Don Lechon has legit Filipino food at Tanah Merah
Opened by Kris, a Filipino native who wanted to bring the national dish of The Philippines to Singapore, Don Lechon came to life in 2016. As the name suggests, Don Lechon serves traditional Filipino dishes with a focus on lechon, AKA spit-roasted pig. Not too long ago, they opened an outlet at East Village Mall to bring this dish to those living in the East.Â
Don Lechon offers both a la carte and rice meals, and they also offer whole roasted lechon at varying prices depending on weight.
The Chopped Lechon ($13) was definitely the star of the meal. It was served in thick, cut portions alongside two types of sauces, the lechon sarsa, AKA roasted pig liver sauce, and the regular mixture of soya sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chilli padi.
Dipping the Lechon into the Lechon Sarsa elevated the taste of the pork as it added an extra layer of flavour from the roasted pork liver, making it more savoury. The skin of the pork was also incredibly crispy and flavourful, emitting a crackling sound when chewed on.Â
To ensure that the pork is as tender as possible, Kris shared that the lechon is imported specially from Germany, and only the pork belly of baby pigs are used. The lechon is also spit-roasted over engulfing flames to guarantee that the pork is properly cooked and seasoned.
Another signature dish Don Lechon offers is Sisig ($13), commonly dubbed as a ‘favourite bar food’ by the Filipinos. This consists of minced lechon belly stir fried in butter, alongside chilli, calamansi, and onion. Served on a hotplate, a raw egg is also cracked on top of the dish to enhance its taste.Â
Although the butter was sweet, adding the calamansi helped to balance out the taste. The citrus flavour complemented the ingredients excellently.Â
As the sisig can be quite salty and heavy in flavour on its own, it is recommended to pair it with a spoonful of rice to neutralise it.
Infused with tamarind, calamansi, and vegetables, leftover Lechon meat is simmered in a broth to make Lechon Sinigang, a type of Filipino sour soup. Priced at $17, the Sinigang is served piping hot. The sour taste opens one’s appetite and helps to wash away the jelak-ness of the pork.Â
Besides the mains, Don Lechon also whips up a variety of ala carte dishes. These include Beef Tapa ($19), Lechon Kare-Kare ($11), which consists of ingredients mixed in a rich and thick peanut sauce, and the newly launched Lechon Lumpia ($10), AKA spring rolls with Lechon. These dishes are also the perfect size for sharing or if you want something light!
Be sure to head down to Don Lechon if you’re looking for a place to enjoy authentic Filipino Lechon! The owner is very friendly and sociable, and often engages in conversations with patrons. However the restaurant can get busy during peak hours, so do drop by early to secure your seats!Â
If East Village is too far for you, take a look at our Don Lechon review for the Paya Lebar Branch! Or take a look at our East Village food guide if you’re around the area!
Address: 430 Upper Changi Road, #01-08, East Village Mall, Singapore 487048
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 9:30pm
Tel: 9778 9737
Website
Don Lechon is not a halal-certified eatery.
Don Lechon Review: Spit-Roasted Crispy Suckling Pig Under $15 At Paya Lebar
Photos taken by Kaedynce Chew.
This was a media tasting at Don Lechon.
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
