When the platter arrived, I was instantly impressed. It was a colorful spread of prawns, squid, fish, and the famed Zamboanga curacha, all glistening under a generous coating of Alavar’s special sauce. The curacha, a spanner crab unique to Zamboanga’s waters, was the undeniable star of the meal. Its meat was tender and naturally sweet, perfectly complemented by the rich, savory sauce that carried a balance of spice, creaminess, and a subtle hint of garlic. Every bite felt indulgent and deeply satisfying, the kind of dish that makes you pause just to savor the flavors and the care behind them.