Double the Flavor: The Lechon Gallena by Leonardo's Lechon...

At the heart of every celebration is the traditional Lechon, a whole roasted pig that adds a distinctly Filipino vibe to any gathering. And for over 70 years, Leonardo's Lechon has been at the center of countless feasts for generations.

And here's a closer look at one of their popular variants, the Lechon Gallena, stuffed with whole chickens, potatoes, spices and herbs for a unique take on a classic. Read on and drool...

Pit roasted for hours on fiery hot charcoal, there's just no other way to prepare a traditional Filipino lechon, and Leonardo's Lechon has been doing it the same way since 1947 (for more on Leonardo's Lechon, see my previous post, Just Another Day at Leonardo's Lechon and their innovative spins on the traditional Lechon Tagalog, including the Carnivore Lechon at A Family Affair: Leonardo's Lechon at Heirloom Kitchen and the new Drunken Lechon at Meet The Drunken Lechon by Leonardo's Lechon and Pedro Brewcrafters...). A new generation led by Nard Aquino intends to keep it that way, preserving a cherished family tradition. The Lechon Tagalog continues to be their core product, the one that started it all. But something magical happens when you stuff whole chickens inside the lechon. Meet the Lechon Gallena by Leonardo's Lechon... 

It may look like the traditional Lechon Tagalog, the signature lechon of Leonardo's. The vibrant colors, the crisp crackling lined with a paper-thin layer of fat, and the tender and juicy pork are exactly what you would expect from Leonardo's Lechon...

...but as Mang July, one of Leonardo's long time employees, carves up the lechon, you just know there's something different. A loud and audible crisp crackle is amplified as Mang July masterfully carves the lechon, revealing a flavorful surprise...

The fragrant aroma of succulent pork enriched with the savory notes of roast chicken is a combination like no other, infusing the pork with its flavor as the chicken absorbs an added layer of richness. It's a double dose of pure happiness. Seriously.

Depending on the size, each lechon is stuffed with one or two whole chickens along with potatoes, spices and herbs. It's the secret blend of proprietary spices and herbs that give this lechon a flavorful kick for an innovative spin on the traditional Lechon Tagalog.

And it really does work. Both the pork and chicken have their own natural, distinct, and delicate yet rich notes, but together, it's a whole new lechon experience.

The crackling is perfectly crisp, and the pork is juicier than the usual lechon as the roast chicken adds its own rich drippings. The lechon is paired with the traditional liver sauce, but this one's good on its own.

In between bites of lechon, have a piece of the fall-off-the-bone roast chicken, tender and juicy after hours of slow-roasting inside the lechon. The herbs and spice add that final layer of flavor for depth to complete another masterpiece from Leonardo's Lechon. 

And yes, time for some steaming hot white rice to make it a real and hearty feast.

And don't forget to grab some potatoes too, bursting with rich notes from the pork, chicken, spices, and herbs with each and every bite. And like many traditional Filipino feasts, Leonardo's Lechon is once again at the heart of every celebration. Prices for the classic Lechon Gallena range from P 5,300 (De Leche good for 10-15) to P 11,600 (Large good for 80+), and Leonardo's Lechon has the right lechon for your needs and budget from De Leche (3-4 kg), Small (5-8 kg), Medium (30-60 kg), and Large (60-100 kg). 

Each order of lechon from Leonardo's Lechon comes with their signature Dinuguan, a savory stew made with the rest of the pig simmered in a gravy of pork blood, garlic, chili, and vinegar. When you order from Leonardo's Lechon, you get the whole hog, noste-to-tail and everything in between. Extra rice? Yes, please...

Leonardo's Lechon is located at 89 J. Basa Street, San Juan, Metro Manila or call 724-3068, 726-9828, 744-5172, 725-6071, 725-8618 qnd 0917-883-3391 for inquiries and orders. You can also visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/leonardoslechon for more information.

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