Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations calls lechon the “best pig ever.” Lechon is a popular, tasty Filipino dish, and it’s a roasted pig cooked over a pit. It can be served with sauces, like vinegar or spicy soy, but if you eat lechon plain, you’ll taste the abundance of natural flavors from the pig, smoke, and fire. If you have yet to try this delicious Filipino dish, here are some reasons why you should consider lechon for your next meal.

Why You Should Eat Lechon

1. Gets People Together

A whole pig on the table will be the center of the feast and an impressive conversation starter. Made for large groups, lechon gathers family and friends to share a meal. From crispy skin to tender meat, this dish provides something for everyone. Since the pig is big, there’ll likely be leftovers, allowing your guests to chat and mingle while continuing to pick at the food.

2. Provides Several Health Benefits

Natural pork contains high levels of nutrients, like potassium, zinc, and vitamin B-6, which maintains blood pressure, supports your immune system, and regulates your metabolism. Eat this Filipino dish with a side of vegetables, such as pinakbet, and brown rice for a delicious, rounded meal.

3.  Provides a Variety of Textures

As the skewer rotates, the meat’s juices distribute evenly throughout the pig, making each bite tender and succulent. The skin becomes crisp from the fire’s heat and absorbs the salt marinade as it roasts. The soft, juicy meat and the crunchy skin don’t need sauces, but dipping it in a spicy vinegar-soy mix will elevate the dish to another level.

If you want to try lechon, head to Plantation Grindz in Kahului, HI. This local restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and specializes in authentic Filipino dishes, like lechon, pancit, and pandesal, as well as Hawaiian and Portuguese cuisine. They also provide dine-in seating, take-out options, or catering for parties of 200 or more. View their menu online, or call (808) 873-3663 to place a whole lechon order. Connect with the team on Facebook to get the latest updates and learn more about their weekly specials.