In the Philippines, it’s not really a celebration if lechon (roasted suckling pig) is not present. From the whole pig to just the head or the belly, lechon is becoming easily available and accessible to most Filipinos, thus making it a staple in every party. And with Christmas coming up, most of you are probably thinking where to get lechon for your noche buena feast.
Last week we asked our readers about their favorite lechon-makers, and the results are in! Check out what makes each stand out and see which suits your taste and budget.
3. Lydia’s Lechon
Find the classic lechon and one with stuffed seafood paella at Lydia’s Lechon. (Images: Lydia’s Lechon Facebook Page)
First on our list is Lydia’s Lechon. Lydia’s has been making lechon for over 50 years and is still prominent today. The brand started from a small stall selling slices of lechon beside a church in Baclaran, and today it has expanded into a line of restaurants that offers affordable Filipino dishes. Lydia’s lechon offerings also expanded from the classic roasted pig to lechon baka (roasted beef) and its famous lechon with seafood paella stuffing.
Lydia’s lechon baboy (pig) ranges in price from PhP6,800 to PhP14,800 depending on the size. The lechon baka on the other hand is priced at PhP48,000 and can serve up to 200 people.
2. Zubuchon, VG’s Cebu Lechon, Elar’s, and Cebu Lechon
Zubuchon
Zubuchon’s lechon is dubbed by Anthony Bourdain as ‘best pig ever.’ (Images: Zubuchon Philippines’ Facebook Page)
Next on the list is Zubuchon. The Cebu-based restaurant became famous for its organic way of preparing its lechon. Zubuchon prides itself in using only natural ingredients and steering away from bottled products, food coloring, and other chemicals.
Today its famous lechon cooked onsite has reached Manila, and it also offers other Filipino dishes to fill the tummy of its hungry diners. Zubuchon’s whole lechon starts at PhP6,900 for the lechon de leche and can go as high as PhP8,900 for medium-sized lechon.
VG’s Cebu Lechon
VG’s has lechon and also pasta and noodles. (Images: VG’s Cebu Lechon’s Facebook Page)
It may not be as famous as the others, but VG’s Cebu Lechon made it on this year’s list. VG’s started in 2012 in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and has now started selling their lechon in Laguna. The establishment is a favorite among locals and is also known to cater in different kinds of parties.
Its lechon ranges from PhP5,700 for a 20-kilogram one to PhP12,000 for a 60-kilogram one. For those who are in a rush to prepare for a feast, VG’s also makes pasta and noodle dishes good for big groups.
Elar’s Lechon
Elar’s lechon can be bought by tray or as a whole. (Image: Elar’s Lechon’s Facebook Page)
Next on the list is Elar’s Lechon. Famously known for its lechon served in a signature bamboo tray or bilao, Elar’s became known not just for its presentation but for its tasty lechon as well. The crispy skin of the lechon has reached not just the masses but also Malacanang. In fact, Elar’s has been present in several presidential banquets through the years—a feat not easily achieved by any restaurant.
Elar’s lechon prices range from PhP6,200 for a 15-kilogram lechon and it can go as high as PhP9,500 for a 50-kilogram one.
Although Cebu lechon is a general term and does not refer to a specific establishment, people from all over the country turn their heads when they hear these two words. Cebu has become a Mecca for some of the best-tasting lechon in the country, and people go as far as visiting the Queen City of the South just to have a taste of what they can offer. Some of the well-known lechon-makers in Cebu include CnT Lechon, Rico’s Lechon, and Tatang’s Boneless Lechon.
Cebu even has Carcar Public Market, a place where you can buy lechon by the kilo. Eat it on the spot, have it to go, or bring it home as a pasalubong (souvenir)—it’s up to you.
“So crunchy and so delicious!! Masarap pampulatan kapag may inuman. Affordable pa at kahit walang sauce masarap kainin :D” - Mhar Justine Ornido
“Malinamnam at noot sa sarap sa bawat kagat !!” - Richard
“Masarap kahit walang sauce !! :D” - Dominador Balasabas
The title of this year’s best lechon goes to Mila’s Lechon. (Images: L, Mila’s Lechon Facebook Page; R, @milaslechonpasig)
The lechon-maker on top of this year’s list is Mila’s Lechon. Established in the 60’s by husband-and-wife tandem Serafin and Antonina Cesario, Mila’s Lechon became famous for its lechon’s crispy skin. From the first store in La Loma, Quezon City, it now has a total of eight branches and also offers catering services.
Mila’s lechon baboy ranges in price from PhP4,400 to PhP11,500 while the lechon baka starts at PhP30,000 and can go as high as PhP38,000. You may visit their Facebook page (milaslechonphilippines) or website (milaslechon.com.ph) for more details.
Did your favorite lechon-maker get into our list? Which lechon do you like most? Let us know in the comments section below!
Results are based on the Lechon in the Philippines 2017 Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from October 23 to October 29, 2017.
Prices may vary without prior notice.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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