Happy eating from P24 up

Not everyone is sitting on piles and piles of cash because of ghost projects. (Oh, yes, we haven’t forgotten.) Not all of us are nepo babies with corrupt daddies who are happy to be our “ATM machines.” Those of us who actually work for our money care about how much we’re spending. We check price tags, we look at the bill, and we love a good deal.

That’s why we compiled this list. Here are 50 treats you can enjoy for P250 or less.

Under P50

SM’s turon. SM’s turon is a sweet treat that will set you back just P25. The banana fritters come in three flavors—with langka, ube, or the limited-edition Chocnut. Since its launch in 2013, the SM turon has become so popular that it’s even spawned merch.

Available at SM Markets, including SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore Market, or order it from smmarkets.ph

Potato Corner fries. There’s a reason Potato Corner has become a global brand, expanding to over 15 countries outside the Philippines: their flavored fries are just that good. And you can still get a serving for under P50—the regular-sized cup costs P41. Confession: I usually get a Mega, though (P127). There are a lot of flavors to choose from—cheese, BBQ, sour cream, chili BBQ, sour cheese, chili cheese, wasabi, white cheddar, golden sweet corn, and truffle. I usually go for the sweet corn and BBQ (with extra BBQ powder). Some branches have more options on their menu, like chicken pops and loopy fries. 

Available at Potato Corner stalls

Burger Machine sans rival. One of my favorite childhood memories was my grandpa driving to Burger Machine in the middle of the night to buy me sans rival. I’m happy this buttery, nutty treat still exists four decades later. Sure, it has gotten smaller, but at just P24 each, how can we complain? I also love that Burger Machine continues to serve its burgers 24/7—and that everything on the menu is under P100. Next time, I’m also getting a Bart Burger with Cheese.

Available at Burger Machine branches

Betsy’s Cake Center’s soft broas. Besty’s Cake Center’s soft broas are a pillowy dream. They’re light, they’re fluffy, with sugar dusting and a buttercream filling. A piece is P47, but believe me, you’ll need at least a box of six.

Available at Betsy’s Cake Center, Rizal Avenue, Malabon. Call landline 82811131 or order through 09156935639 or Betsy’s Cake Center on Facebook

Aling Tessie’s Valencia Triangulo. Here’s another Malabon gem: Aling Tessie Punzalan’s Valencia Triangulo. This triangular turon is stuffed— and I mean stuffed—with saba, langka, and biko pinipig and covered in caramelized sugar. And amazingly, it’s just P25 per piece. 

Available at Aling Tessie’s 46 Flores St., Malabon. Order through Aling Tessie’s Balencia Triangulo on Facebook

Kenshin’s tori kawa. Kenshin’s Makati Central Square branch has an à la carte grill menu that becomes available at 5 p.m. each day. They require a minimum of two orders per skewer. My favorite is the tori kawa or chicken skin—just salted and grilled until crispy. I love it so much that I went to Kenshin three times in one week. Each chicken skin skewer costs P49.

Available at Kenshin Makati Central Square

Under P100

Marugame Udon’s side dishes. A lot of people go to Marugame Udon for the udon and rice bowls, but I go there to feast on the side dishes— specifically the omusubi and tempura. There’s a lot to choose from, and everything is under P100. The combination of rice balls and deep-fried goodness is just so satisfying. My favorite thing to do is get a Karaage Mayo Omusubi (P70) and then more Chicken Karaage (P85) so I can eat them together. I also love the Spam Omusubi (P75), Dragon Omusubi (P75), Ebiten (P85), Tamago Ten (P55), and the Cheese Sausage (P70), while I have friends who love the Tuna Omusubi (P50), Salmon Flakes Omusubi (P80), Vegetable Kakiage (P95), Sweet Potato Tempura (P50), Kanikama Tempura (P50), and Pork Tonkatsu (P95). 

