Zubuchon: What Lechon Should Taste Like

​Here at Shooting Mafia, we always get excited every time there is a new project. We’ve done different types of photography over the years including event, fashion, product, and food.
 
We are so thrilled about our new food photography project that we would like to share it with you.
 
Not many of you know that we are such big fans of Anthony Bourdain and his shows like No Reservations and The Layover. Imagine how psyched we were when Zubuchon booked us to update their food menu photos!

​The Shoot
 
Once we’ve had all plans finalized, we packed our bags and flew from Manila to Cebu. Everyone was excited for the shoot. Of course, we were also looking forward to tasting the “best pig…ever” as proclaimed by Anthony Bourdain himself when he visited the province and tasted the lechon prepared by Joel and his team.
 
We stayed at Escario Central Hotel, which is only a few steps from Zubuchon, Escario Central branch where we had the photo shoot. Our ever-accommodating host Joan was there to oversee the shoot and make sure everything goes smoothly for the team. We were also fortunate enough to meet Mr. Marketman himself! Joel just arrived from Rome and was there to check out the shoot too. 

​The Food
As we only used actual food for the shoot, we were able to try everything on the menu! Before we go on and list our favorites, allow us to tell you why Zubuchon’s lechon stands out on the market:

• Unlike other restaurants, they do not use MSG.
• Zubuchon does not use ginisa mix, sinigang mix, or other similar varieties to flavor their lechon.
• They do not use blowtorches to make sure the lechon skin caramelized evenly
• Zubuchon does not use paintbrushes to paint the pig’s skin with soy sauce.
• They do not remove prime meat from the pig before cooking (it is common for some to take out the tenderloins).

​And you may wonder why?
 
The restaurant is all about following the traditional way of cooking lechon. They fatten up the pigs for a few days before they slaughter them. For flavor, the restaurant uses only the freshest – and often homegrown – organic lemongrass, local sea salt, siling labuyo or peppers, green onions, and other herbs and spices. Zubuchon also uses high-quality olive oil.
 

​Now come our favorites!
 
Each item on their menu has a distinct taste that will leave you wanting more especially their fish tacos, one of our favorites. Of course, our top favorite is their lechon. Pair it with their Kamias Shake and your Zubuchon experience will definitely be one for the books! 

​For appetizers, we went absolutely crazy for Zubuchon Sisig and Bangus Sisig. Their Kalabasa soup and Monggo with Zubuchon are to die for! The restaurant also has healthy offerings, such as their Ensaladang Talong. Craving for seafood? Try their Sizzling Squid Stuffed with Sisig, Bangus Tagalog, and Sizzling Chili Shrimps with Chorizo. 

​There was really nothing on the menu that we didn’t like. Everything was so yummy! The servings were great for sharing but if you love to eat like our team, you’d secretly wish you won’t have to share. 

​Overall, the shoot was definitely a success. Everyone had an amazing time doing the project. Not only did we have fun working with Joel and his team; we also enjoyed all of Zubuchon’s offerings. The lechon was everything Anthony Bourdain described it and more!
 
If you are visiting Cebu soon, don’t forget to check out Zubuchon! You may even share your Zubuchon experience with your friends and family back home by buying frozen lechon for pasalubong.
 

Zubuchon Food Photoshoot by Shooting Mafia
Location: Cebu City
Food Photographer: CK Ibanez
Food Stylist: Lou Ibanez
Production Staff 1: Don Gatz
Production Staff 2: Christian Lao
Special thanks to:
Joel Binamira
Joan Danao
Jewel Villaflores
Claudette Rodrigo
Dexter Canete

Looking for a food photographer? We are ready to help you with your project.
​Fill out our contact form or give us a ring at (63) 995 490 9416 or (63) 925 888 6710 for more information on our team and services