Filipino Traditional Food: Litsong Baboy

I miss you Lechon Baboy! Hintayin mo ako sa Pinas.

What is Litson (Lechon)?

Lechón (Tagalog: Litson and Cebuano: Inasal) is the Spanish word for suckling pig. In the Philippines, it connotes a whole roasted pig, lechón baboy. Chicken and beef are also popular. The process of lechón involves the whole pig/piglet, chicken, or cattle/calf being slowly roasted over charcoal.

According to Vocabulario de la Tagala printed in 1613 Lechon = Biik. pp. buyik. pp. Buik. pc. bowik. pc. bolaó. pc. Lechon bermejo = Bolias. pc. Lechoncillo = colig. pc.

Lechón is often cooked during national festivities (known as fiestas), the holiday season, and other special occasions such as weddings, graduations, birthdays and baptisms, or family get-togethers. The lechón is usually the highlight and the most popular dish of these events. It is usually served with a liver-based sauce. However, in some cases, it may be served Chinese style with steamed buns and a sweet plum sauce.

This dish is also popular in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and many other parts of the Spanish-speaking world.