The boneless lechon belly wasn't exactly invented in Cebu. But in recent years, it has taken the Philippines' lechon capital by storm.
Gone then are the days when we have to patiently queue at our favorite lechon place only to be left with the least desirable portions when it is already our turn.
The lechon belly craze somehow took care of that. It only offers the pig's belly, deboned and stuffed with herbs and spices, carefully rolled and then slowly roasted over an open pit.
While there are a handful of places in Cebu that offer this cholesterol-inducing staple, below are the places I've frequented the past few months.
Tatang's Extra Crispy Boneless Lechonhttp://www.tatangslechon.com/Occupying on the top of my list is Tatang's Extra Crispy Boneless Lechon. As what its name suggests, Tatang's has that much coveted lechon skin that's crispier than most.But what endeared me to Tatang's lechon belly is that each bite has the right amount of savory goodness - neither salty or spicy.My only complaint though is their location. Driving through the heavy traffic at AS Fortuna takes some skill and luck these days. But the unbeatable combination of their lechon belly, a few pieces of pusô and a bottle of Sparkle is a reason that's compelling enough to take that trip to Tatang's from time to time.Cebu's Original Lechon Bellyhttp://www.cebuslechonbelly.com/With its many branches around the city and even in Canada, Cebu's Original Lechon Belly is perhaps the most popular in this bunch.Although it claims to be the first that offered the lechon belly in the city, its strongest suit for me is their familiar Cebuano lechon flavors that many can easily identify.It does not come as a surprise why next to Larsian perhaps, Cebu's Original has become the go-to place especially if we have guests from Manila. It never fails to impress every time.ZubuchonZubuchon Facebook PageWhen Anthony Bourdain visited Cebu in 2008, he declared Zubuchon's lechon as 'his best pig ever.' I don't know if he would like the Zubuliempo, but he probably would since the restaurant's take on the boneless lechon belly underwent similar meticulous procedures. It also shares the same subtle flavors, that many in Cebu may not readily embrace.But I still find myself occasionally at their Escario branch, especially if I want a lechon belly that exhibits that welcome restraint - one where the pig's flavor is not muddled by way too many spices.How about you, where do you get your lechon belly fix in Cebu? Buzz in the comments section below.----------Tatang's is located at Cafe Treveño's (between BPI and Chinabank) along AS Fortuna.For deliveries, please call +32 316 4719Zubuchon - Escario Central. For other branches, please visit hereCebu City | + 63 32 2540247Cebu's Original Lechon Belly - Parkmall. For other branches, please visit hereMandaue City | +63 32 5118803
