Tatler’s ultimate guide: where to order the best lechon in Metro Manila

This Bacolod-style lechon is favoured for its heady flavours of lemongrass and other spices, plus its juicy meat that is seasoned perfectly.

Tatler Tip: It is also available by the kilo for those sudden cravings.

A proud Cebuana import, Abub's takes pride in their Cebu-style lechon prepared meticulously and following the strictest safety standards. The master roasters flew in from her hometown to cook the pigs over charcoals giving them their smoky and delicious aroma.

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The celebrated chef Margarita Forés was a woman who loved a great lechon. She had introduced her organic Negros lechon to Grace Park's menu as a weekend à la carte option in 100 or 200-gram servings, along with flavourful sinigang or sisig dishes throughout the week when availability allows. But now, the whole pig is also available for pre-orders, and is flown in from Bacolod. Watch out for announcements on their social media when these tasty roasts are available in her Rockwell establishment.

Aside from bringing this iconic Cebuano brand to Manila, George Pua has made it even more accessible by selling them in frozen, ready-to-heat packs in most leading supermarkets and convenience stores. Rico’s frozen lechon only uses prime cuts—pork belly and ribs—ensuring that customers always get the good stuff.

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Dedet dela Fuenta, aka the Lechon Diva is proudly obsessed with all thigns lechon Her stuffed lechon de leche filled with anything she can dream up—from her best-selling truffle rice to sisig rice, and even thanh long noodles—are an undisputed party favourite.

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717 is known for sandwiches. In fact, their hero products are a crispy halibut sandwich and their golden fish and chips. But, the cochinillo was actually the dish that they first built their name on. This juicy item is an underrated menu gem–crispy, tender, and absolutely worth the calories.

While many of the big Cebuano brands have already found second homes in Metro Manila, those who prefer to have their lechon imported from Cebu turn to Ayer. This emerging brand is making its mark in a pool of established names by simply allowing their juicy and flavourful lechon speak for itself.

For those who grew up in the capital, this Quezon City icon is the lechon of our childhood and the centerpiece of celebrations past. The level of quality has not faltered throughout the years, making Elar’s a nostalgic favourite.

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Not greasy or heavy, this lechon is clean and aromatic—never overpowering, yet still richly flavorful.

Tatoy’s in Iloilo has super crunchy skin covering its juicy and flavourful meat. Many say that you do not need any sauce or dressings to pair with this lechon. 

Whether you are grabbing a quick bite of lechon and rice in-store or ordering a whole lechon to go, you can rely on General's.

Known to sell raw meat, top-notch Kurobuta pork cuts, not many are aware that they also serve an excellent cooked lechon.  They offers customised butchering services—from precise cutting and labelling to chilling—tailored to your needs, and can supply a cochinillo or a large roast too. 

Before Cebu lechon was even a buzzword in the capital, Ulcing’s was already the go-to lechon of those in the know. True to its roots, the meat is so flavourful it does not need liver sauce.

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