PASALUBONG FROM ZAMBOANGA: ZAMBO ROLLS / LOKOT-LOKOT

Here is a pasalubong from Zamboanga: ZAMBO ROLLS as it is now called, maybe for easier recall.

But of course, it is the good ole Locot-locot (or Lokot-lokot) which is usually given during Hariraya Puasa or Eidilfitri.

Now, it is readily available at the airport, so for those who weren't able to grab a pasalubong, you can get it at the airport.

Here is how the Locot-locot is now being packaged!

And note the Zamboanga City beauty and historical spots also printed on the box as "Recuerdos de Zamboanga".

 

 

From Taluksangay Muslim Delicacies in Facebook, we learn more about the Locot-locot.

The Muslim communities in the Zamboanga Peninsula are known for the variety of delicacies they produce during special occasions, especially the “Hariraya” or the feast of the Eid-il-Fitr, which celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Foremost among the goodies is the golden brown curious-looking “locot-locot” or “jaa” as the villagers call them. A lot of people actually consider it as the “queen” of the delicacies because it is the most popular and frequently asked for by guests.

Making locot-locot requires a lot of time and hard work. First the grains of rice have to be pounded into flour. Then the correct proportions of water and sugar are added to create a gooey mixture which is poured into a container made of coconut shell with regular small holes at the bottom, all the while it is poised above a frying pan filled with hot oil. As it turns golden brown it is deftly and expertly folded and shaped in the pan with a couple of wooden spoons to create the desired look. Watching a cook do the locot-locot is like watching an artist in motion.

You have to try this out!!!