Let’s be honest—January is the “bawi” month.
After weeks of handaan, gift-giving, takeout, and “deserve ko ‘to” moments, most of us enter January thinking:
- “Medyo masakit pa ang wallet.”
- “Balik tipid muna.”
- “Luto-luto na ulit.”
If that’s exactly how you feel, you’re not alone. This list of after-Christmas budget ulam ideas is for moms who want to recover financially without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
What Makes a Good January Budget Ulam?
✔ Cheap but filling
✔ Easy to cook
✔ Stretchable for 2 meals
✔ Uses basic ingredients
✔ Family-approved (walang reklamo)
1. Tortang Sardinas
Estimated Cost: ₱80–₱100
- 1 can sardines
- Eggs
- Onion
Why it works:
Protein-packed, quick to cook, and perfect for petsa de peligro days.
2. Ginisang Repolyo with Egg
Estimated Cost: ₱70–₱100
Simple gulay ulam that pairs perfectly with rice.
Add eggs to make it more filling.
January tip: Gulay ulam = budget hero.
3. Fried Galunggong + Toyomansi
Estimated Cost: ₱150–₱180
Classic, comforting, and always satisfying.
Serve with:
Ensaladang kamatis or talong to stretch the meal.
4. Sardines Misua with Patola
Estimated Cost: ₱120–₱150
Warm, comforting, and easy on the stomach—perfect after weeks of heavy holiday food.
5. Egg Drop Soup with Vegetables
Estimated Cost: ₱100–₱120
- Eggs
- Corn
- Carrots or pechay
Light but filling, and very January-coded 😌
6. Chicken Adobo (Budget Cut Version)
Estimated Cost: ₱180–₱220
Use wings, necks, or mixed cuts.
Add potatoes or eggs to stretch it.
Bonus:
Adobo = ulam today, fried rice tomorrow.
7. Leftover Spam or Ham Fried Rice
Estimated Cost: ₱150–₱200
Perfect for using up holiday leftovers hiding in the freezer.
January rule:
Walang sayang.
8. Munggo with Malunggay
Estimated Cost: ₱100–₱130
Cheap, nutritious, and filling—especially with rice.
Add-ons (optional):
Small pork bits or chicharon crumbs.
How January Budget Cooking Saves You More Than Money
Cooking simple ulam in January helps:
✔ Reset spending habits
✔ Reduce food waste
✔ Balance your diet
✔ Lower daily stress
Sometimes, simple meals are exactly what we need.
January doesn’t need to be fancy.
It’s about recovering, resetting, and getting back to basics.
As long as may kanin at may ulam, you’re doing just fine.
February will come — and so will the cravings again 😅
