Rico’s Lechon is Crispy, Juicy and Flavorful!
These three words best describe the flavor of the world-renowned roasted pig variety that’s popular in the Philippines.
Rico’s Lechon is best enjoyed hot from the roasting pit. Covered with perfectly crispy skin, it can stand on its own without “sawsawan” as the juicy meat has been basked in a flavorful assortment of organic ingredients that truly makes ordinary occasions extra special.
Beyond the tasty product of Rico’s, are the brand facts that you need to know to better understand why Rico’s Lechon is the best Cebu Lechon and the world:
- The Cebuanos Say so:
Rico’s Lechon was founded in Cebu 1995 and is the first name that comes to mind when you ask the locals who have the best Lechon in the Queen City of the South. This isn’t just based on hearsay as Rico’s holds Sunstar’s Best of Cebu “Best Lechon” Award as of 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019.
Rico’s Lechon stated that they are only using garlic and scallions to flavor their Lechon, so one can’t help but wonder what secret methods they employ to infuse such simple ingredients into the wholesome and flavorful meat of the roasted pig.
Cebuanos also love to use leftover Lechon with other dishes such as Lechon Empanada, Monggos and even as salad garnishing! It’s truly a versatile ingredient that can almost be used with every Filipino dish.
- Celebrity and Popular personalities endorses Rico’s Lechon.

Rico’s Lechon’s fame reaches not only local celebrities in Cebu but also from Manila. The big-name celebrities who can’t get enough of this mouthwatering pork dish are:
Former President Joseph Estrada, one of Rico’s biggest endorsers. The former president chose Rico’s over three other brands to serve his guests during his birthday at the Malacañang Palace.
Also featuring Rico’s Lechon in her TV show Kris TV. The queen of all media Kris Aquino has long been a fan of Filipino talent and ingenuity stating that Rico’s roasted pigs are “super-duper sarap”.

During the campaign period, now President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte with his group, came to Rico’s Lechon to have a surprise birthday celebration for his ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman at Mactan Promenade restaurant.
- Rico’s Lechon pigs are native pigs fed only by organic feeds.

Rico’s is the healthier choice for any Lechon lovers as the pigs served by the brand are native to the Philippines and have only been fed organic feeds from their backyard piggeries in Negros.
Their meats are processed under strict government regulations and standards to ensure that only quality and sanitary pigs reach their customers.
- Rico’s Lechon is an international multi-awarded Lechon brand
Rico’s Lechon name has also reached outside the country and is a world-renowned, international award-winning brand. To name a few, here are its accomplishments for the past 12 months.
- Company of the Year (IBA 2019)
- PR Campaign of the Year (IBA 2019)
“We welcome these awards as the international community’s response to our commitment to quality food and momentous dining experience,” shares President/CEO George Nocom Pua.
READ ALSO: Rico’s Lechon CEO recognized in the 10th Asia CEO Awards
“We will always continue to strive to be Da Best Gyud in everything that we do,” GNP added.
With its 22 years, Ricos Lechon continues to exemplify the true-Cebu value of “Da Best Gyud” [The Best Indeed]. Its values focus on giving only the best and most memorable food and dining experience to its beloved customers.
The awards were received at the International Business Awards Gala Event at Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere Hotel in Vienna, Austria.
- Rico’s Lechon Leads the innovation

Rico’s Lechon was also the first to have popularized the spicy Lechon variety not only in the Philippines but also to the world.
Their passion and continuous innovation led them to serve the best quality Lechon from their new and state-of-the-art commissary in Cebu and Metro Manila which are able to serve at a surprising number of 1,500 Lechon every 4 hours.
- More Jobs for Filipinos

Rico’s Lechon started from 150 employees but as of 2019 has a workforce of more than 1500 employees and counting.
George Nocom Pua, CEO of Rico’s Lechon shared his beliefs that beyond or more than the opportunity to serve the best Cebu Lechon to the world, Rico’s Lechon’s pride lies in the opportunity to provide thousands of jobs for the Filipinos.
“One employee you hire, you are helping to feed at least four months,” George uttered these words with candor in an interview with The Freeman.
- Rico’s Lechon has 10 branches
Rico’s Lechon opened four branches in Cebu at:
- Axis
- Mactan
- Mandaue
- Ayala Malls Central Bloc
And six other branches in Manila:
- BGC
- SM Mall Of Asia
- U.P. Town, Quezon City
- Tiendesitas, Pasig
- Glorietta 1
- SM North EDSA
The love for Rico’s Lechon is truly captivating not just the heart but also the stomachs of not just Cebuanos but also from those in Manila.
- Available on food delivery apps
The need and want for Lechon will never end and Rico’s Lechon knows this. The brand provides an easier way for you to enjoy your favorite Lechon without having to wait in long lines.
If you are interested in the simplicity and accessibility of the mobile ordering services, your favorite Lechon can now be delivered fresh and hot as it arrives at your doorstep.
- A Festive Dining Experience
The brand to Cebu opened its first Manila branch at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig with an exciting view of the roasting pit that’s adjacent to the restaurant.
The roasting pit has been fitted with an exhaust fan and was designed to keep the temperature consistent. Viewers from the outside can see a mouthwatering sight of how the pigs are slowly turning into a crisp and glistening red hue.
“We really wanted people to see that we roast our Lechon on-site,” says George Nocom Pua, CEO of Meat Concept and Rico’s Lechon.
If this isn’t enough to get your mouth watering then we don’t know what will.
More surprises and designs await you in each branch but we’ll leave it up to you to discover them.
- Headed by a Hero, Restaurateur, and determined Entrepreneur

George Nocom Pua is also the hero of over a thousand employees working for him in his several businesses namely:
– GNP Trading (distributing international brands to world-acclaimed malls like SM malls and Hypermarkets)
– No Limits Food Corporation (A Restaurant chain serving authentic foreign cuisines)
– Meat Concepts Corporation
On another note, for successfully turning the tide for Rico’s brand, the judges granted, awarded and recognized GNP as:
- Entrepreneur of the Year for “Stevie Awards” during the International Business Awards 2019.
- With another back-to-back Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee for the “Regus Award” in the 10th Asia CEO Awards.
He said his version of charity is giving people a sustainable job, not just a one-shot-deal act of benevolence. He believes that making more money is no longer the point because he already has enough.
“I’m here not to make any more money as I have already enough. It’s about staying in business and growing it for it is a part of me giving back to my employees,” he stated during an interview with The Freeman.
Are you visiting Cebu in January 2020?
You are in luck! Sinulog, the “Mother of Festivals” and the country’s grandest celebration is about to start. Be sure to drop by Rico’s Lechon to taste first hand what makes us the talk of the town and The Best Cebu Lechon in the Philippines.
We strive to deliver the “Da Best Gyud” Lechon for all season to all its customers.