Tourists these
days are motivated not only because of their desire to explore new places but
also to immerse in other's culture, contribute to the local communities, escape
from the busy city and find serenity in nature, or simply try extreme
adventures that'll keep their adrenaline rushing. Plus, there are also tourists
who travel to satisfy their taste buds!
If you belong
to the latter, you've probably been doing some research of where your next food
destination is, right? It's not even surprising at all if you would stumble
upon Asia. This place is filled not only with colorful culture and amazing gastronomic delights!
Want to explore
the Philippine food scene first? Let us give you a head start! Located at the
Visayas Region, you'll find Cebu City a.k.a "Queen City of the
South". This place is jam-packed with historical, natural, and man-made
attractions that'll keep you busy all throughout your stay. What's more
fascinating is the array of meals you can try out in here from fancy restaurants
to the busy local streets!
But what put
Cebu City in the spotlight is their "Lechon" and we'll be telling why
it's an unmissable treat for your taste buds!
What
is Lechon?
First off, know
your meal! Over the years, lechon had been a staple food in every Filipino-household
during special holidays, occasions, and festivals. The word “Lechon” came from
a Spanish term that means a roasted suckling pig.
Here's what
makes Lechon stand out from the rest. Lechon is a whole pig stuffed with herbs
and spices such as lemongrass, star anise, spring onions, garlic, salt, black
peppercorn, and more inside its belly. They said that the belly part has the
most fats that’s why they put the herbs and spices there. Then, the whole pig
will be skewered on a long bamboo pole and roasted over hot coals made from
coconut husks. The Lechon will be continuously rotated for several hours
allowing all sides to be cooked properly. All the herbs and spices will then be
absorbed by the meat giving out a sensational taste. As for the pig's skin,
some rub it with salt and other spices for it to be crispy and flavorsome at
the same time! (That's also where the pig usually gets its distinctive red
color.)
Cebu’s Lechon
is well-known to have juicy and tasty meat which is why a sauce is not
necessary. However, there are other Lechon-makers that created a special sauce
that compliments at the same time enhance the pig meat’s flavor to complete
the meal!
History
of Lechon in Cebu
Lechon is so
popular in the Philippines that when you mention it to any Filipino, they'll
surely urge you to try it. All over the country, there are various versions of
this meal but the Lechon in Cebu is undebatably the best. No wonder why this
place was also dubbed as the "Lechon Capital of the World"!
Back in 1920s, the
first people to cook lechon were believed to be locals from Talisay City, Cebu.
They specialize in a pork meal named "Inasal" that came from the word
"asal" which means "cooking over live coal". Basically, asal is the Cebuanos term for
anything grilled. And the best inasal of them all is none other than Lechon!
There are many
families that claim that the lechon recipe came from them as well as the idea
of the Lechon belly. Although it's really hard to trace where Lechon really
first came from, one thing is for sure, Cebu lechon is the best in the country,
if not, the world.
Where
to Find the Best Lechon in Cebu?
As soon
as you step outside Cebu City, you're most likely have a hard time searching
for the best Lechon therein. Aside from the fact that all of them look sooo
delicious, some claim theirs are the original while some gave their own take to
make their Lechon unique. So,
where to go?
You got two options, either head to Talisay City or the town of Carcar. Talisay
City is well-known to have the best tasting Lechon and they even have an annual
Lechon Festival for it! Many people are still visiting this place just to get
the taste of this meal. While in Carcar, Lechons are easily be found in their
public market. You can buy one for take-out or munch it in one of the nearby
carinderias (local restaurant). Insider tip: Pair it with puso or hanging rice.
But if
you got a fully-loaded itinerary and can't have a quick visit in these places,
well, don't you fret! 'Cause there are also restaurants around Cebu City offering
authentic and high-quality Lechons just like at the House of Lechon! Aside from
the elegant dining setting, this restaurant features the famous Carcar Lechon
paired with their signature Lechon sauce. You can either dip it or pour
directly to the tender meat!
Just
like most people say, your Cebu food-tripping will not be complete without a
taste of their finger-licking Lechon! Better believe it 'cause it's true.
Regardless of which part of the pig you want to try: belly, head, or legs, the
Lechon from Cebu is something worth trying to!
Doesn’t have any idea what’s waiting
for you in Cebu? Fret no more we got you cover, check our blog: CEBU TRAVEL GUIDE
Either you’re looking for
chill tours for your family or rough adventures with your mates, better click
these links: ROUGH ADVENTURE GUIDE TO CONQUER
IN CEBU & CEBU FAMILY ADVENTURES
****
Did we miss something?
Let us know by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our
travel representatives call us at +63 (2) 651-9003.
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