Best Budget Eats in Manila, Philippines
1. Carinderia Hopping
Local carinderias serve affordable and delicious home-cooked meals, an experience often missed by tourists seeking only restaurants. This helps travelers stick to their budgets while enjoying authentic Filipino dishes.
- Authenticity: Offers a true taste of local Filipino culture.
- Cost: Meals for as low as 50 PHP.
- Variety: Diverse choices of Filipino dishes.
- Accessibility: Found throughout neighborhoods in Manila.
- Freshness: Dishes prepared freshly every day.
2. Lugawan Stands
Lugaw, or rice porridge, is a staple comfort food in the Philippines. These stands solve the challenge of finding a filling, budget-friendly meal.
- Affordability: Low-cost, hearty meals.
- Comfort: Warm and soothing for any time of day.
- Flavor: Can be customized with toppings.
- Ubiquity: Easily found along streets and markets.
- Simplicity: Quick and easy to eat, fitting for travelers on the go.
3. Mercato Centrale
A night market offering budget-friendly eats from various local vendors, perfect for evening dining. It solves the challenge of experiencing diverse cuisines in a single visit.
- Atmosphere: Lively and vibrant night market ambiance.
- Diversity: Wide array of food options from different cultures.
- Social: Great for group outings.
- Timing: Operates post-sunset, ideal for night cravings.
- Exploration: Opportunity to discover new dishes.
4. Jollibee
Jollibee offers fast food with a Filipino twist, providing a taste of local culture at an affordable price. It helps travelers find quick, tasty meals without breaking the bank.
- Popularity: Beloved Philippine fast-food chain.
- Accessibility: Many locations across Manila.
- Uniqueness: Localized menu favorites.
- Speed: Quick service suitable for busy days.
- Consistency: Consistent quality and taste.
5. Mang Inasal
Known for its affordable grilled chicken with unlimited rice, Mang Inasal provides a value meal that ensures travelers get full without overspending.
- Value: Unlimited rice promotion.
- Flavor: Special grilled barbecue taste.
- Tradition: Dining with locally popular sides.
- Nationwide: Branches throughout Manila.
- Comfort: Sit-down setting ideal for leisurely meals.
6. Sinangag Express
Serving budget-friendly Filipino breakfast meals all day, this chain caters to travelers seeking traditional morning dishes at any time.
- Timing: All-day breakfast options.
- Specialization: Focus on Filipino breakfast cuisine.
- Pricing: Economical meal set pricing.
- Accessibility: Located conveniently around the city.
- Familiarity: Dedicated following for specific meals.
7. Street Food Carts
Offering everything from fish balls to isaw (grilled chicken intestines), street food carts are an inexpensive way to sample local treats. They make it easy for travelers to eat on the move without spending too much.
- Diversity: Insights into local snacks.
- Affordability: Prices starting from 5 PHP.
- Portability: Snacks you can walk with.
- Experience: Authentic street food encounter.
- Novelty: Try unique Filipino street food.
8. Kanto Freestyle Breakfast
Providing gourmet breakfast meals on a budget, this spot allows tourists to enjoy creatively crafted dishes without splurging.
- Creativity: Premium feel for a low price.
- Specialty: Gourmet twist on breakfast staples.
- Instagram-worthy: Aesthetically pleasing dishes.
- Flexibility: Breakfast available anytime.
- Reputation: Positive word-of-mouth reviews.
9. Baliwag Lechon Manok
Offering mouth-watering roasted chicken, Baliwag provides a budget-friendly and savory meal fit for any time of the day.
- Availability: Easily found throughout Manila.
- Savoriness: Well-marinated and flavorful.
- Portion: Generous serving size.
- Tradition: Roasted over charcoal.
- Local Staple: Staple protein choice for the locals.
10. Tapsi ni Vivian
Known for its tasty tapa (marinated beef), Tapsi ni Vivian offers full meals that are both budget-conscious and fulfilling.
- Specialty: Renowned for its tapa variations.
