elcano, departed from Cádiz four months ago. Now, during its stop in Panama, it has been the scene of an unexpected but deeply emotional reunion with her mother, Queen Letizia.

Doña Letizia flew to Panama to spend a few hours with her eldest daughter. In this symbolic context, they both decided to do something as ordinary as it is special: go out to eat like any mother and daughter reuniting after a long absence. The chosen place, El Nacional, quickly made this moment public through their social media.

Princess Leonor and Queen Letizia embracing, one of them wearing a naval uniform.
Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor Go Out to Eat Together After Reuniting in Panama | Casa Real

The bar is located in Plaza de la Independencia, in the heart of the Old Town of Panama City. It is a restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and its commitment to traditional cuisine. There, among dishes of arroz con pollo, ceviches, and tamales, mother and daughter enjoyed a meal that has caused as much interest as sympathy.

Its menu brings together the best of Panamanian cuisine, with specialties like ropa vieja, fried snapper in escabeche, or shrimp in passion fruit sauce. It also offers vegetarian dishes, such as tamal or vegetable empanada, and typical desserts like arroz con leche or the curious "helado endiabla'o".

This homemade approach and close attention have made the restaurant a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. The fact that the Queen of Spain and her daughter chose it only confirms its popularity.

This is how they explain it from the establishment: "We have a varied menu with 100% traditional Panamanian cuisine dishes. From seafood and arroz con pollo to vegetarian options that give it that distinctive touch."

According to local sources, Queen Letizia opted for the star dish of the place: "pollo guisa'o", a homemade recipe that costs around 10 euros. A detail that has not gone unnoticed by either the diners or the media.

El Nacional Thanks Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor for Their Visit

The visit of Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor to El Nacional did not go unnoticed, and the restaurant itself wanted to share the exciting news through their social media. "Yesterday we experienced a historic moment! We had the honor of welcoming none other than Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor of Spain to El Nacional," they posted.

From the restaurant, they described the meeting as "unforgettable." "It fills us with pride and reaffirms our commitment to the culture, hospitality, and flavors of Panama. Thank you for visiting us and being part of our history!" they wrote alongside the post.

The accompanying images spoke for themselves: Princess Leonor dressed in her military uniform and Queen Letizia in a casual outfit. Both posed smiling with the restaurant staff, in a gesture as spontaneous as it is endearing.

It has become clear that the visit of Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor to El Nacional has transcended the anecdotal to become a symbol of closeness, simplicity, and cultural sensitivity. This spontaneous gesture in Panamanian lands reflects a different way of representing the monarchy: with naturalness and connection with the people. Could this be a new way of doing diplomacy through flavor and human warmth?

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