A local entrepreneur may have just made our dreams come true this Christmas. After months of seeing meatless versions of our favorite food  including burgers, plant-based lechon is finally here—and we’re absolutely thrilled. 

Based in lechon hotspot La Loma, food business Elpi Vellychon Haus leads the scene as the first plant-based lechon house in the country. It is owned and founded by a chef whose small vegan restaurant in General Santos City, South Cotabato closed down due to the extended lockdown period. 

Cooking up a new take on the famous putok batok, Elpi Vellychon Haus uses corn, wheat, soybeans and cassava as its alternative to pork. Atsuete, garlic, lemongrass and red food coloring are also used to complete the replicated look and taste of lechon. The food business calls this plant-based treat vellychon, and it is both halal-friendly and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Elpi Vellychon Haus assures that the product doesn’t contain eggs and dairy either.

Preparing vellychon for your meal uses the same process as preparing regular lechon. Depending on your taste preference, you can simply season it with salt and pepper, your chosen spices or Elpi Vellychon Haus’ toyomansi. It can then be deep fried, baked or cooked using an air fryer. 

You can purchase frozen plant-based lechon and enjoy it at home for P595, but you can also get it cooked for P695. Vellychon is only available for pickup and delivery from Tuesdays to Sundays at 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Elpi Vellychon Haus is located at 56 N.S. Amoranto St., La Loma, Quezon City. For orders, contact 0968-3457020.