A big part of visiting Segovia is trying its famous local dishes. During my day trip, I made sure to try two of the city’s most popular foods: cochinillo, or roast suckling pig, and ponche Segoviano, a traditional dessert. Both were worth the hype and here’s what I thought about them.

What I Ate in Segovia

Cochinillo

Cochinillo is one of Segovia’s most famous dishes. It’s a young pig, roasted in a wood-fired oven until the skin turns golden and crispy and the meat becomes super tender. As someone from the Philippines, where lechon or roast pig is a big deal, I was especially curious about cochinillo. Fun fact: lechon actually has roots in Spanish cuisine, which makes sense considering the Philippines was under Spanish rule for centuries.

Segovia food
cochinillo served with potatoes

Now, I’ll admit that I’ve never been a huge fan of lechon—it’s not really my thing. But since I was in Segovia, I had to try cochinillo. And I’m glad I did! I tried it at Restaurante El Bernardino, one of the most famous restaurants in Segovia for cochinillo. Compared to lechon, the cochinillo was more tender, flavorful, and juicy. The seasoning was simple but really brought out the flavor of the meat. I ended up liking it more than I expected.

Ponche Segoviano

After the cochinillo, I couldn’t leave without trying ponche Segoviano, Segovia’s signature dessert. It’s made with sponge cake, custard, and marzipan, topped with a thin caramelized sugar layer. It looks simple, with a crisscross pattern on top but packed with flavor.

Segovia food
ponche Segoviano

I loved this dessert. It was sweet but not too much, which is just how I like it. The custard made it creamy, and the marzipan added a slight nuttiness that balanced everything out. Despite being a layered dessert, it didn’t feel heavy, which made it the perfect way to end the meal.


Both dishes were delicious in their own way. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the cochinillo, even though I usually don’t like lechon. As for ponche Segoviano, it was simple, sweet, and absolutely delightful.

If you’re visiting Segovia, make sure to try these local specialties. They’re not just tasty—they’re a part of the city’s rich food history, and they’re definitely worth experiencing!