Available at Marugame Udon branches

Jay R D' Original Okoy's okoy. Jay R D' Original Okoy, a stall in Malabon’s Concepcion Market, went viral for serving okoy that’s overloaded with ingredients. Hindi tinitipid, as they like to say. And you can see it as Jay R joyfully makes okoy after okoy for his many patrons. The regular okoy, which has generous portions of shrimp, bean sprouts, and squash, is just P55. If you want all of that plus tofu, it's P65. If you want even more shrimp plus onion rings and tofu on top of the bean sprouts and squash, get the special, it's P85 each. There's also the super special, which will get you twice the ingredients and even more shrimp. At just P100, it's still a steal. Jay R also whips up veggie okoy for those allergic to shrimp.

Available at Concepcion Public Market, Gen. Luna St, Malabon. Order online by messaging Jay R - D' Original Okoy on Facebook

Emer’s cua pao. There are different reasons people head to Makati Cinema Square, now known as Makati Central Square. One of them is the cua pao served by Emer’s Food Center: a pillowy steamed bun that’s folded and stuffed with tender braised pork and topped with pickled mustard greens and crushed peanuts. It’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying—no wonder it’s been winning hearts and tastebuds since Emer’s first opened in 1982. The cua pao is available for P85 each. It’s great for gifting, too—you can get a box of six. And good news, you can also get Emer’s other bestseller for under P250—an order of their popular lomi is just P200.

Emer’s Food Center is on the lower ground floor of Makati Central Square, Chino Roces Avenue, Makati. Call 09692228555.

Lugawan sa Tejeros’ lugaw with lechon kawali. How do you know Lugawan sa Tejeros’ lugaw is good? Business has done so well that they’ve expanded from a roadside eatery to a two-story restaurant. Prices remain reasonable, with their signature lugaw with lechon kawali available for P65. A serving of plain lugaw is just P37. I usually go for the lugaw with lechon kawali and egg (P80). Lots of other dishes on the menu—arroz caldo, goto, pares, silog, and more—and everything is under P150. Lugawan sa Tejeros is open 24/7.

Lugawan sa Tejeros is at Malolos St., Barangay Tejeros, Makati.

Beard Papa’s cream puffs. Beard Papa’s menu allows you to enjoy cream puffs your way—you choose your crust and you choose your cream. I like my cream puffs simple, just vanilla custard in a pie cream puff crust or eclair. Prices start at P85. You can also get mini cream puffs, which are great for sharing. There are also seasonal flavors and special offers.

Available at Beard Papa branches

Taho at Power Plant Mall. A sad thing about living in a condo is you can’t enjoy taho from your neighborhood vendor anymore. I’m just glad I can get taho at Power Plant Mall all week. On Mondays to Fridays, you’ll find the stall on the ground floor. On weekends, it’s on the second level (very near Mesa). Each generous serving is P60—you can even ask for extra sago or arnibal. 

Available at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati

Egg pie slice from Goldilocks. Goldilocks’ egg pie is a nostalgic treat that brings comfort with every bite. I love that creamy egg custard filling and how it has tasted the same since I was a kid. Go for a slice, which they sell for P55 each. A whole pie is P300. My other Goldilocks favorites? The Cheesy Fluffy Mamon (P38) and Marble Slice (P37).

Available at Goldilocks branches

Bread Talk’s floss buns. We have Singapore to thank for these soft floss-covered buns with cream. My favorites are the Premium Pork Floss buns (P75 each) and the Premium Chicken Cheese Floss buns (P77 each). Yum.

Available at Bread Talk branches

Zagu’s Zagu’t Gulaman. Before milk tea became big in the Philippines, there was Zagu, a beverage brand that’s been serving pearl shakes in different flavors since 1999. Buko Pandan is their bestseller, but my favorite is Zagu’t Gulaman, their version of the classic samalamig sago’t gulaman—a delightful mix of ice, arnibal (brown sugar syrup), gelatin, and chewy tapioca pearls. Each sip brings me back to my childhood. It’s available in three sizes: Baby Z (P67), Regular (P77), and Grande (P88).

