Craving For Lechon, Paella, and Taba ng Talangka? Find Your 'Busog' Here

Dining out is on the top of the list of any balikbayan or OFW. Who does not want to indulge in a taste of Filipino food the minute you set foot in your homeland? No restaurant beats Nanay’s home cooking, of course, but sometimes you want something extra special without anyone slaving in the kitchen. 

Here’s a shortlist of restaurants recommended for their take on our all-time favorites that are kind to your balikbayan budget.

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For lechon lovers

Zubuchon

With branches in Manila and Cebu, Zubuchon quickly gained popularity since 2011. Zubuchon boasts its lechon has no artificial flavorings, food coloring, or chemical preservatives. Try its sinigang lechon with “pang-asim” options of green mango, green sineguelas, guava, kalamansi, kamias, santol, and sour pineapple.

Rico’s Lechon

One of Cebu’s most famous imports, Rico’s Lechon, has been in the business for over 20 years. It says its lechon “kickers” are just garlic and “dahon ng sibuyas,” but the end product is way beyond just that. Taking the family out for malling? Check out its branches at SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta in Makati, Tiendesitas and SM North EDSA. Ricos’s Lechon accepts airport-to-airport delivery from Cebu to selected domestic airports in the Philippines.

Lydia’s Lechon

Lydia’s Lechon could be the easiest, traditional lechon you can find. You can now conveniently find a branch in the food courts of most malls. With the array of Filipino food selection laid out on the counter, you have the freedom to order what you like. Remember how beef papaitan tastes again. Can’t choose between lechon and crispy pata? Try its Crispy Lechon Pata.

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Looking for affordable paellas?

Bless Las Paellas

Bless Las Paellas offers Spanish and Filipino dishes branches in Metro Manila and Davao. Its Paella Valenciana, Paella Tinta, and Paella Marinara start at P595 each, suitable for two persons. Its biggest paella size serves 40 persons, so place your order early by calling an hour before.

Conti’s

Conti’s Paella Madrileña family size serves six to eight people for P695. Enjoy other special Filipino dishes like Sinigang na Salmon Head Sa Miso. What’s excellent in dining at Conti’s is the dessert. You can enjoy a single slice of nearly 20 choices of cakes, cheesecakes, and pies.

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Paella Bistro and Cafe

Paella Bistro and Cafe has affordable sets and seven varieties to offer, including Paella Lasagna. Its Manila branch has a function room, and its 30-pax capacity Makati branch accepts reservations. They cater and deliver too.

Find your fill of aligue (taba ng talangka)

Manam

Manam can wow you with their Char-Grilled Aligue Liempo and Grilled Tiger Prawns with house-made aligue butter. It serves Filipino comfort food but created new versions of the well-loved classics. Don’t leave without trying its Beef Rib Sinigang in Watermelon Juice.

Cafe Juanita

At Cafe Juanita, located in Kapitolyo, Pasig, you can be sure to get your fill on Prawns With Aligue and Beef Ribs Adobo. Have some Bagnet Green Mango Roll on the side and top it off with its refreshing Halo-halo.

Inasal Chicken Bacolod

There is nothing like aligue mixed in your rice, and with Inasal Roasted Chicken, it is bliss. Inasal Chicken Bacolod also serves chicken atay (liver), isol (tail), and baticolon (gizzard).

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