- Location: Multiple easy-to-find outlets.
- Nostalgia: Classic comfort food for locals.
- Filling: Generous portions ensure satisfaction.
- Convenience: Quick meals for those on the go.
11. Chowking
Combining Chinese and Filipino cuisine, Chowking offers a unique menu that caters to different tastes without stretching the budget.
- Fusion: Blends two culinary traditions.
- Variety: Diverse menu offerings.
- Affordable: Budget-friendly eating options.
- Convenience: Fast and reliable service.
- Availability: Widely located across the city.
12. Bulaluhan sa España
Famous for its budget-friendly bulalo (beef marrow stew), this eatery ensures travelers enjoy a hearty meal without overspending.
- Specialization: Expertly cooked bulalo.
- Warmth: Ideal for a comforting meal.
- Tradition: Traditional Filipino soup-based dish.
- Social: Perfect for group sharing.
- Renowned: Known spot for bulalo enthusiasts.
13. GoodAh!!!
Open 24/7, GoodAh!!! provides traditional Filipino comfort food at any hour, solving the challenge of finding budget meals during late nights.
- Availability: Always open for convenience.
- Familiarity: Classic Filipino favorites.
- Flexibility: Time-friendly for all schedules.
- Value: Economical meal sets.
- Innovation: Provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day.
14. Yang Chow Dimsum House
Offers dim sum delicacies at budget prices, making it perfect for travelers craving Chinese dimsums without the expense.
- Affordability: Dimsum options that won't break the bank.
- Authentic Experience: Genuine taste of dimsum.
- Communal: Encourages sharing and sampling.
- Lunch Specialty: Known for daytime dining.
- Steamed or Fried: Wide selection, regardless of preference.
15. Goto Monster
Specializing in goto, or rice porridge with tripe, this eatery offers an affordable but truly Filipino flavor experience.
- Specialty: A rich gotong and tripe flavor.
- Customizable: Toppings to personalize bowls.
- Cost: Economical meal options.
- Local Experience: Embedded in Filipino culture.
- Warmth: Perfect comfort food for gloomy days.
16. Taho Vendors
With their iconic street cries, taho vendors sell sweet tofu snacks in cups, providing a taste of the Filipino daily routine.
- Simplicity: Quick and filling snack.
- Cultural Emersion: Experience a local staple.
- Portability: Easy to eat on-the-go.
- Sweetness: Unique flavor balance.
- Tradition: Ethnic vendor experience in action.
17. Pansit Malabon Express
Specializes in pansit Malabon, a noodle dish famous in the city. This choice satisfies noodle lovers while keeping things cost-effective.
- Specialty: Authentic pansit Malabon taste.
- Historical: Recipe rooted in tradition.
- Sharing: Great for group consumption.
- Filling: Complements heavy cravings.
- Recognition: Brand held in high regard.
18. Mussel Man
Filthy cheap seafood option serving affordable tahong (mussels); this spot is perfect for travelers wanting to try seafood on a budget.
- Flavor: Signature spicy seafood sauce.
- Portion: Adequate servings for sharing.
- Budget-friendly: Low-priced seafood choice.
- Casual: Laid-back eating environment.
- Accompanied: Served with rice for a full meal.
19. Bagnet Boy
Known for offering crunchy, mouth-watering bagnet (crispy pork belly), Bagnet Boy serves satisfying meals that go easy on the wallet.
- Specialty: Focus solely on bagnet dishes.
- Crunchy: Perfect texture with every bite.
- Completeness: Served with sides for a complete meal.
- Cost: Affordable considering the specialty.
- Popular: Regularly frequented by locals.
20. Binondo
As Manila’s Chinatown, Binondo offers food adventures with a melding pot of cuisines, ensuring travelers can enjoy cheap yet delicious meals.
- Openness: Open-air city wander to explore.
- Diversity: Vastly varied food choices.
- Experience: Rich in history and culture.
- Economic: Plenty of budget-friendly options.
- Availability: Easy access via public transport.