Zamboanga, a seaside city in Southern Mindanao, boasts a vibrant fishing culture that has shaped its culinary traditions. The city’s ports, a strategic trading point for centuries, have brought together influences from Malaysia and Indonesia, resulting in a cuisine that marries seafood, spices, and coconut flavors. Visitors can indulge in a kamayan-style meal, where they are encouraged to eat and slurp their food freely, while sampling delicacies such as horned shell snails, squash cooked in coconut cream, and sea grapes. The meal is complemented by a selection of Tausug pastries and snacks, including Baulu, hantak, and lokot lokot. The language spoken in Zamboanga, Chavacano, is a testament to the city’s diverse cultural heritage, with influences from Spanish, Chinese, and Malay. Immerse yourself in Zamboanga’s rich history and culinary delights to discover a unique cultural tapestry shaped by foreign trade and local traditions.