Spanx sent an invite to attend the exclusive Ultimate Taste Test 3.0 event.  This affair is a must-not-miss event since it is the biggest in food tasting event –organized for the foodie community in the Philippines by foodies themselves.  After running in the Philippine Marathon Run for Pasig River earlier that morning, I couldn’t pass the chance to discover the newest gastronomic finds.

The Battle of the Best Lechon in Manila

Lechon is a Filipino favorite of roasted suckling pig cooked slowly on a large stick in a pit over charcoal similar to the Brazilian’s rotisserie.  Lechon is prepared throughout the year for any special occasion, during festivals, and the holidays.  It’s usually the highlight of any festivity.  A Filipino celebration is never complete without a lechon carving station. It is often served with vinegar, or lechon sauce made out of liver pate and vinegar.  There are variations of serving lechon, fried, “paksiw,” or in pandan crepes like what Chinese do with their Peking Duck.

But of course, purists will always love the most straightforward method.  And that’s where the battle begins…

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Sabroso

Sabroso Lechon

The Sabroso visit was in May 2009 and despite having 2 new choices for Lechon taste just a few steps away, my radar went to the Sabroso stall first.  The familiar was still the same successful taste in Lechon –crispy skin and delicate meat.

Price: PHP 550 / Kilo

Sabroso Lechon –Incredibly Flavorful Lechon

E. Rodriguez corner T. Morato, Quezon City

(632) 515-8259

Operation Hours: 9AM – 9PM

Ulcing’s

Next stop was Ulcing’s –whose banner claims “the original Cebu lechon.”  There are so many wonderful things about Cebu but it is really their tasty lechon that makes Manileños bring home kilos and kilos of this Cebu specialty.  Ulcing’s should get the tag incredibly flavorful lechon instead because the split second that the succulent pork meat hit my taste glands, it bursts into immense flavors!  I followed it with the thin crispy skin that crackled and ooh… I just rolled my eyes and shook my head in delicious disbelief.

Price: Lechon = PHP 550 / Kilo

Ulcing’s

A Q-6 Jusmag Area, Southside, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

(632) 497 7957 / (632) 497 4231

Leonardo’s Lechon

“The heart of every celebration since 1947.”  Being in the food business for so many decades, Leonardo’s has definitely gotten their taste discernment right.  What they offer that others don’t is their specialty, Lechon Gallena –roasted chicken inside a roasted pig.  The chicken flavor marinates with the pork and vice-versa, quite an interesting blending of meat taste.  The chicken was positively the best-roasted chicken I’ve tasted –and it takes a “pig oven” to do it right. 

Price: Lechon Tagalog De Leche PHP 3,500 / 3-4 Kilos

Additional Services:

Boneless: Lechon Size + PHP 200

Recado/Lechon Style: Lechon Size + PHP 150

Gourmet Herb Sytle: Lechon Size + PHP 150

Leonardo’s Lechon

89 J. Basa St. San Juan, Metro Manila

(632) 725 8618 / (632) 724 3068

www.leonardoslechon.com

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Conclusion 

Marketing and Service: It was Sabroso who we believe had the best branding (despite my friend Andrew saying that the logo looks like a rat more than a pig hee-hee), but I personally find it cute and catchy –with some premium-ness to it.  Service was adequate too –same efficient service we received from their restaurant.  Ulcing’s does not currently have a physical location which means availability is made-to-order.

Price: Ulcing’s and Sabroso seem to be affordable in terms of per kilo of lechon.

Taste:  I liked Leonardo’s version where the rosemary flavor is quite evident.  And if you’re looking for variation of lechon, Leonardo’s will make you a fan of the ways they make lechon.  Among the three lechoneros though, Ulcing’s won the votes on our table of three.  Incredible Cebu lechon taste was right up their alley –by far the tastiest meat I have ever tasted in “commercial” lechon with the glossy crispy skin and appetizing aroma. 

Stay tuned for Ultimate Taste Test 3.0 Pt. 2…

Ultimate Taste Test 3.0 Album

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