Carcar Public Market

About Carcar Public Market

Carcar Public Market is a must-visit destination for food lovers, famous throughout Cebu as the home of the province's best lechon (roast pig) and chicharon (pork cracklings). This bustling market has been the center of Carcar's food heritage for generations, with numerous stalls and shops offering these iconic Cebuano delicacies. Carcar lechon is renowned for its distinct flavor, achieved through a special recipe that includes a stuffing of tanglad (lemongrass), onions, and other herbs. The lechon here is considered by many to be the best in Cebu, with a crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. Meanwhile, Carcar chicharon is unmatched in its crunchiness and is made using traditional methods passed down through generations. Beyond lechon and chicharon, the market offers other local delicacies including ampao (rice crispies), dried fish, and traditional sweets. The market is particularly lively on weekends when locals from surrounding areas come to buy supplies. Visiting the market provides both a culinary experience and a glimpse into authentic local commerce.

Highlights

Tips for Visitors

1. 1Come hungry! Lechon is best bought fresh and hot in the morning. Chicharon can be packed for take-away (lasts several days). Prices are very reasonable. The Carcar Lechon Festival is held every February. Bring cash in small denominations.

How to Get There

Nearby Businesses

CNT Lechon

₱₱

Carcar City

Famous traditional lechon restaurant in the Lechon Capital of Cebu.

View & Book

Joyful Lechon

₱₱

Carcar City

Popular lechon restaurant with traditional Carcar roasting style.

View & Book

Carcar Lechon Row

₱

Carcar City

Row of lechon vendors along the highway, each with unique recipes.

View & Book

Carcar Rotunda & Heritage Marker

₱

Carcar City

Iconic plaza with lechon statue and heritage marker in city center.

View & Book

You Might Also Like

Historical Sites

Bantayan Town Plaza

Bantayan

The historic heart of Bantayan town, featuring heritage architecture, shaded walkways, and proximity to the island's oldest church and local food scene.

Historical Sites

Bogo City Public Plaza and Heritage Walk

Bogo City

The historic heart of Bogo City featuring the colonial-era church, plaza, and heritage buildings that tell the story of northern Cebu.

Churches & Temples

St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church

Carcar City

A magnificent 19th-century baroque church and National Cultural Treasure, serving as the centerpiece of Carcar's historic heritage district.

Historical Sites

Carcar Rotunda and Heritage District

Carcar City

The iconic circular plaza at the heart of Carcar's heritage district, surrounded by beautifully preserved Spanish colonial ancestral houses.