La Casa Blu, a restaurant in the Isoraka neighborhood of Antananarivo, Madagascar, has been serving up South American-inspired cuisine since its opening in 2020. Chef Haja, the culinary mastermind behind the restaurant, has a passion for cooking that he discovered 16 years ago. For him, cooking is not just a job, but a way of life. He loves experimenting with new recipes and continues to learn new techniques every day.
Chef Haja's culinary journey began when he started working in different restaurants in the capital city. It was during this time that he developed a specialty in making pizzas, earning him the title of "pizzaoïlo." At La Casa Blu, Chef Haja takes pride in making his own pizza dough and tomato sauce from scratch. While he's willing to share some of his secrets, the recipe for his signature pizza dough remains a closely guarded secret.
The menu at La Casa Blu is a fusion of Mexican and South American flavors, with dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, and guacamoles. Pizzas are also a staple on the menu, with Chef Haja's favorite being the calzone, which he finds visually elegant. The restaurant's dishes are made with a variety of ingredients, including mozzarella, tomatoes, avocados, and ham. Madagascar's unique spices, olives, and sweet corn are also frequently used in his recipes.
When it comes to his favorite dishes, Chef Haja has a soft spot for traditional Malagasy cuisine, particularly brèdes and zébu meat. His go-to drink is a simple black coffee. The menu at La Casa Blu is updated regularly, with new specials and pizzas added to keep things fresh. Chef Haja's approach to creating new dishes is inspired by the fresh produce he finds at the market.
La Casa Blu offers a unique dining experience, with a live music event called "En vivo" every Friday in their garden. On Sundays, the restaurant hosts a barbecue event called "Fiesta de barbacoa," featuring grilled meats and unlimited beer. Chef Haja's passion for cooking is evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from the vibrant atmosphere to the delicious food.
For those looking to try their hand at making their own pizzas, Chef Haja has shared a simple recipe for a delicious homemade pizza. The ingredients include homemade pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, sweet corn, black olives, and chicken ham. The pizza is then baked to perfection and served hot.
La Casa Blu is just one of many restaurants in Madagascar that is helping to promote the country's culinary scene. Other chefs, such as Chef Oldon Randriamanantena and Chef Romi Razafindrabe, are also making waves with their unique cooking styles and delicious dishes. With its unique blend of South American and Malagasy flavors, La Casa Blu is definitely worth a visit for foodies and adventurous eaters alike.
Key points
- Chef Haja's passion for cooking and experimentation with new recipes sets La Casa Blu apart from other restaurants in Madagascar.
