Filipinos love a good feast! Whether it’s a birthday, a work promotion, or just an ordinary Sunday, we love to fill our table with party-sized, Pinoy favorites like lechon. But, if you’re looking for a new spin on the classic roasted pig, why not go for the cochinillo or a suckling piglet! This Spanish dish has been adopted by many Filipinos as a delectable alternative to our traditional fare, and it’s perfect for the Christmas season. The crisp skin and tender meat of the cochinillo make it a mouth-watering centerpiece on any festive table.
Cochinillo is a special dish because of the unique way it is prepared. The piglet is usually milk-fed and not more than six weeks old, making the meat incredibly tender and succulent. It is roasted in an oven until the skin turns a golden brown color and becomes crispy. This creates a delicious contrast between the soft, juicy meat and the crunchy skin. The piglet is usually served whole, adding to the dramatic impact of this dish at any gathering.
Best Cochinillo in Metro Manila?
If you’re a fan of Cochinillo, or roasted suckling pig, and you’re in Metro Manila, then you’re in luck! There are several restaurants that serve this delicious dish in the city.
Elar’s Lechon Cochinillo
Known for it’s for their commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. If you’re looking to experience authentic Filipino cuisine, Elar’s Lechon Cochinillo is a must-try.
Contact details:
Crisostomo’s Lechon Valencia
A Spanish-style roasted pig that is famous for its crispy skin and succulent meat. It is a popular dish in the Philippines, especially during special occasions like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Crisostomo, a well-known restaurant chain in Metro Manila, offers their version of this mouth-watering delicacy.
Their Lechon Valencia is slow-roasted for hours until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. The meat is tender and juicy, with a subtle smoky flavor that complements the savory taste of the skin. It is a perfect dish to share with family and friends during the holiday season.
Contact details:
Mr. Cochinillo
Mr. Cochinillo has been serving succulent and flavorful cochinillo with perfectly crisp skin for many years in Quezon City. This famous dish, also known as lechon de leche, is a must-try for any foodie visiting the area. The cochinillo is slowly roasted until it is tender and juicy, while the skin is cooked to a beautiful golden brown.
It is served with a side of traditional Filipino condiments such as vinegar and soy sauce, but the meat is so delicious that it can be enjoyed on its own as well. Mr. Cochinillo’s restaurant is a cozy and welcoming spot with friendly staff, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
Alba Restaurante Español
This traditional Spanish dish is prepared with care and expertise, resulting in a flavorful and tender meat that is sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings. At Alba Restaurante Español, the cochinillo is served with a side of roasted potatoes and a crisp green salad, making it the perfect meal for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two.
Cochinillo Luisito
Cochinillo Luisito only uses native and organic black suckling pig on their creations. They are naturally raised by Naomi Natural Farms to ensure that all cochinillos by Cochinillo Luisito will fill your tummy with only the good stuff.
Not only is the black suckling pig native to the region, but it is also known for its tender and juicy meat. By using only organic feed and allowing the pigs to roam freely, Naomi Natural Farms ensures that the cochinillos are not only delicious but also free from harmful chemicals and additives. Cochinillo Luisito takes pride in using only the best ingredients in their dishes, and their commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every bite.
Now, you may be wondering where to buy the best cochinillo in Metro Manila for the Christmas holiday. There are many restaurants and vendors that sell cochinillo, but not all of them are created equal. It’s important to choose a place that uses high-quality piglets and prepares them using the traditional Spanish method. This ensures that the cochinillo you get is tender, juicy, and, most importantly, delicious.It is a perfect dish to share with family and friends during the holiday season.