Available at Zagu stalls

Angel’s Burger’s Cheesy Hungarian. Angel’s Burger is known for serving ridiculously affordable burgers and sandwiches all day and all night. Their buy-one, take-one deals are especially popular—two cheeseburgers for just P50? Two cheesy hot dogs for just P37? Oh, yes.
I always miss out on the two-for-one offer, though, because I usually get the Cheesy Hungarian. It’s P70 for one sandwich—the most expensive item on the menu, but it’s still such a great deal. It just hits the spot. I also have friends who love the Cheesy Footlong (P56) and the new Cheesy Jalapeño Footlong (P65).

Available at Angel’s Burger branches

Costa Brava’s chicken mushroom pie. Costa Brava is famous for its caramel, marshmallow, and mocha cakes, but did you know they also serve a delectable chicken mushroom pie? Each piece is P90. The crust is flaky and buttery and has a creamy chicken and mushroom filling. I usually buy mine from their weekend stalls at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell and SM Aura. You can also get slices of their bestsellers there. I always grab a piece of mocha cake (P180).

Costa Brava is at 12 Polaris St., Bel Air Village 1, Makati City. Call landlines 88961267, 88966872, 84036627, or mobile 0905999123. You’ll also find Costa Brava at Power Plant Mall and SM Aura on weekends. 

Dairy Queen’s choco-dipped cone. We can actually include Dairy Queen’s choco-dipped cone in the under P50 category because the 3 oz. serving costs just P49—but why would you order that when you can go for the 5 oz. one (P79)? And if, like me, you think the chocolate coating is the best part, guess what? You can actually order more of it for P39, so you can dip your cone again and again and again. Definitely one of my favorite sweet treats. I’m also a fan of the Dilly Bar and the DQ Ice Cream Sandwich. They’re P79 each. I love stocking them in my freezer.

Available at Dairy Queen branches

Jamaican patties from De Original Jamaican Pattie Shop and Juice Bar. When in need of a quick and filling snack, I often go for a Jamaican pattie from De Original Jamaican Pattie Shop and Juice Bar. I love the flaky crust and the different fillings. Prices range from P75 to P85 for a piece. Flavors include De Original Beef, Cheezy Beef, Cheezy Beefy Tomato, Beefy Mushroom, Beef Pinatubo (yes, it’s spicy), Cheezy Beef Pinatubo, Cheezy Tuna, Spicy Tuna, Chicken Pinatubo, Cheezy Chicken, and Cheezy Chicken Pinatubo. I’m curious to try the new flavors, Meaty Lasagna and Shepherd’s Pie.

Available at De Original Jamaican Pattie Shop and Juice Bar

Under P150 

Frozen yogurt from Llaollao. The lines are Llaollao don’t lie—people have fallen hard for this frozen yogurt brand from Spain and I totally get why. I’m hooked, too. You can get a small tub of frozen yogurt for P99, but for me, toppings are a must. They’re my favorite part of every Llaollao trip. A small frozen yogurt with one topping costs P139, a medium with three toppings is P209, while a large with three toppings is P249. There’s also their signature Sanum—frozen yogurt layered with fruits, crunches, and sauce—which is available in two sizes: petit (P199) and regular (P249). My favorite Llaollao topping is the Italian pistachio sauce. It’s so, so good.

Available at Llaollao branches

Banana Leaf’s roti canai with curry sauce. Banana Leaf’s roti canai costs P98, but you need to add P30 to enjoy it with curry sauce (a must for me)—or condensed milk, if that’s more your jam—bringing our total to a reasonable P128. This flaky, chewy Indian flatbread and dip combo is great on its own as a snack or merienda, but it’s also the perfect addition to an Asian feast.

Available at Banana Leaf branches

Dunkin’s Spanish Sausage Croissant. The greatest tragedy is that not all Dunkin’ branches carry this delicious sandwich. Whether stuffed in a Dunkin’ croissant (P125) or a Bunwich bun (P75), it’s the flavor of the Spanish sausage that shines—it’s so good it tastes like it belongs on a charcuterie board. And it works surprisingly well with the pineapple slaw they dress the sandwich with. Dunkin’, please serve it at more branches.

