(Photo courtesy of Michelle Morelos)
With a global food crisis hanging over our heads, should we say goodbye to ‘good eats’?
Here are some tips from MoneySmart friends for enjoying good food even with low budgets:
1. Skip the fruit shakes, juices and signature concoctions! Super mom Kitts Luna-Vibar points out that these drinks cost as much as one dish. And don’t go bottomless if you don’t drink that much!
2. Andrea Echaves of Eon even goes as far as ordering house water only. “It is healthier and more cost-efficient. Drinks cost around P50 each which means additional P250 for a family of five!”
3. Efren Cruz, author of two books on personal finance (Pwede Na: The Pinoy Guide to Personal Finance and Pwede Na: The Pinoy Guide to Estate Planning. Disclosure: I co-edited both books) advised spacing out trips to restaurants.
“It’s hard to resist temptation when they are right smack in front of you. Go for budget meals. Forget eating foreign foods…Instead of fine dining, find daing!”
4. Chel Jacob of BPI Foundation never fails to make me laugh. “Befriend a foodie who knows the best value for money restos in the Metro. Be OUR friend!” Her recommendations are: Kikufuji on Pasong Tamo, Som’s on Alger St. in Bgy. Poblacion in Makati, Flavors of China, and Mey Lin on Jupiter. Lunchtimes are the best times for good deals.
5. Alex Salvador, a businessman who has a passion for food, passed along some recommendations. Barrio Fiesta’s merienda value-for-money offers cost P79. Kamayan’s eat-all-you-can at dinnertime now costs P89 (omygosh). Eat porterhouse or T-bone steak for P99 at Slice ‘n Dice. Tramways Restaurant on Timog Ave. has a combination of Japanese and Chinese food in its buffet for P168. I haven’t tried them yet, but the prices are as low as fast-food chains and very intriguing.
6. If you’re a fan of hole-in-the-wall outfits, try Mang Jimmy’s behind MWSS in Quezon City. First serving of rice is free, extra rice costs almost nothing, a sizzling plate costs P100 — buy 10 take two.
“Medyo pang jologs yung lugar, pero libre ka tumawa kahit gaano kalakas,” says super mom Analy Pinaroc, a regular reader of MoneySmarts. She adds that some ubiquitous Andok’s outlets have dine-in areas where you can have a whole chicken for P198 and softdrinks at tindahan prices.
7. Noemi Dado says she limits going out to eat and does so only on special occasions like a wedding anniversary. She and her husband have mastered the art of cooking at home.
Quote of The Day:
“When I am dining with my children or with my good friend, it makes the scenario great! It has something to do with the company I am with to enjoy the meal wherever places I dined, it maybe in my home or a fast-food chain.”
– Melanie Marquez-Lawyer
Hey, she has a point. It doesn’t matter WHERE you eat. It’s the company that matters. Enjoy eating!
April 28th, 2008 at 6:43 am
I totally attest to the befriend-a-foodie tip!
My ex is a foodie and we still go out to eat at cheap but great tasting restos/eateries from time to time. I also consult him before checking out a new place in case he has already checked it out. ^_^
April 26th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
looking for a cheaper alternative does not mean compromising on good nutrition. there are better and healthier alternatives in the market.
instead of pricey meat, try soy-based Meat Magic or vegetarian meat or tvp (texturized vegetable protein) as substitute or as an extender. nadadaan naman yung sa pagtimpla.=)
check my website. may mga healthy but yummy (pa rin) snack alternatives. =)
April 25th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Salve-
Sorry for not replying promptly to your text message. My 2 cents…
1. When our family go out, we always bring our own water bottles. When we eat at fast-food chains, we don’t order value meals, but instead the ala-carte ones. A 2 piece chicken slashes P17 off your bill when you say no to the softdrink.
2. They say breakfast should be the heaviest meal of the day. We are “suki” to the breakfast buffet (12mn - 10am) of Something Fishy in Eastwood for only P109. (this is not a paid advert by Something Fishy)
3. No matter how frugal you are, there is always room for dessert. What you can do - Share a dessert. Some restos serve desserts that are already a meal by itself. Me and my wife enjoy a slice of Mango Bravo at Conti’s. Reminiscing our dating years. (this is not a paid advert by Conti’s)
4. Once in awhile, me and my wife do a “kain-estudyante” adventure. We pretend we’re still back in college living off our measly allowances. We find ourselve’s ending up in eateries around the university belt. Almer’s near UST is the best place to get your fill of sizzling everything. We also feel young dining with students. (this is not a paid….you know what I mean)
5. Merienda buffets are the way to go. You still feel full even during dinner time. You can always tiptoe to the kitchen for late night snacks when you get home. Ooopss, watch your weight.
April 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
We seldom eat out - I reserve that for birtday, anniversary and christmas.
If I eat in a restaurant, I don’t order food that I can easily cook at home - waste of money.
In the Philippines, don’t order bottled water because restaurants are required by law to serve drinking water.
April 25th, 2008 at 11:36 am
natawa ako. bakit may lawyer?