Budget meals don’t have to mean boring meals! With a little planning and creativity, you can serve delicious, healthy dishes for the whole family without spending a fortune. Here’s a 7-day meal plan that’s both sulit and nutritious—perfect for busy moms who want hearty ulam without breaking the bank.
Day 1 – Chicken Tinola
A Pinoy classic! One whole chicken can stretch into two meals if you cut it into smaller pieces. Add malunggay, sayote, and ginger for that comforting soup perfect with rice.
Day 2 – Ginisang Monggo
Munggo is truly a lifesaver! Cheap, filling, and healthy. Cook it with malunggay leaves and tinapa flakes or pork bits. Pair with a side of fried fish for extra protein.
Day 3 – Adobong Sitaw with Pork Bits
Sitaw is very budget-friendly, and with just a little pork belly or liempo, you can make a flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with rice.
Day 4 – Tortang Talong with Ground Pork
Eggplant is affordable and versatile. Adding ground pork or even canned tuna makes this baon-ready meal extra filling.
Day 5 – Chicken Curry (Pinoy Style)
Stretch your chicken by adding lots of potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Coconut cream makes it rich, but you can also use evaporated milk for a cheaper alternative.
Day 6 – Ginisang Pechay with Tofu
Meatless but protein-packed! Tofu is inexpensive and goes so well with soy sauce, garlic, and a sprinkle of fried garlic on top.
Day 7 – Fried Galunggong + Ensaladang Talong
GG is still one of the most budget-friendly fish in the market. Pair with a simple eggplant salad with tomatoes and onions for a classic, healthy Pinoy meal.
👉 Mom Tip: Buy vegetables in the palengke or local talipapa—it’s cheaper and fresher. Also, cook in bigger batches so you can save time and reheat for baon!