Available at select Dunkin’ branches

Pancake House’s Best Taco in Town. This taco was responsible for my weight gain during the summer between my freshman and sophomore high school years, leading my classmates to nickname me “Lobo” because I had literally ballooned over the break. Not that Pancake House is to blame—I blame myself for eating four or five of these tacos at a time. I just loved it so much. I still love it, but now I eat an acceptable amount of it—just one or two tacos at a time.

For a long time, Pancake House’s taco was one of the few tacos we could enjoy in Manila. Was it authentically Mexican? No. Was it delicious? Absolutely. And even today, with so many more authentic options at the Mexican restaurants that have since sprung up, it still stands the test of time. It’s yummy, it’s nostalgic, and at just P119 each, still a great deal. There’s also a spicy version available now.

Available at Pancake House branches

Goto Monster’s leche flan ice cream. It’s not big, but it’s big on flavor. I was glad to be reunited with Goto Monster’s leche flan ice cream—a homemade ice pop that tastes exactly like leche flan. It’s P100 per order.

Goto Monster is on the Mezzanine Floor, Comuna Building, 238 Ocampo Sr. Extension, Makati.

Auntie Anne’s almond pretzel. Auntie Anne’s almond pretzel, which is topped with toasted almond crunch, is my Auntie Anne’s favorite. It’s P110, and it goes so well with the caramel dip (P40). Craving something savory? The Two Cheese Pepperoni Nuggets (P140) make a great snack. 

Available at Auntie Anne’s branches

IKEA’s almond cake. IKEA’s almond cake, which is covered in chocolate and crunchy Daim pieces, is a must for me every time I visit. It doesn’t matter if I’m popping in to just buy one quick thing or doing some crazy shopping for a room makeover, I never leave without grabbing a few slices of this delicious cake. You can get it from the Swedish Cafe on the third floor or the Swedish Restaurant on the fourth floor. They’re P125 a slice. There was a time when you could buy a whole cake in the frozen section but, sadly, not anymore. I’m happy the slices are available though.

Available at IKEA, MOA Square, Pasay City

Pancit Malabon from Mama Belen’s Kitchenette. Carlo Agustin carries on his grandmother’s legacy at Mama Belen’s Kitchenette (formerly known as Rosy’s Pancit Malabon) by continuing to serve her famous pancit Malabon. It’s my favorite pancit Malabon. It’s available in different bilao sizes, but if you just want a taste, a single order is P130. You can also get a duo box for two for P230.

Mama Belen’s Kitchenette is at 45 A. Bonifacio St. Flores, Malabon City. Order through landline 83510150, mobile 09334726884, or message Mama Belen’s Kitchenette on Facebook.

Under P200 

Tim Ho Wan’s Signature Baked Barbecued Pork Buns. I still remember my first taste of Tim Ho Wan’s Signature Baked Barbecue Pork Buns. It was in Hong Kong, and I loved them so much I ate five of them. And then I brought a dozen with me on the flight home. It brings me so much joy that I no longer have to fly to get my dose. We’ve had Tim Ho Wan in the country for 12 years now, and that means the delicious pork buns are always within reach. One order (P188) gets you three pieces. Lots of other dishes under P250 at Tim Ho Wan — steamed dumplings, vermicelli rolls, rice bowls, congee, and more. My other favorites? Shrimp Spring Rolls with Egg White, the Wasabi Salad Prawn Dumpling, and the hakaw.

Available at Tim Ho Wan branches

Bebang Halo-Halo. Bebang’s Halo-Halo went from being a garage-run business to having over 40 stores in different parts of the country by mixing a family heirloom recipe with innovation. A serving of their Special Halo-Halo (frozen milk, leche flan, pandan jelly, sago, mais, nata, banana cinnamon, ube halaya, rice crispies) costs P168, while the Presidential Halo-Halo (frozen milk, leche flan, pandan jelly, ube halaya, sago, mais, nata, banana cinnamon, langka, special macapuno, rice crispies) is P198. Other icy treats (all in that price range) include Mango Graham Caramel, Strawberry Pistachio, Choco Brownie, Buko Fruit, Matcharap, and more.

