15 Filipino Noche Buena Food Ideas for a Christmas Feast on a Budget

With fuel and electricity still near record highs, and with recent typhoons negatively impacting the supply of agricultural products, it’s no surprise the price of goods and commodities in the Philippines surged significantly. The 7.7% inflation rate in October marked the highest inflation surge in 14 years since December 2008. Economists expect that figure to hit 8%^[1] to 9.3%^[2] this December. 

What does this mean for the average Filipino? You’re probably wondering how far you can stretch your budget to serve sumptuous Noche Buena food this year. Will Christmas still be merry this time around? We know one thing: Christmas is surely going to cost more than many of us can afford.

Preparing for the most wonderful time of the year usually means preparing the best Christmas Eve celebration. But how much does Noche Buena food really cost these days? Well, you don’t need to worry because we’ve listed down a few affordable Noche Buena menus that cost under ₱5,500.

Note: Prices are based on the Department of Trade and Industry’s suggested retail prices of basic necessities and prime commodities^[3] as of August 2022, and of Noche Buena products^[4] as of November 2022. Actual prices may differ depending on the brand, product variant, and whether you shop in a dry and wet market or a supermarket.

Noche Buena Menus Under ₱1,500

The following budget-friendly menu options are perfect for a simple family feast that costs between ₱700 and ₱1,500.

🍽️ Menu 1 (Total Cost: ₱726.65 to ₱1,219.25)

• Lechon manok
• Spaghetti aglio e olio
• Cheese sticks
• Fruit salad

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• One whole chicken – ₱180 to ₱390
• Pasta (900g/1kg) – ₱69 to ₱111
• Olive oil (250ml) – ₱118.25 to ₱188.30
• Cheese (200g) – ₱54.35 to ₱76.20
• Lumpia wrappers (40 pcs) – ₱84 to ₱142
• Cooking oil (300-500ml) – ₱41.20 to ₱115.90
• Fruit cocktail (836g) – ₱83.35 to ₱86.10
• All-purpose cream (250ml) – ₱63 to ₱75
• Condensed milk (168ml) – ₱33.50 to ₱34.75

Good for six people, this menu includes all the Pinoy Noche Buena staples—but with a twist. Instead of the usual Pinoy-style spaghetti, go for the simpler aglio e olio, which is both a cheaper and healthier alternative. You can choose to cook your own lechon manok as opposed to buying a cooked one. This will save you around ₱90.

You can also customize your pasta dish by adding shredded chicken breast from your grilled chicken. The cheese sticks can be a practical substitute for your traditional queso de bola. 

🍽️ Menu 2 (Total Cost: ₱753.24 – ₱1,077.26)

• Chicken sopas
• Embutido
• Puto
• Caesar Salad (Filipino Style)

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Elbow macaroni (400-500g) – ₱39.35 to ₱69.25
• Chicken (250g) – ₱16.50 to ₱77 
• Evaporated milk (370ml) – ₱25.99 to ₱31.56
• Carrots (250g) – ₱18.75 to ₱66.25
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Garlic (250g) – ₱56.50 to ₱87
• Cooking oil (250ml) – ₱36.90 to ₱45.45 
• Embutido (250g) – ₱48.75 to ₱111.75
• Puto (medium-sized, 15-20 pcs.) – ₱195 to ₱230
• Fresh lettuce (250g) – ₱72.50 to ₱110
• Croutons (70-100g) – ₱43 to ₱49
• Caesar Salad dressing (236ml) – ₱131.25

Chicken sopas is definitely a comfort food for most people. This menu is a mix of soup and veggies with a twist of traditional kakanin and homemade embutido. You can choose to fry or steam the embutido, which pairs perfectly with Filipino-style Caesar salad. 

If you want to add other simple Filipino Noche Buena food to this menu, you can follow these Christmas tipid tips to stretch your budget and serve more food options.

Noche Buena Menus Under ₱2,500

Below is another list of Noche Buena dishes that you can share with your loved ones. Spend no more than ₱2,500 to enjoy these meals.

