Discover Philippine Cuisine in Singapore

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Discover Philippine Cuisine in Singapore

When you think of Philippine cuisine, the word "lechon" undoubtedly comes to mind. This mouthwatering roasted pork dish is not only famous in its homeland, but it has also captured the hearts of food lovers in Singapore. If you're craving this delicacy but not ready to travel far, Lechon Republic in Novena is the perfect spot for you.

Welcome to Lechon Republic

Located in a cozy corner of the bustling Novena area, Lechon Republic has been a hit since its opening in December 2018. Managed by AJ, who comes from a family that has been in the lechon business for three generations in the Philippines, this restaurant quickly became a favorite among food enthusiasts. AJ's family has provided whole lechon for events, and she previously owned another lechon restaurant in Singapore.

A Culinary Experience Awaits

When visiting Lechon Republic, you absolutely must try the Chopped Lechon Meal (S$12.50). This dish comes with a side of fluffy white rice and a drink of your choice. The highlight is the meticulously prepared roasted pork, served piping hot right out of the oven.

The lechon preparation process here is quite special. The chef shares that the pork is marinated with a blend of spices and herbs, then tightly wrapped to ensure the flavors soak into the meat. After that, the entire piece is placed in a traditional rotisserie imported from the Philippines for about two and a half hours.

Exquisite Flavors

The lechon here is truly delicious, with each piece tender and juicy. Although there's a bit of fat, it melts in your mouth like butter rather than being greasy. The skin is perfectly crispy, boasting an enticing reddish-brown color that makes it feel like you're indulging in a gourmet potato chip—only richer and more satisfying.

To enhance the flavor, AJ recommends dipping the lechon in sauce. Of the two sauces available, the light yellow one became my favorite. It has a pleasantly mild tang that balances the richness of the dish beautifully.

Exploring Lechon Sinigang

We also couldn't miss trying the Lechon Sinigang (S$15.50). This was my first experience with the famous Philippine sour soup. Packed with ingredients like eggplant, green beans, and radish, it features generous chunks of lechon. While the lechon loses its crispiness after soaking in the broth, it remains bursting with flavor, and the sour broth adds to its appeal.

Special Lechon Sisig

If you're in the mood for something more creative, the Lechon Sisig Meal (S$15.50) is a must-try. This dish is made from chopped lechon mixed with various spices and sauces, garnished with two eggs. Served on a hot plate, it's incredibly tempting. Don't forget to squeeze a bit of lime over it to elevate the flavors!

Refreshing Eggplant Salad

To balance our meal, we ordered the Enseladang Talong (S$6.50), a refreshing eggplant salad topped with a raw shrimp sauce. Although the bright red sauce made me a bit apprehensive, it turned out to be non-spicy and offered a distinct umami flavor.

Final Thoughts

Lechon Republic is a testament to Singapore's rich culinary diversity. The authentic Philippine dishes served here provide a unique experience that I haven't encountered anywhere else. With food this good, I can hardly wait to visit the Philippines to savor the original lechon!

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