Crispy-skinned and tender-roasted suckling pig, a must-try in Cebu — celebrity chef Bourdain calls it “the best ever”

▲ The suckling pig praised by Anthony Bourdain.

Text and photos by 九五恶妻

When people think of Filipino food, they often picture seafood, tropical fruits, balut (duck embryo), and other dishes served with sour and spicy seasonings. But under the influence of both foreign cultures and local tastes, Filipinos have developed a strong preference for grilled and fried foods. Cebu’s “roast suckling pig” is one such iconic dish.

▲ At the entrance, you can see chefs skillfully carving the roasted pig.

Legend has it that the dish was introduced to the Philippines by Magellan’s expedition after their arrival in Cebu. It has since become a national favorite. ZUBU CHON, which operates a central kitchen in Cebu and has over ten branches, is one of the most well-known names when it comes to roast suckling pig in the city.Even celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, after tasting it, praised it as “the best pig... ever.”

▲ Roast pork ribs on the bone.

Even before stepping into the restaurant, you can see through the glass windows chefs preparing a plump, glistening roasted pig. The pig’s belly is stuffed with colorful vegetables and spices, and the chef’s precise handling of the meat and skin — with swift, clean cuts — is enough to make your mouth water and leave you wondering how it tastes.

Take a bite of the signature roast suckling pig, and your teeth will meet the super-crispy skin in a delightful “crackle-crackle” symphony. The rich, oily aroma fills your mouth, while the tender pork fibers offer a distinct texture, paired with a savory and moist flavor that’s incredibly appetizing. As for another popular dish, the Slow-cooked Adobo, it involves marinating and frying pork belly with vinegar, salt, garlic, pepper, and other seasonings. Though it may look somewhat similar to Taiwan’s fried tofu, the first bite brings a melt-in-your-mouth sensation of smooth, rich fat, along with a savory-spicy aroma that makes you exclaim, “I could really go for a cold beer right now!” (Drink responsibly)

▲ Flavorful Slow-cooked Adobo.

ZUBU CHON offers a wide variety of dishes, including soups, grilled meats, and salads. For locals in Cebu, although ZUBU CHON is a bit pricier than other options, it provides a comfortable environment and air conditioning — a rarity — making it great value. Plus, thanks to its central kitchen, the quality is consistent. Wealthy diners from Manila have even been known to have roast suckling pig flown in by private plane just to enjoy its hot-off-the-grill goodness.

▲ The bright and cozy atmosphere is another highlight of ZUBU CHON.

ZUBU CHON
Reference prices: Roast suckling pig (for 3–4 people) 330 PHP, (for 6–7 people) 640 PHP; Slow-cooked Adobo 250 PHP per serving. (100 PHP ≈ 79.3 TWD)