Indulge in the classic Talisay lechon recipe at Ruthy's Lechon!
Are you familiar with the name Mila Garces?
It is one of Talisay City’s most prominent names and one of the oldest Cebu lechon experts on the island.
For decades, Mila and her family have created exquisite and mouth-watering lechon dishes through Talisay’s traditional lechon-making process. Their recipe is highly sought-after and it’s become a beloved centerpiece in many Filipino banquets.
The irresistible flavor gave rise to a lucrative family business, which has been passed on to several generations. It is known today as Ruthy’s Lechon.
As early as 6:00 AM, customers can indulge in their tasty lechon, thanks to their family recipe that has remained unchanged for over 60 years. It is also one of the most recognizable locations in Talisay City.
They provide free delivery for orders within Cebu City as well.
Their tagline reads: “Where taste is legacy.”
That being said, let’s take a look at the history of Ruthy’s Lechon and how it came to be.
PASSING THE MANTLE
The famous Mila Garces lechon recipe has been around for over 60 years.
Mila’s family has been cooking lechon since her early childhood. In 1945, they decided to sell their version of lechon to the masses, opening a streetside stall in Poblacion.
Its proximity to the public beach made it accessible to a lot of customers, especially since Talisay was the main beach destination in Cebu at the time. In fact, the two Mactan-Mandaue bridges were not yet constructed.
The eatery has a rather humble design, with a very Filipino aesthetic. It’s an al fresco setup, with the cool breeze making it comfortable for customers to enjoy their meals.
The roasted pigs on display definitely make it even more enticing for people passing by in front of the store.
As the business grew, Mila decided to pass down her secret recipe to her children. In 2016, Mila passed on managing duties to her daughter Ruth, which is where the store got its current name.
The business continues to thrive, becoming a go-to lechon stopover for people visiting Talisay. They were so successful that they opened a second branch in Kasambagan in Cebu City, near Sarrosa Hotel.
Today, Ruthy’s Lechon is being managed by one of Ruth’s daughters, together with her husband.
THE SECRET TO RUTHY'S LECHON
The ingredients they use to stuff the inside of the pig remain a mystery. Only the family knows about the recipe.
If there’s anything that makes Ruthy’s Lechon unique, it’s their emphasis on time and sufficiency.
James Kingsley Gotuico, one of the managers of Ruthy’s, who is also Ruth’s son-in-law, mentioned that Talisay lechon is predicated on the particular methods lechoneras use to cook suckling pigs.
He compared it to how a chef makes dishes, making sure that each serving has enough ingredients and is cooked within the right duration.
One distinct quality about Ruthys Lechon is that the meat is soft and tender. James also mentioned that the softer the meat is, the more juice comes out to add even more flavor.
This is what makes their lechon so good, since its distinct flavor permeates the dish no matter the size of the pig that is cooked.
When served, they always include all the garnishes to amp up the flavor. They also add it to their sauce for a distinct smell and taste that can’t be found in other lechon restaurants.
THE LEGACY
You can find this famous lechon restaurant in Poblacion Talisay.
James recalls how Mila was a very humble individual, even when the name Mila Garces Lechon was hailed the best lechon in Cebu. Once you have a taste of their delicious recipe, you’ll know why it continues to be recognized as such.
The restaurant’s goal is to show fellow Cebuanos and tourists what Talisay City has to offer. Aside from its delicious food and peaceful ambiance, its location by the sea also allows guests to experience the island’s natural wonders.
Ruthys Lechon has definitely received a lot of praise, especially from the city government. Their family business has been highlighted in many local fairs, exhibits, and even in the international media..
In 2023, renowned international food blogger Mark Weins featured Ruthys Lechon in his channel, showcasing to millions of people worldwide the tastiness and texture of the iconic lechon dish.
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
Burgos Street, Poblacion, Talisay City
Operating Hours:
Sundays 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Ruthy’s is only a few meters away from the Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Teresa de Avila. This is where most modernized jeepneys from IT Park drop off their passengers, and it can also be your main commuting option.
From there, walk to the right side of the barangay hall and go straight to Burgos Street. Ruthy’s is right next to the street signage.
