by John Legaspi, Manila Bulletin
When you ask Pinoys about lechong manok (roasted chicken), Andok’s is among the brands to come up in the conversation. Since its establishment, the homegrown restaurant has been the go-to place of many Filipinos thanks to its sumptuous food offerings, from dokito to its juicy liempo, which are best paired with a cold bottle of beer.
This time, the beloved rotisserie introduces a new product, the litsong baka, and netizens are going crazy about it. Among many foodies online groups, the roasted beef earns top recommendation from Facebook users. But is it really worth the hype? Here’s what people have been saying about it.
Tender and savory
Many laud the litsong baka for being soft and juicy, far from the gummy texture they are expecting. The meat is cut into slivers making it easy to eat. Topping the critics is its smoky flavor that, according to netizen Edward Vange Arriba, is a hallmark flavor of the brand as it is the same taste you get from the roasted chicken and liempo.
Facebook page Tasteful Adventures describes it as the “perfect substitute to the usual roasted chicken,” and says that the beef is tender, savory, and overall satisfying.
Perfect dipping sauce
An order of the listong lechon comes with a vinegar dip. While the acidity from the sauce compliments the barbecue notes of the beef, many diners recommend trying it with gravy for a different experience. Toyomansi with chili also gives it a more Filipino touch.
Versatile meat
While the roasted beef is good on its own, many praise it for its culinary flexibility, and netizens attest that it still tastes good even a day after. Some advise to include it in a bowl of ramen, perfect for the gloomy weather we are having. Others recommend using it to make quesadilla or a sandwich. Korean culture fans would definitely love to eat it samgyupsal style with lettuce and a few Korean sides. Now, you don’t need a griller at home to make that happen.
It’s affordable
The listong baka gets a 10 out of 10 when it comes to its price. A 500 grams order costs P320, and it’s not too bad. As netizen Raymond Pasiliao said, “where else can you buy cooked beef in this quantity at this price?”