Enjoying Curacha and other treats at Alavar’s

Visit Zamboanga City and almost everyone tells you not to miss tasting the famous Curacha, a hybrid crustacean that bears resemblance to the sea crab and a spiny lobster. The name means “cockroach” in Chavacano, maybe because of its appearance. But don’t let that unappetizing translation dissuade you from sampling this tasty crustacean, which is caught only in the seas of Zamboanga and Sulu.

Short of buying a live one from the market and cooking it yourself, the best way to enjoy this treat is to eat at Alavar’s Seafood House, which is just a short tricycle ride from downtown. First item on the agenda is of course, Curacha. But happyfoodies got some welcome surprises from other items in the menu.

Sampling the Curacha

Lagal[og] said: We first dropped by on Christmas day and found out the restaurant was closed. But we tried our luck again the next day and boy, were we glad we did. Simply, the Curacha in Alavar Sauce was superb. The pieces were huge and dripping with flavorful Alavar sauce. With each bite, you can taste the tangy coconut milk (gata) and spicy hint of chillies. It would be a sacrilege to eat them with forks and spoons so we happily ate kamotan (eating with hand) style.

Ironwulf said: Having set foot in Zamboanga City again, it’s a must to have another taste of Alavar’s Curacha. We ordered a large set for 700+ (since they no longer have the medium-sized order for 600+) and we were served a plate full of 3 pieces of Curacha all sliced in half, the thick layers lavished with brown, rich Alavar’s Sauce. Each Curacha is the size of an average hand but unlike other crabs, its meat is found in the body itself not from its thin pincers. You really have to eat this by hand since you have to dig in deep and go through its innards for its precious meat. The Curacha meat is really tasty and add in the really flavorful chilli-peanut taste of the Alavar’s Sauce, it’s one tasty combination.

Enjoying some pleasant surprises

Lagal[og] said: Having a rather late lunch means being tempted to order other things on the menu. We ordered Lechon Kawali (Crispy, Pan-fried Pork) and the Grilled Sampler to go with our Curacha. When the Lechon Kawali order arrived, I thought it was rather overly dry. But biting into the meat reveals juiciness possible only through overnight marinating which is rather unusual and an interesting twist on the usual Lechon Kawali.

Ironwulf said: Aside from the Curacha, Alavar’s other fares are worth mentioning. Their Shakes, in particular the Alavar Shake (made from kamias) and Zamboanga White (made from Lychee) are really good. I love the crispiness of their Lechon Kawali which was a pleasant surprise. And their Grilled Sampler offers very good value. One which I really liked was the Grilled Imbao Shells with Butter and Garlic which were really tasty.

Lagal[og] said: I agree with you, the Grilled Sampler is not at all expensive and can serve 2-3 people.  While the grilled pork and chicken were just average, the Imbao was a real treat and the grilled shrimps were right on the money.

Alavar’s Seafood House
Don Alfaro St, Tetuan, Zamboanga City
Tel. No. 991-6806