The first time I tasted a satisfying Liempo was when the family decided to take a tour to the outskirts of Cebu up in the mountains of Balamban (Kristian's). The town we visited wasn't at all ignorant of civilization, as they had electricity, a modest church and medium sized stores and an open mall amidst the backdrop of lush green forests. Traditional liempo doesn't have Kristian's had: a unique blend of freshly chopped herbs and spices complimenting the equal quantity of fat and meat with just enough firmness and texture.
After our trip, as we were browsing forum posts about good food, we came across a newly established shop that sells liempo, namely Balamban Liempo. We visited two branches and sampled their scrumptious pork roast occasionally within the span of two months. If asked to rate the quality of the meat between the two franchise branches, the number one on my list would be the one from behind Coco mall, for its well done and its melt-in-the mouth texture. Closely behind it, I'd rank the one in front of JY third for the somewhat overcooked but still edible meat.
In the end, Kristian's still serves the best Liempo in Cebu. Balamban Liempo simply cannot exceed it in taste and flavor even though they have the same process. The only downside is accessibility. Balamban is a hassle to travel to, especially if you're only going there to buy only one slab from Kristian's.
Kristian's Liempo & Lechon Manok:
E.S. Binghay St., Aliwanay
Balamban Liempo:
Lahug - Salinas Drive, Lahug Cebu City c/o Dhara's Tapsilogan (In-Front of USP)
Mabolo - Cor. Tres Borces St. & S. Cabahug St. (Near the New Mabolites Store and the Sindulan Market)
Talamban - Piazza Elesia, Talamban (In-Front of Rose Pharmacy)
Capitol - Kamuning St, at the Back of Coco Mall In-Between Wash Station & the House with the Huge Green Gate in Front of Fuente Oro Business Suites
Verdict:
A: Kristian's serves excellent dishes (4.8/5) and was the one who made the recipe. Worth the travel time, if you have your own car. If you don't, however, visit Balamban Liempo within the city's vicinity for second best (4/5) pork roast.
Planning to grab a bite to eat before heading to the bowling alley, my family decided to celebrate my graduation this May by eating out in a fancy Chinese restaurant. The restaurant, dubbed "A Taste of Mandarin", has spacious room for groups with an authentic ambiance to match. The attendants are dressed in long silk robes with varying colors to complete the guests' dining experience.