Available at Bebang’s Halo-Halo branches or through https://bebang.ph/

Nolita Joe’s pepperoni pizza. To me, Nolita Joe’s pepperoni pizza is pure perfection. It’s done what I thought was impossible: made me into a pepperoni pizza lover. It’s served piping hot out of the oven, with a great crust, melty cheese, and the pepperoni laid out evenly so you get one with every bite. I’m a fan. Nolita Joe’s offers a lot of other great pizza flavors like Spinach & Artichoke, Wild Mushroom & Ricotta, and Chicken Parmesan, but I usually go for a pepperoni first. A slice of the 21-inch pie is P197. You can also get whole pizzas, of course. The best part? The Poblacion branch stays open until the wee hours so you can get that pizza fix late into the night.

Available at Nolita Joe’s 5666 Don Pedro St., Poblacion, Makati, and BGC Four Neo.

Dulcinea’s Churros Con Chocolate. Sometimes, you just get a hankering for churros. A reliable place to get this traditional Spanish snack would be Dulcinea, which has been part of the country’s culinary landscape for over half a decade now. The churros, which are deep-fried when you order, are served super-hot and crunchy without being overly oily, and the accompanying hot chocolate is rich and thick and not too sweet. One order, which is big enough to share, is P170. A junior order (or smaller serving) is also available for P150. They’re a lovely treat on their own, but also a great way to end a meal of your Dulcinea favorites. I love their gambas al ajillo, beef salpicao, and baked spaghetti.

Available at Dulcinea branches

Sebastian’s Ice Cream’s green mango sorbet with bagoong. Don’t be weirded out. Think of Sebastian’s Ice Cream’s green mango sorbet with bagoong as a very Filipino sundae—cold green mango sorbet topped with hot bagoong. It’s a combination that just works, and that’s why this item has stayed on Sebastian’s menu for years and years. An order is P170. Another favorite? The champorado ice cream topped with dilis (P160). If you like more conventional flavors of ice cream, Sebastian’s has them, too. I also like their Poppits—ice cream nuggets in a chocolate shell.

Seabastian’s Ice Cream is at The Podium

Pares from The Original Pares Mami House Retiro. You’ll see a lot of establishments claiming to serve the original pares from Retiro, but the real place is actually still on Retiro St.—now known as N.S. Amoranto—corner Dr. Alejos St. in La Loma, Quezon City. It’s open 24 hours a day and still serves the same beef pares people have loved for decades. An order, which includes beef pares, garlic rice, and soup, now costs P170.

The Original Pares Mami House Retiro is at 117 N.S. Amaranth St., corner Dr. Alejos St., La Loma, Quezon City. 

Chick Chicken’s Chick Rice. Chick Chicken serves Raising Cane’s-style chicken tenders with a variety of sauces, but I also love their Chick Rice—a generous serving of java rice topped with chopped chicken tenders and covered in their delicious garlic mayo sauce. It’s only P199. I love the Chick Fries too (crinkle cut fries topped with chopped chicken and your choice of sauce—garlic mayo, cheese sauce, or Chick sauce), which is also P199, and Mac & Chick (homemade mac and cheese topped with chopped chicken tenders and more cheese sauce), which costs P219.

Available at Chick Chicken branches. Order online through https://chickchicken.cococart.co/

Coco Mama’s Coconut Ice Cream. If you find yourself in Boracay or La Union, don’t miss out on Coco Mama, a gift from The Sunny Side Group—coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell and topped with all kinds of goodness: fresh coconut, heirloom sticky rice, pinipig, and, if you like, fresh mango. Prices start at P190. I am holding out hope that we’ll one day have Coco Mama in Manila.

