Iskina Cebu – Lechon de Cebu

Iskina Cebu

Lechon is a whole roasted pig dish originated from Spain. This dish was introduced to the people of Philippines during the colonial time and become one of their national dishes. Though I never been to the Philippines and I am not sure how their food taste like, I just can't say no to whole roasted pig (thanks to Tony Johor Kaki website).

Iskana Cebu is located in the coffee shop across the Paya Lebar MRT Station, it occupied the right corner of the coffee shop. The meat (whole pig, pork belly or chicken) are slowly charcoal roasted on open fire in the premises. From the outside, the sight of whole roasted pig is just awesome. Lechon Pig normally need to be roasted between 4 to 5 hours depending on the weight.

Lechon

I reached the location at about 3pm and was only manage to get the last portion of the lechon.

The Menu

The set cost me $10. Looks a bit plain, but the meat portion is very generous. The meat look lean however it is juicy and succulent. To accompany the lechon, you can choose the creamy pig liver sauce (pig liver, spring onion and black pepper) or vinegar dipping sauce. I personally like the vinegar, as it offset the overwhelming oily feeling (jelak). The skin was suppose to be thin, shiny and crispy, however mine was slightly chewy, not as crispy. Chris (the owner) explain to me that I should come around 12.30pm on the weekend or 5.30pm on weekday, that's the time when the lechon just finished roasting and the skin will be heavenly.

Lechon de Cebu

 creamy pig liver sauce (pig liver, spring onion and black pepper)
 & vinegar dipping sauce

Not really satisfied with the lechon, I decided to order half Manok de Balamban (roasted chicken - $10). It is well roasted and the breast meat is just so succulent. The thigh and leg meat tasted slightly dry. The chicken is well marinated, resulting in a tasty chicken that you don't actually need any sauce.

Manok de Balamban (roasted chicken)

Manok de Balamban (roasted chicken)

The service here is very friendly. When I ask if I can take photo, they invite me to get a closer look at the roasting process and even pose for the camera. Thanks guys!!

The Friendly Staff

Overall, it is definitely a memorable first time experience of Philippines food. The food here are very good and I'll look forward to come back to try their Liempo de Balamban (roast pork belly) or even the lechon when it hot from the oven. Cheers!!

Food: 7.5/10

Value: 7/10

Service: 7.5/10

Ambiance: n/a

Budget per Person: $0 - $10

Iskina Cebu

Blk 1016 Geylang East Ave 3

Singapore 389731

73A Ayer Rajah Crescent
#01-27 TIMBRE+
Singapore 139957

T: +65 9326 2920
W: http://iskinacebu.com.sg/  

F: http://bit.ly/cbkiskinacebu

OH:
Mon - Thu: 11.30 - 21.30
Fri - Sat: 11.30 - 22.30