History/Origin of Zambo Rolls

The Zambo Rolls is an indigenous delicacy found in Zamboanga and its neighboring cities. It is also locally called as "ja", "lokot-lokot", or "tagaktak", depending on the specific locality where you find this delicacy. The exact origin of this delicacy is not really known. While some claim that this originated in Sulu where the delicacy is called as "ja", others claim that it originated from the Subanens in Siayan Municipality in Zamboanga Del Norte where the delicacy is called "tagaktak".



As the name of this delicacy varies from region to region, it also varies in shape, size and physical characteristics. This delicacy in other places in the Region may appear in the shape of a triangle, square or also in the form of rolls. The taste and texture also vary from one maker to the other. If not properly prepared and cooked, this crunchy delicacy will come out as a little hard.


We are not sure as to where this delicacy really originated. But certainly we are sure that this delicacy has been a favorite delicacy in this southern part of the Philippines and has been embraced by the Zamboangueños as one of their many indigenous delicacies. To the Zamboangueños who have migrated to foreign lands or places, savouring Zambo Rolls will surely bring them back good memories of Zamboanga as this delicacy has already been in the psyche of Zamboangueños for many decades if not over a century.

It is just but fitting for Zamboangueños to officially adopt this delicacy which they already have considered as their own for many decades. And there is no better way for Zamboanga to officially adopt this delicacy than lending this delicacy its name so as to officially call it - the Zambo Rolls.

Zambo Rolls

Zambo Rolls is the name given to the crunchy roll made of rice powder. It looks like thin noodles bound and rolled into this crunchy rolls.