Zamboanga's Famous Foods

Kome kita ustedes!    

  

Travelling is not just going from one place to another. It actually has some pretty crazy effects on your body, and no, they aren't all positive. Yup, it'll make your appetite extra strong and ravenous. And if you are visiting Zamboanga, I must say that you are in a no diet zone. It's a place that provides plenty delish mix dishes from local to international influences.   

  

In my experience, resident food enthusiasts are the best guides. They will lead you to the best diner in town.   

  

I was once enlightened by the well-known travel content writer that the right approach of asking is to know where they are usually eating.  "San po kayo madalas kumakain?".    

  

Some will lead you to the simplest resto and others are very intricate with the ambiance, taste and price. The response may vary on their financial status and religion. So, if you are curious enough to try their food and want to explore the native taste of Zamboanga, you must visit their favorite and popular cuisine that I have discovered with the help of Ryan (a local friend) during my visit.    

   

1. Curacha with Alavar Sauce, ₱1,050 

You can't leave Zamboanga without visiting Alavar Seafoods Restaurant. This is the most popular diner in the city. It has become a tourist attraction in itself. Normally, their stores open at 10am, but we are lucky enough to eat the famous Curacha (deep sea crabs) with Alavar sauce as early as 9 in the morning.  Kudos to the kind and dedicated staff for their excellent customer service!

This wonderful concoction was made from coconut milk and secret spices. It somehow enhanced the succulent sweet flavor of the crab. It was so tasty that you don't want to let every second last.  

Fortunately, you can buy their special sauce for ₱300 per kilo. 

2. Tiulah Itum, ₱399 

Apparently, I thought it was the typical dinuguan. Surprisingly, the taste is really enlivening to me. It was so captivating! You will hear me always humming once I'm opening my mouth to joy deep within. Tiulah itum is a hearty beef stew and goat stew darkened with roasted coconut. They said its level of spiciness varies from one restaurant to another. 

Luckily, Bay Tal Mal is serving a halal platter called "Latal" that can accommodate for 2 up to 6 people. It is composed of Tiyulah Itum, Beef Piyassak, Beef Kulma (Indonesian Beef Adobo), Chicken Piyanggang, Chicken Kiyaliya, Kiyaliya Kapaya and Calamares. 

These are truly great dishes to get you all fired up for your adventures in Zamboanga.  

  

3. Beef and Chicken Satti, ₱55 

The famous barbecued meat similar to Malaysian satay commonly eaten by locals during breakfast. It is covered in sweet and spicy sauce, beef and chicken skewers and paired with rice cooked in palm leaves. It was an epic day that the rice fooled us out of ordinary. Buddy and I never thought that the chopped rice seems to be a radish like was mixed in the sauce already. We even repeatedly ask the waiters to serve the rice. ROFL!

There are lots of local joints in the city that serve this flavorful Tausug budget-friendly, filling meal including Amigos & Amigas. 

4. Knicker Bocker, ₱75 

The nice thing about living in a tropical country is we have a lot of delectable cold treats to beat the heat like halo-halo, sorbetes, palamig, and ice scramble. 

Knicker Bocker is similar to halo halo. It is made from frozen fresh fruits, squares of gelatin, sweetened milk and cream, and topped with strawberry ice cream. You can try this cool dessert in Paseo del Mar. 

5. Pastil (Tausug Version), ₱5 - ₱20 

Pastil is everywhere at any ocassion and at any time of the day in Zamboanga. It is normally composed of empanada mix with bihon (rice noodles) and is eaten with special sauce. But right now, they have variants to include like kwek kwek, fried isaw, vegetable lumpia and etc.  

The pastil sauce is made up of vinegar added with spices of chilies, and garlic and occasionally sugar to sweeten it up. The sauce has its different variations depending on the store. 

Our friend told us that the best way to eat is to combine and mix it all together, then pour the exceptional sauce after.  

6. Early Birds Shawarma, ₱40 

Shawarma is thinly sliced cuts of meat, like chicken or beef rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita that has been steamed or heated. What's good and delicious in Early birds is inside the pita, they have included crispy french fries plus the healthy veggies and special sauce.  

7. Balbakwa or Balbacua, ₱50 & ₱35 

Kings Balbakwa is a well-known after party restaurant for the partygoers late at night. It's popular for their Balbakwa and Con Miki.  

Balbakwa is a beef knuckle dish similar in appearance to paksiw na pata but tastes complety different.  

Con miki is a noodle dish with bits and pieces of tripe and meat. You have options from hot broth balbakwa or bulalo to combine unto your noodle. The soup is semi sweet with hints of garlic. Calamansi and pepper is optional though. 

And I was just savoring this dish, sipping one tablespoon while sweating. With my fork, twirling the noodles and getting a mouthful.  

8. Zamboanga White, ₱60 

The signature drink of Zamboanga City. A creamy lychee and pinapple fruit shake that’s very sweet and refreshing. The drink is widely served in many restaurants and hotels in the city ranges in price from ₱60 to ₱120. I really like it. Worth trying! 

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