The biggest Cebu Lechon Festival 2024 at The Mactan Newtown’s Mactan Alfresco, a Megaworld Lifestyle Malls destination, united food lovers and culinary enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration of Cebu’s iconic dish highlighted by the sizzling competition of top lechoneros vying for the Best Lechonero title and inventive chefs reimagined Lechon Paksiw in the Paksiw Wars.
Henry Cui emerged victorious with a Lechon that perfectly balanced crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavor to earn the Best Lechonero title for Apo ni Bebie’s Lechon. Amiel Abellare of Bella’s Lechon Foodhouse earned 1st Runner-Up, followed by Rodelio Namanas Jr. from Ethan Jhun’s Lechon as 2nd Runner-Up, and Rodjen Repaja of Rodz Lechon taking 3rd Runner-Up.
Meanwhile, the Paksiw Wars showcased the creativity of Cebu’s students, who were challenged to transform Lechon remainders into a dish worthy of the spotlight. TESDA came out on top of the kitchen wars with its innovative rendition of the beloved Lechon paksiw.
The competition also saw strong performances from Cebu Normal University as 1st Runner-Up, Southwestern University PHINMA as 2nd Runner-Up, and Abellana National High School as 3rd Runner-Up.
With guidance from culinary experts like Cebu-born Chef Myke ‘Tatung’ Sarthou, participants gained invaluable insights into elevating their dishes from preparation to presentation.
For Chef Tatung and the judges, critical factors like skin texture, meat quality, fat rendering, and overall balance, ensured that only the best took home the title while the Paksiw Wars winners were selected based on taste, presentation, and originality, encouraging a fusion of tradition and innovation.
The Cebu Lechon Festival 2024 was the biggest ever celebration of the beloved and iconic pork roast that has defined the region for years, and this year’s edition saw all the best Cebu Lechon houses come together for a feast to remember. Keep an eye out for more events at Mactan Alfresco, where the flavors of tradition meet the future of Filipino cuisine.
For more updates on the latest happenings, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call their hotline at 8-462-8888 or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
