Lechona: origin of the famous Colombian dish that caused a stir in Japan and elsewhere

These days, lechona, the famous Tolima dish, went viral in the country thanks to President Gustavo Petro, who made a mistake regarding the number of lechona sold at the Colombian stand at the Future Fair in Osaka, Japan . Therefore, this renowned dish, winner of various awards around the world, is at the center of the conversation.

To be crowned the 'best dish in the world' according to the Taste Atlas global ranking, surpassing icons such as Neapolitan pizza and Brazilian picanha, and being distinguished by different media as the best pork dish, means achieving what few imagined: that Colombian lechona would go from being a regional symbol to becoming an international badge of flavor and tradition . See more: The numbers don't add up: figures that Petro provided on lechona sales in Osaka are questioned With a rating close to five points out of five, this Tolima dish is consolidating itself as one of the greatest calling cards of national gastronomy.

Remembering its mixed origins is understanding how this dish came to be what it is today. Pork, brought by Europeans during the colonial period, blended with local customs to bring life to the "Greater Tolima" (which comprised the departments of Tolima and Huila) , giving way to a monumental preparation: a whole pig stuffed with marinated meat, yellow peas, and, in more modern versions, rice.

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It's cooked for over 12 hours to achieve the perfect texture: crispy skin on the outside and tender meat on the inside. Thus, it becomes a recipe of patience and celebration, passed down from generation to generation.

Valuing lechona means recognizing its 'social and cultural role.' Served at family and community celebrations, a single pig makes over a hundred servings; this way, neighbors and friends can gather around a tray brimming with flavor. Read more: These are the 8 Colombian dishes most desired by foreigners, according to AI.

In fact, June 29th was declared Tolima Lechona Day, formalizing its importance as a heritage of identity. Thus, it has adapted to modern times, reinventing itself as pizzas, empanadas, and tamales , and remains the dish no one forgets at San Pedro festivities or December gatherings.

To explain why it's so popular is to talk about its unique sensorial experience. Enjoy the contrast between crispiness and tenderness, savor the seasonings that permeate each layer of meat, and celebrate the generosity of a preparation made to be shared. Adding to this is nostalgia: each bite evokes childhood memories, trips to Ibagué or Espinal, and moments of togetherness that go beyond the kitchen.

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Establishing itself on the global culinary scene as the best dish on the planet is a triumph that reaffirms the pride of Colombians. That said, it must be acknowledged that lechona is not just a food, but a tale of history, fusion, and celebration.

Just as it's important to understand that this dish, which requires patience, dedication, and slow cooking, is also the perfect metaphor for a country whose greatest wealth lies in its cultural diversity.

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