There are dishes that fill the stomach, and there are dishes that fill a lifetime. King Sue’s Chinese Ham, Bone-In belongs to the latter. I grew up watching my mother gently simmer that iconic slab—its delicate sugar glaze catching the light, its smoky aroma unfurling through the house like a quiet announcement that Christmas had finally arrived.
Attending King Sue Ham’s 95th year celebration brought that memory rushing back with such clarity that I swear I could taste the familiar sweet-and-salty notes long before any slice reached the table.
The moment I saw the Chinese Ham, Bone-In at the event, I remembered exactly why it holds a permanent place in Filipino kitchens. Cooked bone-in, the ham carries a depth of flavor you can’t rush or fake. The tender premium pork leg, smoked to perfection, blends savory richness with a glaze that’s just sweet enough to bring out its juicy character. Every bite feels slow-cooked in tradition—a flavor King Sue Ham has perfected for almost a century. For home cooks like me, this ham isn’t just food; it is a culinary anchor, something you return to because it tastes like family gathered around the table.
Exploring the rest of the King Sue lineup only deepened my appreciation. The Piña Ham—its harmony of sweet, spice, and salty—reminded me of those years when we had cousins visiting, each with a different palate, yet everyone agreed on this ham’s unmistakable charm. The Sweet Ham, soft and juicy with its brine-enhanced sweetness, is what I imagine when someone says “classic Filipino Christmas.” Hawaiian Ham brings a gentle balance of glaze and savory depth, perfect for cooks who enjoy a brighter touch, while the Pear-Shaped Ham—ready to eat or bake—gives today’s busy households the liberty to serve tradition without losing flavor or texture. What united all these variants was the unmistakable craftsmanship that has kept King Sue part of our seasonal rituals.
Leaving the celebration, I realized that King Sue Ham’s story isn’t just 95 years long. It’s woven into 95 years of Filipino tables, memories, and December mornings. And if you want to recreate this nostalgia on your Noche Buena table, it is time to reach out to King Sue Ham on their official Facebook page and Instagram account to get discounts on bulk purchases. Available in major supermarkets in the entire Luzon. — via King Sue Ham
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
