“I keep the history of Panama alive through its food.”
—Chef Yadira
Hey there, I’m Chef Yadira Stamp!
I am an Afro-Latina chef, speaker, consultant, and restaurateur specializing in authentic Panamanian cooking.
Born and raised in Panama City, I discovered my passion for the culinary arts at an early age while helping with my mother’s catering business, learning the traditional cooking techniques I still use today.
While earning my Culinary Degree at the Art Institute of Washington, I returned to Panama for my externship, studying under culinary matriarchs who taught me the rich flavors, history, and techniques of native Panamanian gastronomy.
In 2012, I founded Esencias Panameñas in Washington, DC — one of only a handful of Panamanian food businesses in the United States. Voted Best of D.C. multiple times, Esencias Panameñas serves authentic Panamanian cuisine nationwide.
I believe in giving back. I have performed cooking demonstrations at local schools and festivals, volunteered at N Street Village, and in 2022 traveled to Ukraine with World Central Kitchen, preparing and distributing meals to families in crisis.
Today, I combine my culinary expertise, leadership experience, and passion for cultural preservation to offer speaking engagements, workshops, and consulting for aspiring chefs, restaurateurs, and anyone interested in Panamanian cuisine and food entrepreneurship.
Order Your Copy Now
My inaugural cookbook, Panama On A Plate, offers a genuine taste of Panamanian cuisine with Latin American and Caribbean cuisine fusion that will keep you coming back for more.
SERVICES
Speaking Engagements
I bring authentic Panamanian cuisine, culture, and entrepreneurship to life for any audience — from aspiring chefs and restaurateurs to the general public. Popular topics include:
- Celebrating diversity through food
- Panamanian culture, history, and gastronomy
- Blacks in Panama: the migration of Afro Colonials and Afro Antilleans and the staple foods they brought
- Starting and managing a catering company or restaurant
Restaurant & Catering Consulting
I help aspiring restaurateurs and caterers turn their dreams into reality. I provide guidance, training, and practical plans on:
- Launching and managing a catering business
- Opening and running a restaurant
- Calculating food costs and plate costing
- Custom consulting tailored to your unique needs
WORKSHOPS
I lead interactive, hands-on workshops for groups of all sizes, teaching topics such as:
- Starting and managing a catering business
- Opening and managing a restaurant
- Menu development and plate costing
- Panamanian cooking techniques and cultural culinary practices
MEDIA
Live interview on DC News Now
Washington Post newspaper – Magazine – Hibiscus Flower Drink
Washington Post newspaper – Food Section – Panamanian Christmas Fruit Cake
Live interview from the restaurant on Univision TV – Washington, DC
Chef Yadira provides a demonstration of authentic Panamanian dishes during Hispanic Heritage Month.
What My Clients Say
GET IN TOUCH
For bookings, questions, or other inquiries, please use the form below.
