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Budget meals are everyday Filipino dishes that cost ₱100 or less to prepare, making them perfect for students, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy hearty homemade food without overspending. These meals use affordable pantry staples like itlog, sardinas, gulay, and tokwa—proving that tipid dishes can still be flavorful and comforting. With smart choices and simple ingredients, budget meals help stretch the daily allowance while keeping meals masarap at satisfying.
₱30–₱50 Meal Ideas (Super Tipid Meals)
These ultra-budget dishes use ingredients commonly found in Filipino homes. Perfect for merienda, quick lunches, or end-of-the-month meals.
1. Ginisang Sardinas
A can of sardines goes a long way when sautéed with garlic and onion. Serve with hot rice for a filling, affordable meal.
Try the full recipe: Ginisang Sardinas
2. Tortang Talong
Eggplant + egg = a classic Pinoy favorite. Nutritious, flavorful, and cheap.
Recipe here: Tortang Talong
3. Egg Stir-Fry
Scrambled eggs cooked with repolyo, carrots, or leftover gulay—simple, quick, and budget-friendly.
See the guide: Egg Stir-Fry
₱60–₱80 Meal Ideas (Affordable Everyday Ulam)
Still tipid, but with more protein or added gulay for variety.
4. Ginisang Ampalaya
A nutritious, low-cost dish packed with fiber and flavor. Great for lunch or dinner.
Try it here: Ginisang Ampalaya
5. Tokwa’t Gulay Stir-Fry
Tokwa absorbs flavors well and pairs nicely with cheap seasonal gulay.
6. Tuna Rice Bowl
One can of tuna mixed with egg and veggies can feed 2 people—fast, filling, and affordable.
₱90–₱100 Meal Ideas (Still Tipid, More Filling)
Perfect for families or group meals on a budget.
7. Pork Giniling (Small Portion)
A quarter kilo of ground pork can make a generous pot of giniling—stretch it with carrots and potatoes.
Recipe here: Pork Giniling
8. Miswa with Meatballs
Light, comforting soup that can feed multiple people on a tight budget.
Full recipe: Miswa with Meatballs
9. Pancit Canton (Homemade Version)
A simple noodle dish that’s filling and affordable, especially when cooked with leftover vegetables.
You might like: Pancit Canton
Tips to Keep Meals Under ₱100
- Choose seasonal gulay—they’re cheaper and fresher.
- Buy pantry staples in bulk (soy sauce, vinegar, dried noodles).
- Repurpose leftovers into fried rice, omelets, or stir-fries.
- Extend proteins with vegetables to increase portions.
- Cook bigger batches to save time and money.
Budget-Friendly Pairings
- Rice + egg (₱20–₱30)
- Sliced tomatoes or ensaladang gulay
- Tokwa side dish
- Instant mami upgraded with vegetables
Budget meals don’t have to be boring—adding small flavor boosters like garlic oil, toasted onions, or calamansi can upgrade simple dishes affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pwede bang gumawa ng ₱50 meal ideas?
Yes—eggs, sardinas, and simple gulay dishes often fall below ₱50.
Healthy ba ang budget meals?
Oo. Gulay-based recipes and low-oil dishes can be both nutritious and tipid.
Pwede bang pang-lunchbox ang mga ito?
Yes, these meals pack well and reheat easily.
May vegetarian budget meal options ba?
Yes—tokwa, pechay, cabbage stir-fries, and egg recipes are all affordable choices.
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Discover more easy and delicious recipes you’ll love. Kasama mo ang SarapDiaries.com for all things masarap.
Ava Manalo is a passionate home cook who loves exploring flavors, recreating comforting classics, and sharing easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to every meal. As an author at Sarap Diaries, she focuses on Filipino dishes, merienda favorites, and simple cooking tips that make homemade food approachable and always delicious.
When she’s not developing recipes, Ava enjoys discovering new food spots, experimenting with global flavors, and turning everyday ingredients into heartwarming dishes for all kinds of occasions.
