Richo’s Best Lechon by Joliza Uriarte

“Lechon! Lechon! Lechon mo diha”. The magic words we all want to hear.

Let’s all admit it, there’s definitely no contest about it that the Lechon in Cebu is hands-down the best and most delicious menu. Cebu Lechon is best known for its crunchy golden red skin and tender, juicy, flavorsome meat.

            Lechón in Spanish is a pork dish in several regions of the world, most specifically in Spain and its former colonial possessions throughout the world. Lechón is a Spanish word referring to a roasted suckling pig.  The dish features a whole roasted pig cooked over charcoal. Additionally, it is popular in the Philippines

            “Lechon” has already been considered as a national dish and has been a huge hit that gatherings, feasts, parties- or even a plain visit to Cebu will not be complete without having a taste of finger-licking roasted suckling pig. And there is definitely no need to fret to find one because Lechon is available in all corners of the island.

            Eating lechon is central to your Cebu experience! Dubbed as the “Lechon Capital” of the Philippines, Cebu prides itself in having perfected the art of roasting pigs, and in the tastiness and crispiness its lechon known for.

            Finding beautiful places and tastiest foods: they are just some reasons you certainly want to visit Cebu and anybody would tell you, their Lechon is the best in the world. The finger licking Lechon of Cebu characterizes the tenderness and warm gestures of the people and how they make their Lechon the most delicious the world over.

One of the best restaurants is Rico’s Lechon that you must definitely like the taste of their mouth-watering, lemongrass-stuff and spicy flavored roast pig which could give you an aromatic indulgence you might think you are a loyalty served with the finest cuisine.

            Rico’s Lechon was believed to be the pioneer in spicy flavored lechon throughout Cebu. Some ingredients include garlic, leeks and combined with secret spicy ingredients which give its succulent taste, many find it a classic. Rico’s Original Lechon is located along Highway 77, Talamban City Cebu. The business, founded by Mr. Enrico V. Dionson had been operating for the past 13 years with their spicy hot lechon as their blockbuster.     

Mr. Enrico “Rico” Dionson who started as a bet taker in a cockfight arena since he was a teenager. Knowing that his income wasn’t enough to support his family, he then decided to shift to lechon business. He started by giving samples of his lechon and business cards to his friends and prospective clients.

His road to success was not easy. Like other success stories, his has its own ups and downs too. His very first venture gained a negative comment, his lechon was too salty. But that failure never stopped him from trying. Instead, he was challenged even more to master his trade so his product will be the best tasting lechon and would compete from the others who are already in the industry.

Its success commenced when former president of the Philippines, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, discovered the best-tasting roasted pig. He conducted a taste test and Rico’s Lechon was among the three to undergo the test and Rico’s Lechon stood out the most. Suddenly, the business then took off. They then experimented a new variety of lechon which is the spicy one which easily captured the taste buds of their customers making them the very first one to introduce the spicy flavored lechon.

Presently, Rico’s Lechon sells around 2,000 to 4,000 pieces of lechon every month. They have customers all over the country including famous people in politics and show businesses. With their

 outlets in Cebu, they serve not just the best tasting Cebu. They also serve a variety of food selection like Bicol Express, Kinilaw, Calamares, Camaron Rebosado, Sinigang, Pinakbet, Chopsuey, Ngohiong, and many more.

Ricos lechon prices vary with the size that you would want to order.

Owner Enrico Dionson likes to keep things simple- his roasted lechon is only seasoned with traditional herbs and spices and has always been since he opened the business in 1997. Their slogan, “Da Best Gyud”, lives up to our expectations. Indeed, it’s a lechon worthy of being called the best in Cebu. The restaurant also likes to stay ahead by adding Pinoy favorites to the menu other than lechon.

 For best tasting lechon, Rico’s Lechon is the perfect place to dine. Its branches are located very strategically so visitors, both foreign and local, will have an easy access. Aside from that, they have also established an online ordering system that will cater their ever loyal customers outside Cebu.

Lechon was one of the delicacies that capture the heart of every Filipinos because of its crunchy yet deliciously food that everyone wants to try. With its purely scented aroma which can surely tell that its delicious and mouth-watering foods that can honestly make your stomach grumble. And through to this it has no doubt that people loves to eat lechon and wanted to take over and over again because of its satisfying taste.

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