Cebu’s lechon is one of the most iconic local dishes in the Philippines. Its crunchy exterior and chewy meat make it an ideal meal for any time of the day. Only a few places on the island can make the perfect, world-renowned lechon, with the City of Carcar as the top go-to spot.
This southern Cebu town, which is about 40 kilometers away from Cebu City, has made some of the best lechon for decades. Visiting it is almost essential for those who want to try out this famous Filipino dish.
Luckily for you, there are some places within the city where you can try it for yourself, without the need for a long road trip to Carcar.
The House of Lechon advertises itself as a purveyor of Carcar’s lechon in the heart of Cebu City. With branches located near malls and hotels, this is one restaurant you would be remiss not to try out.
The restaurant has two branches in Cebu City, the Acacia Street branch at Cebu Business Park and the Don Jose Avila Street branch behind Cebu Doctors University Hospital at Jones Avenue. There is also a Talisay City branch which is situated along the road and one in Robinsons Galleria.
Their lechon competes with the likes of CNT, Rico’s, and Zubuchon as some of the best in the city. Their sauce is taken from the droplets of the pig while it is being cooked, giving it some extra flavor. If you want to turn up the heat, you can order their delicious spicy variant.
One notable feature is how the restaurant serves their food. While most restaurants serve their dishes in a ceramic plate, House of Lechon goes a step further using a wooden plate shaped like a pig’s head. Not only is it creative, but it also adds to the Filipino aesthetic.
To stand out among the many restaurants in Cebu, they offer other dishes to satisfy every kind of palate. They have a selection of appetizers, salads, seafood, and more for everyone to try out.
Their Cheese Sticks are a fun snack to munch on before you dig in for the entrée, and their selection of desserts is also highly recommended by food bloggers and enthusiasts alike.
HOUSE OF LECHON MENU
Many of their restaurant branches are aesthetically pleasing, especially the one in Don Jose Avila, the biggest one in the city. The Acacia Street branch also has an outdoor dining setup in case you want some fresh air.
Unfortunately, the indoor areas of the restaurant are closed in accordance with safety protocols and social distancing.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are several House of Lechon branches all over Cebu, two of which are in the capital city. You can go to the Acacia Street branch by taking a jeepney that passes by Archbishop Reyes Avenue, where Golden Peak Hotel is located. You’re going to have to walk a few meters, but it will only take you less than five minutes.
You can also pass by the street right next to the Gateway Car Dealership, since the restaurant is right behind it. Most jeepneys going to Ayala Center Cebu will pass by any of the nearby roads, so you can take that route as well.
You can also use Google Maps and Waze for clearer directions.
Carcar is home to some of the best lechon in Cebu, but it’s just a little too far away from the city. The convenience that House of Lechon brings makes it a worthy place to visit. This may be the easiest way for you to try this timeless dish, so conserve your time and energy and indulge in a tasty treat that is literally like no other.