With grocery prices changing almost every month, one question keeps popping up in our kitchens:
How much does it really cost to cook one Filipino ulam in 2025?
This isn’t a theoretical computation or an ideal grocery list. This is a real, mom-tested breakdown based on actual market and supermarket prices, portioned for a typical Filipino family.
If you’ve ever stood in the grocery aisle doing mental math while holding chicken, pork, and a basket of “needs,” this post is for you.
How I Computed the Cost
To keep things realistic, here’s how I broke it down:
- Family of 4–5 people
- Home-cooked meals (no fancy ingredients)
- Prices based on Metro Manila groceries and wet markets
- Staples like oil, garlic, onions are portion-costed, not charged per bottle
Prices may vary slightly depending on location—but this gives a clear, honest picture.
1. Chicken Adobo (Good for 1 Meal)
Estimated Cost Breakdown:
- Chicken (1 kg): ₱220
- Garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns: ₱15
- Soy sauce + vinegar (portion): ₱20
- Cooking oil (portion): ₱10
Total Cost: ₱265
Cost per Serving: ~₱53
Still one of the most budget-friendly and filling ulam you can cook.
2. Pork Sinigang (Kasim Cut)
Estimated Cost Breakdown:
- Pork kasim (1 kg): ₱360
- Sinigang mix: ₱25
- Kangkong, labanos, sitaw: ₱70
- Tomatoes, onions: ₱25
Total Cost: ₱480
Cost per Serving: ~₱96
Comfort food yes—but you can already feel how pork prices affect the total.
3. Chicken Tinola (Extra Veggies Version)
Estimated Cost Breakdown:
- Chicken (1 kg): ₱220
- Green papaya or sayote: ₱40
- Ginger, garlic, onion: ₱25
- Malunggay: ₱20
Total Cost: ₱305
Cost per Serving: ~₱61
Light, nourishing, and surprisingly cost-efficient.
4. Ginisang Sardines with Egg
Estimated Cost Breakdown:
- Canned sardines (2 cans): ₱60
- Eggs (2 pcs): ₱30
- Tomatoes, onion, garlic: ₱25
- Oil (portion): ₱10
Total Cost: ₱125
Cost per Serving: ~₱31
This is one of the cheapest, most practical ulam options in 2025.
5. Fried Bangus (Medium Size)
Estimated Cost Breakdown:
- Bangus (1 medium): ₱220
- Oil (portion): ₱25
- Garlic, salt, pepper: ₱15
Total Cost: ₱260
Cost per Serving: ~₱52
Fish remains competitive price-wise—and healthier too.
6. Tofu and Pechay Stir-Fry
Estimated Cost Breakdown:
- Tofu (2 blocks): ₱60
- Pechay: ₱40
- Garlic, soy sauce: ₱25
- Oil (portion): ₱10
Total Cost: ₱135
Cost per Serving: ~₱27
Plant-based meals are quietly becoming the cheapest ulam option.
Average Cost of One Filipino Ulam in 2025
Based on these examples:
- Cheapest ulam: ₱125
- Average ulam cost: ₱250–₱350
- Pork-heavy dishes: ₱400+
This explains why many families are now mixing meat, fish, and plant-based meals each week.
How Moms Can Lower Ulam Costs Without Sacrificing Flavor
- Cook 2–3 meat meals per week, balance with fish and tofu
- Buy vegetables in season
- Portion sauces and oil instead of “tantya”
- Stretch dishes with eggs or veggies
Small changes make a big difference.
Cooking in 2025 isn’t just about recipes anymore—it’s about strategy.
Knowing how much one ulam costs helps us plan better, waste less, and still serve meals that feel complete and satisfying.
This is one of those posts I’ll personally update every few months — because food prices change, but home cooking will always be worth it.
