Let’s be honest—“Magkano na naman ang ulam?” is a daily question in every Filipino household.
Between rising grocery prices, changing market rates, and our never-ending desire to serve something masarap and filling, cooking has quietly become one of the biggest expenses at home.
So today, I’m breaking it down honestly and realistically:
👉 How much does it actually cost to cook ONE Filipino ulam in 2025?
No guessing. No idealized budgets. Just real prices, mom-style.
The Reality of Cooking in 2025
Cooking at home is still cheaper than ordering out — but it’s no longer “cheap-cheap.” Prices of meat, vegetables, cooking oil, and even basic seasonings have gone up.
But here’s the good news:
💡 With smart choices, one ulam can still cost between ₱120–₱250 and feed a small family.
Let’s break it down by category.
Average Cost of Ingredients in 2025 (Metro Manila Estimate)
Protein Prices (Per Cooked Ulam Portion)
- Chicken (½ kilo): ₱140–₱180
- Pork (½ kilo): ₱180–₱240
- Fish (½ kilo): ₱120–₱200
- Eggs (6 pcs): ₱90–₱120
- Tofu / Tokwa (4 pcs): ₱40–₱60
👉 Protein is the biggest cost driver of any ulam.
Vegetables & Extenders
- Sayote / Papaya / Patola: ₱20–₱40
- Pechay / Kangkong: ₱25–₱40
- Cabbage / Carrots: ₱30–₱60
- Onions & Garlic (per dish): ₱20–₱30
Vegetables help stretch the ulam and make it healthier—win-win.
Pantry Staples (Per Dish Estimate)
- Cooking oil: ₱10–₱15
- Soy sauce / Patis / Vinegar: ₱5–₱10
- Sugar, pepper, seasoning: ₱5–₱10
These seem small, but they add up monthly.
Real Cost Breakdown: Common Filipino Ulam
🍗 Chicken Adobo
- Chicken: ₱200
- Garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, oil: ₱50
➡ Total: ~₱250
🐷 Pork Sinigang
- Pork: ₱250
- Vegetables: ₱80
- Seasoning: ₱20
➡ Total: ~₱350 (can serve multiple meals)
🐟 Fried Fish + Ginisang Gulay
- Fish: ₱200
- Vegetables: ₱50
- Oil & seasoning: ₱30
➡ Total: ~₱280
🥚 Tortang Itlog with Sardines
- Eggs: ₱100
- Sardines: ₱30
- Onions & oil: ₱20
➡ Total: ~₱150
So… How Much Does ONE Ulam Really Cost?
Average Cost Per Ulam (2025):
- Budget ulam: ₱120–₱150
- Regular ulam: ₱180–₱250
- Meat-heavy ulam: ₱280–₱400
💭 The secret?
Stretching one dish into 2 meals or pairing it with a gulay ulam.
Mom Tips to Lower Cooking Costs (Without Sacrificing Taste)
✔ Cook ulam that can last 2 days
✔ Mix meat + vegetables (giniling + pechay, chicken + sayote)
✔ Buy whole chicken instead of cuts
✔ Plan ulam weekly, not daily
✔ Use leftover adobo/sinigang for fried rice or paksiw twist
Small adjustments = big monthly savings.
Why Tracking Ulam Costs Matters in 2025
When prices keep changing, being aware gives you control.
Knowing that:
- Adobo ≠ ₱100 anymore
- Gulay is now a budget hero
- One smart ulam can save ₱1,000+ monthly
…makes meal planning less stressful.
Cooking in 2025 isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being practical.
As long as the family is full, happy, and eating real food, you’re doing great.
And yes, sometimes ₱200 ulam feels expensive — but it’s still cheaper (and healthier) than ordering out.