Available at Coco Mama Seaworthy Boracay Station 1, D’Mall Palengke Boracay and Great Northwest Philippines Travel Stop and View Deck in San Juan, La Union

P250 and under

Hawker Chan’s roasted meats. Foodies rejoiced when Foodee Global Concepts brought Hawker Chan to the Philippines in 2018. Hawker Chan made history in Singapore as the first hawker stall to be awarded a Michelin Star, and it has become known for serving the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal. It’s one of my favorite places for an affordable but satisfying meal (and I love that each rice meal comes with kropek). Soya sauce chicken with fragrant rice, the dish that got them their Michelin star, costs just P218. Hainanese chicken with fragrant rice is P228, BBQ pork is P238, while my favorite roasted pork is P238. There are other rice meals for under P250—beef brisket makes the cut at P248, crispy pork is P180, sweet and sour fish is P170, and salt and pepper fish is P160.

Available at Hawker Chan branches

Din Tai Fung’s pork xiao long bao. The xiao long bao (soup dumplings) of Taiwanese restaurant chain Din Tai Fung is a global obsession, and I’m so grateful we have it on our shores. There are different kinds to choose from, with the pork xiao long bao being the most popular (and also my favorite). An order of five pieces costs P205. They also serve pork and garlic xiao long bao, chicken xiao long bao, chili crab and shrimp xiao long bao, green squash and shrimp xiao long bao, pork and kimchi xiao long bao, uni and pork xiao long bao. When I’m feeling extra indulgent, I order a truffle and pork xiao long bao (P190 for one piece) or a foie gras and chicken xiao long bao (P175 for one piece). Also a must, for dessert, is the chocolate lava xiao long bao (P195 for three pieces). This sweet treat was created by Din Tai Fung Philippines and is now being enjoyed in Din Tai Fung restaurants in other countries.

Available at Din Tai Fung branches

Mesa’s tinapa roll wrapped in lettuce. Mesa’s tinapa roll is a crowd pleaser and the perfect way to kick off a Filipino feast. It’s crunchy lumpia stuffed with flaked tinapang bangus, tomato, onion, and salted egg and served wrapped in lettuce and with fried kropek. A medium order costs P195.

Available at Mesa branches

La Chinesca’s tuna tostada. How good is La Chinesca’s tuna tostada? It’s one of the few things that make me forget my aversion to raw fish. I order it every time I go to La Chinesca, and I eat it with gusto. It’s chopped fresh tuna on crispy tortilla with chipotle mayo, salsa fresca, lime, Maggi, orange, onions, and peanuts. An order is P250. Lots of other delicious dishes at La Chinesca for under P250: crispy shrimp taco (P240), chicharrón taco (P160), beef tostada (P170), and more.

Available at La Chinesca BF Homes Parańaque, The Grid Food Market Power Plant Mall Makati, and East Gallery Place 28th St. BGC

Mangan’s Pakbet ni Warly. Mangan—the Kapampangan word for eat—serves Filipino favorites, among them Pakbet ni Warly, their take on pinakbet that keeps people coming back. This generous heaping of okra, ampalaya, string beans, squash, eggplant drenched in bagoong sauce is begging to be enjoyed with rice—plenty of it. An order costs P218. You can add P70 if you want it topped with lechon kawali.

Available at Mangan branches

Soi’s Mango Sticky Rice. Soi (not to be confused with Soi Chicken) serves Thai dishes. Go for fresh spring rolls (P218), fried spring rolls (P198), papaya salad (P168), bagoong rice (P240), or my pick, the mango sticky rice (P240).

Available at Soi branches

Aida’s Chicken Inasal. Don’t ask me how many times I’ve eaten at Aida’s this week. Okay, fine, I’ll tell you. Three times. Not just because it’s literally steps away from where I live, but also because their chicken inasal is so good. Long before Michelin inspectors gave Aida’s Makati Central Square branch their stamp of approval (it’s on the list of Michelin Selected restaurants), Aida’s was already hugely popular for bringing Bacolod flavors to Manila—and now, even more so. An order of chicken inasal (paa, pecho, or pakpak) with rice and soup is just P215—a most satisfying meal. I also enjoy Aida’s liempo and kansi. Lots of other dishes on the menu as well, including seafood and veggies.

