Area:
1,483 km
Population:
807,129 (2010)
The evolution of the name "Zamboanga" provides an interesting insight into its historical background. The early Malay settlers called the region “Jambangan”, which means Land of the Flowers.
These Malays who built their settlements by the river banks were the subanons, that is the “People of the River”. Their chief, Saragan, lived with his family atop the legendary Mount Pulumbato that today lords over Pasonanca and Climaco Freedom Park (formerly Abong-Abong Park) then later on, the Samals and the Badjaos who came on their frail vintas also settled here, building their frail huts along the shorelines and confused “Jambangan” with “Samboangan” which comes from the word “Sabuan”, the wooden pole used to help push their vintas in shallow waters or to tie them for anchorage purposes.
The Spanish colonizers found difficulty in pronouncing “Samboangan” and instead called the place “Zamboanga”.
Few weeks after the September 2013 “Battle in Zamboanga,” I was able to visit the place and even stayed on the hotel near the site.
At first, I felt scared because militars are still roaming in the place and curfew are implemented in the province.
However, this situation did not stop us to explore the place and we were able to eat some of their delicacies and visited one of their famous restaurant.
Curacha - a species of deep-sea crab found only in the waters of Zamboanga is one of the most famous dishes in the city.
The best place to try it out is Alavar Seafood Restaurant, where it is served generously topped with a delicious sauce of coconut milk and spices.
Since I am seafood lover, I may say that Curacha with special sauce is worth trying.
Price:
One order costs at least P850 (M) to P1,050.00/kilo (XL) at their main branch.
Home frozen packs of the Alavar sauce for P250/kilo
Curacha at the wet market in Guiwan Flea market cost about P450/kilo
The price may seem high, but the taste will satisfy your hunger. The smaller Alavar branch in Paseo del Mar doesn’t serve curacha and the menu is limited to more affordable specialties like grilled fish, baked clams, prawns with Alavar sauce and inasal/barbecue dishes.
Alavar Seafood Restaurant
#173 Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan, Zamboanga City and at Paseo del Mar
Tel. #: (63)(62) 991-2483/991-3146
Another thing you can buy at the market – Lobster! But the larger ones can set you back 1,000/kilo
Baked Clams & Green Mango con Bagon Gata - Everything served in Alavar Seafood Restaurant was great, but the baked clams topped with butter and garlic was really delicious.
Together with the baked clams the green mango con bagon gata (another Alavar House specialty) topped with a delectable bagoong blended with coconut milk, is a very good combination to eat.
Zamboanga White – I am not fond of cold drinks, but A very sweet and tropical shake that is known as the signature drink of Zamboanga City captures my taste.
This refreshing creamy lychee-based shake is widely served in many restaurants and hotels including Garden Orchid Hotel, Haisan and Alavar (kamias-based Alavar Juice).
Price: from P60-P120/glass
Fresh Seafood – If you are looking for a dampa-style restaurant, another popular restaurant in Zamboanga to get fresh seafood cooked the way you want is Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant, this resto offers mostly Chinese dishes.
They have wide selection of raw seafood like fish, crabs, shellfish, prawns, squid, shrimp, fish and shellfish that you can have cooked.
Like other dampa resto, prices are not fixed menu and varies according to the size of the dish and how it’s prepared.
Hai San Seafood Market & Restaurant.
#60 San Jose Road, Zamboanga City. Tel. (63) 991-5506, 991-1062
Satti - is a local favorite of barbecued meat similar to the Malaysian satay which is served with puso (rice wrapped in coconut leaves) and some marinated beef or chicken meat in small barbecue stick with its sticky hot sauce a thick spicy sauce poured over the whole dish like soup.
This is a great meal if you’re on a budget 3 sticks plus rice costs only P25.00.
But to make sure that you will cope up with spiciness, be sure to order softdrinks or have lots of water ready.
If you want a taste of this fodd, Jimmy’s Satti and John’s Place serve inexpensive yet filling satti.
Address: Pilat Street, Zamboanga City
Sources:
http://www.zamboanga.gov.ph/
http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g580109-d2248584-Reviews-Jimmy_s_Salli_Haus-Zamboanga_City_Zamboanga_Sibugay_Province_Zamboanga_Peninsula_.html
http://www.choosephilippines.com/eat/local-flavors/291/food-trip-zamboanga-city/
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