Lechon Cebu: Cebu’s Best Delicacy

Lechon is a native Filipino delicacy and is a staple in every gathering such as town fiestas, birthday celebrations, family reunions and Christmas parties. There are different versions of lechon such as Lechon de Leche which uses suckling pigs, oven baked lechon, lechon kawali, and there is Cebu Lechon, the best lechon there is.

Yup, Anthony Bourdain  said it all, “ Best Pig Ever!!”. Tony said those words while he is eating his way in a Lechon Cebu feast in one of his episodes in his show No Reservations.

Trully, Lechon Cebu is the best pig ever. Who could rival its tasty meat and crispy skin? Even it’s counterparts in most parts of the county pales in comparison to Cebu’s Lechon.

Lechon Cebu

What makes Cebu Lechon special is the way it is prepared. The pig is stuffed with some aromatics and spices like lemon grass, onions, garlic and some secret ingredients. Some even baste or brush coconut water on the Lechon while it is still roasting on red hot coals. This process makes the skin of the Cebu lechon crispy, golden brown and very tasty.

Lechon Cebu also is tastier than most lechon. It does not need any lechon sauce such as Mang Tomas. All you need is some “toyomansi” with chilis, and your one your way to pork heaven. Lechon Cebu is also best with puso or hanging rice.

Many made to order lechon houses in Cebu gives out “Dinuguan” or blood stew for free if you order 1 whole pig. Many also have ways and means to ship out Lechon Cebu to Metro Manila and other cities via plane. One whole Lechon is around 3500 pesos, depending on the weight and size of the pig.

For tourists in Cebu, there are some Lechon stores selling Lechon whole or by the kilo in Mandaue City just across Mandaue Coliseum. There are also some Lechon stalls is Lapu-Lapu City, after the old bridge, catering to families who are going to Marigondon for a picnics in the beach.

CNT Lechon is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. They have a restaurant behind SM City Cebu where you can dine or buy your lechon for Pasalubong. They also have a stall inside SM Cebu, just in front of the supermarket.

Another popular lechon store is Marina’s Lechon. Marina’s is located in the Food Court of SM Cebu and you can buy their lechon for only 125 pesos for ¼ kilo.

It is also best to taste Lechon Cebu’s cousin, the Lechon Manok. Lechon manok in Cebu are sold for 100 pesos up to 150 pesos depending on the size of the chicken. You can find Lechon manok stores all over Cebu.

For those who failed to buy pasalubong or sample Cebu’s lechon during their trips here in Cebu, there are some stores inside the Mactan International Airport that sells frozen Lechon Cebu by the kilo.