There might be a line when you go and, yes, you’ll have to wait for your chicken to be grilled because they fire them up only when you order, but trust me, Aida’s is worth the wait.

Aida’s Chicken is on the lower ground floor of Makati Central Square

Chicharon Aleta from JTG’s Lugawan Republic. This chicharon is so crisp and so crackly that people often think it’s chicken skin. It’s not— it’s deep-fried pork belly, and it’s addicting. An order is P215 and comes with a sweet and sour sauce. You can also enjoy it with vinegar.

JTG’s Lugawan Republic is at One Banawe Complex, Calamba St., corner Banawe St., Sto. Domingo, Quezon City.

Manam’s Crispy Pancit Palabok. Manam’s Crispy Pancit Palabok isn’t just a good addition to any meal at Manam, it’s a showstopper. When the Manam staff start pouring the rich, thick palabok sauce over the crispy noodles, it’s inevitable: Phones come out and people start taking videos. It comes in three sizes, and the small serving costs P245. You can also get other Manam favorites for under P250—a small order of the house crispy sisig is P205, while the small order of gising-gising is P155.

Available at Manam branches

Via Mare shooters. I discovered this gem while struggling to choose from Via Mare’s pampalamig offerings. It turns out I didn’t have to choose at all: they have shooters—small servings of their halo-halo, mais con hielo, and guinomis. The refreshing trio, served in little glasses, is available for P220.

Via Mare also has different kinds of kakanin—bibingka, bibingka cassava, puto pumbong, palitaw, plus guinataang halo-halo—and everything is under P250.

Available at Via Mare branches

Gindaco takoyaki. I’m so happy my favorite takoyaki place in Japan is finally in Manila. Get four pieces of the original takoyaki (topped with signature Gindaco sauce, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes) for P199 or four pieces of the teritama takoyaki (teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, egg salad, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes) for P249.

Available at Gindaco SM Mall of Asia South Entertainment Mall and SM North Edsa

Bun Appetit’s Garlic Noodles. My Bun Appetit order changes all the time (I enjoy their different seafood rolls), but one thing is constant: I always get the garlic noodles. An order of these egg noodles in a sweet and spicy garlic sauce, topped with spring onion and garlic bits, is P200.

Available at Bun Appetit at Corner House San Juan and The Grid Food Market, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati. Order online through https://bunappetit.pickup.ph/ or thegridfoodmarket.com. 

Tsurumaru Udon X Tempura udon and rice bowls. Tsurumaru Udon X Tempura serves different kinds of udon (thick, chewy Japanese noodles) and rice bowls, a number of which are available for P250 and under. Try the tempura miso udon, which is topped with tempura and vegetable kakiage (P215), niku udon (P230), wakame udon (P168), or beef curry udon (P215). In the mood for rice? Go for the pork katsudon (P220), teriyaki chickendon (P230), beef yakinikudon (P245), gyudon (P225), or torikatsu curry (P250).

Available at Tsurumaru Udon X Tempura branches

Bagoong from Mommy Dolor’s Kitchen. My favorite bagoong is from Mommy Dolor’s Kitchen. I love it because it reminds me of my grandma’s bagoong—it has chunks of pork chicharon. It’s so good that people love giving this bagoong as a holiday gift. A jar costs P250.
Give me a jar and a plate of singkamas or Indian mangoes, and I’ll be in heaven. It’s also great for binagoongan.

Other Mommy Dolor’s bestsellers? The Dampalit Atchara (P180) and Cheese Pimiento (P250).

Order through @mommydolorskitchen on Instagram. 

Homemade by Rita’s mini pecan pies. If you love pecan pie, you’ll enjoy Homemade by Rita’s mini pecan pies. They’re little bites of heaven. Get a box of six for P250. They’re perfect for gifting too.

Order through @homemadebyrita.ph on Instagram.

What are your favorite treats that cost P250 and less?