Baran Blü - Local & Estacional 🌸
I found Baran Blü scrolling down my Instagram feed, and I really liked the concept: local & seasonal ingredients. One day I saw that Andrea was cooking the flower from the banana plant and it was mind-blowing even for me (I live in the jungle🐊) to find out that we could actually eat it.
I was really intrigued on how she prepared it, so I decided to send her a DM and we agreed to meet in person. I found her concept very interesting because in Europe and Japan, not only the products, but also the seasons are very different to the ones in Panama. To be honest, I was intimidated by her success and the impact she is creating considering her age 💪🏻, something that I really admire from her and that motivates me.
We figured out that we had more in common than our passion for food and we kind of clicked immediately. Long story short, we attended the same ballet academy during our childhood, and only realized it after our first meeting. For those of you who don’t believe me, Panama is really small😅.
Andrea founded Baran Blü in 2019,
when she was only 23 years old. In Panama, fish and meat are the main and most important components of a meal, and the vegetables are mainly a side dish. Going against the grain, in Baran Blü the local & seasonal vegetables and fruits are the STARS 🤩. In Andrea’s kitchen the looks don’t matter, what matters is on the inside*. She believes that if you don’t like vegetables, it’s because you haven’t cooked them right.
After several mental breakdowns because I came back to Panama without a plan, I helped Andrea during the past 5 months in her kitchen. We learnt from each other, and I even dare to say that we became very good friends. If people heard us talking, they would think we are completely crazy… and we are, but about food.
Baran Blü means literally Banana Flower in Ngäbare.
Some of you might be wondering … Banana what🤨? The banana has a flower, and you can eat it?
Yes guys, it does and it’s a pain the 🍑 to clean but really yummy. You may have seen it before at the end of the banana tree and for the bananas to grow, you must cut it. It’s a very interesting product because when cooked, the texture and taste resemble pulled beef.
Baran Blü offers a seasonal menu and every two Fridays is #ViernesVeggie, a special veggie powered plate that is only cooked on Fridays, so you will never get bored of ordering from Baran Blü.
Even my 8 years old cousin, who didn’t like vegetables, said that Baran Blü’s food is “exquisite”. The Summer Baos and the Sesame cookies are killers, as we say in Panama, que vaina mas buena 🤤.
Summer Baos
Veggie powered jasmine bao buns, filled with mushrooms and eggplants glaced with sweet soy sauce.
Pickled onions, caramelized peanut and green onions on top.
An amazing vegan option!
I MEAN IT’S PURE LOVE 🥰
Sesame cookies
Made with white chocolate from Bocas del Toro, thanks to The Perfect Pair and black sesame seeds.
During my time in Baran Blü I learnt a lot and participated in different events.
Street Food Festival and Baran Blü’s takeover in Mahalo were both really good experiences that brought me back to action and made me feel the kitchen’s adrenaline again.
Andrea opened Baran Blü’s doors to me and I couldn’t be more grateful for this amazing opportunity. Not only have I learnt a lot but also, I have gained a friend/mentor 🥺.
Pd. that’s Carlos, the balance in the kitchen hahaha
See you on our next stop of the Panama Edition, Riesen!
Stay safe 🙌🏻
Diana
*something we should apply not only with food*
*PHOTOS BY FOODLUSTPTY