Finding affordable meals that your family will actually enjoy can feel like a daily challenge—lalo na ngayon na everything is getting more expensive. But don’t worry, Mommy! This guide is your lifesaver. I created Budget Ulam Ideas for 30 Days to help you cook delicious, inexpensive meals without stress, guilt, or overspending.
Each recipe here uses simple ingredients, pantry staples, and plenty of Filipino flavors. Whether you’re budgeting for the whole month or just need fresh ideas for dinner tonight, this list will help make meal planning easier, cheaper, and mas masarap.
WEEK 1: Comfort Classics on a Budget
1. Ginisang Sayote with Ground Pork
Super budget-friendly and filling; sayote stretches your ulam.
2. Adobong Manok sa Asin (Minimalist Adobo)
Simple, savory, and cheaper than the usual soy-sauce version.
3. Tortang Talong with Giniling
Eggplants + eggs = sulit meal every time.
4. Chicken Tinola (Sayote Version)
Using sayote instead of papaya cuts cost in half.
5. Sauteed Sardines with Misua
A classic mom hack that tastes comforting and warm.
6. Tokwa’t Baboy (Budget Version)
Use more tokwa than pork to make it cheaper.
7. Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw
Creamy, healthy, kid-approved.
WEEK 2: Sulit Meals for Busy Moms
8. Chicken Afritada (Carrot & Potato Loaded)
Extra gulay to stretch the serving size.
9. Lumpiang Togue
Crunchy, cheap, and perfect with rice.
10. Beefless Kare-Kare (Using Tokwa or Veggies)
Still satisfying even without meat.
11. Tuna Patties with Garlic Mayo Dip
Use canned tuna + breadcrumbs for a quick protein fix.
12. Pinakbet (Budget Version)
Use bagoong for maximum flavor kahit konti lang ang pork.
13. Sinangag + Fried Egg + Sauteed Corned Beef Trio
A breakfast ulam that works for any meal of the day.
14. Fish Fillet in Sweet and Sour Sauce
Use cream dory to keep it affordable.
WEEK 3: International-Inspired but Still Budget-Friendly
15. Chicken Teriyaki (Home-Style)
Just soy sauce, sugar, and ginger—simple and delicious.
16. Spaghetti with Budget Meat Sauce
Use tomato sauce + hotdog slices for a Pinoy twist.
17. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Use chicken thighs para mas juicy and cheaper.
18. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
One-pan dish that feels sosyal pero budget pa rin.
19. Egg Fried Rice + Stir-Fried Veggies
Perfect for leftover rice and pantry veggies.
20. Breaded Pork Chops (Air Fryer or Pan-Fry)
Super crispy and perfect for baon.
21. Chicken Stir Fry with Cabbage and Carrots
Quick, colorful, healthy, and budget-friendly.
WEEK 4: Filipino Favorites to End the Month
22. Pork Giniling with Carrots and Potatoes
A reliable family favorite that cooks fast.
23. Chicken Inasal (Budget Version)
Use more marinade and less expensive cuts.
24. Monggo with Malunggay and Tinapa
Stretch your monggo with plenty of veggies.
25. Pancit Canton with Veggies and Egg
A complete meal in one wok.
26. Adobong Sitaw
Affordable, flavorful, and perfect with steamed rice.
27. Fried Tilapia + Ensaladang Kamatis
Classic Filipino meal that’s both cheap and healthy.
28. Chicken Sopas (Creamy & Loaded)
Perfect for rainy days and picky eaters.
29. Pork Menudo (Budget-Friendly Version)
Add extra potatoes to extend servings.
30. Bicol Express (Tokwa or Chicken Version)
Creamy, spicy, and absolutely masarap even on a budget.
Weekly Budget Tips for 2025 Moms
To make this 30-day meal plan even more sulit, here are simple tricks:
✔ Buy vegetables in-season. Prices fluctuate weekly.
✔ Replace meat with tofu, chicken breast, or canned goods.
✔ Stretch dishes with gulay: kalabasa, sitaw, cabbage, or potatoes.
✔ Cook big batches for leftovers (tinola, afritada, pasta).
✔ Maximize your air fryer to save on oil + gas.
✔ Try online palengke options—they’re often cheaper.
Budgeting doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste or quality. With the right recipes, ingredients, and a little creativity, every mom can serve masarap, home-cooked meals that keep the whole family happy—without breaking the bank. I hope this Budget Ulam Ideas for 30 days guide helps you plan your meals for the month and gives you inspiration to cook more at home this year.