🍽️ Menu 1 (Total Cost: ₱1,071.89 to ₱1,678.71)

• Fried chicken
• Pinoy-style spaghetti
• Lumpiang shanghai
• Leche flan

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• One whole chicken – ₱180 to ₱390
• Cooking oil (900ml to 1L) – ₱124.75 to ₱225
• Pasta (900g/1kg) – ₱69 to ₱111
• Spaghetti sauce (1kg) – ₱75 to ₱95.50
• Ground pork (1kg) – ₱290 to ₱350
• Lumpia wrappers (60 pcs) – ₱126 to ₱213
• Carrots (250g) – ₱18.75 to ₱66.25
• Eggs (one dozen) – ₱115.15 to ₱133.35
• Condensed milk (168ml) – ₱33.50 to ₱34.75
• Evaporated milk (370ml) – ₱25.99 to ₱31.56
• Sugar (250g) – ₱13.75 to ₱28.30

Who celebrates special occasions without fried chicken? Aside from being easy to prepare, fried chicken is also a crowd favorite. For less than ₱2,000, you can already serve this popular dish and even add another party classic: the highly sought-after lumpiang shanghai. 

To lessen the amount of work you have to do on Christmas Eve, cook the lumpiang shanghai filling beforehand. Just make sure it’s stored in the chiller before wrapping your lumpia later on. You can do the same for the leche flan, which also needs to be chilled before being served. 

You can look up these affordable Noche Buena recipes online if you’re not sure how to prepare them. That way, you can perfectly recreate these classic menu items for Christmas.

🍽️ Menu 2 (Total Cost: ₱1,169.80 to ₱1,785.85)

• Grilled pork belly
• Grilled chicken
• Rice
• Buttered corn and carrots
• Mango float

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Pork belly (1kg) – ₱345 to ₱445
• One whole chicken – ₱180 to ₱390
• Regular/Well-milled rice (2kg) – ₱103 to ₱215
• Whole kernel corn (two 425g cans) – ₱75.80 to ₱104.90
• Carrots (500g) – ₱37.50 to ₱132.50
• Carabao mangoes (250g) – ₱72.50 to ₱74.75
• All-purpose cream (two 250ml packs) – ₱126 to ₱150
• Condensed milk (two 300ml cans) – ₱74.80 to ₱106
• Graham crackers (two 200-210g packs) – ₱67.30 to ₱79.80
• Crushed graham (two 200g packs) – ₱87.90

Looking for a Noche Buena pork recipe to blow away your companions? You can’t go wrong with a classic pork grill party at home on Christmas Eve. You can even throw in a few chicken strips to mix it up a bit.

Feast on grilled meats to your heart's content without worrying about wrecking your holiday budget. A grill party is more than possible with a budget of less than ₱1,500. Just make sure to go for more affordable ingredients!

🍽️ Menu 3 (Total Cost: ₱1,217.20 to ₱1,714.15)

• Grilled fish
• Vegetable afritada
• Lumpiang gulay
• Rice
• Fresh fruits

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Bangus (1kg) – ₱250 to ₱295
• Cooking oil (300-500ml) – ₱41.20 to ₱115.90
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Potatoes (500g) – ₱50 to ₱130
• Carrots (250g) – ₱18.75 to ₱66.25
• Green peas (100g) – ₱13
• Tomato sauce (two 250g packs) – ₱42 to ₱52
• String beans (250g) – ₱66.25
• Cabbage (250g) – ₱47.25 to ₱62.50
• Lumpia wrappers (20 pcs) – ₱42 to ₱71
• Regular/Well-milled rice (2kg) – ₱103 to ₱215
• Carabao mangoes (1.5kg) – ₱435 to ₱448.5
• Papaya (1kg) – ₱40 to ₱110

Filipinos are now encouraged to practice social distancing from salty and fatty foods.^[5] This healthy Noche Buena menu is a good way to get the family to share classic and delicious Filipino dishes together. It’s a balance of vegetables, meat, and fruits everyone can enjoy. 

🍽️ Menu 4 (Total Cost: ₱1,327.30 to ₱2,036.40)

• Ham
• Pandesal with cheese/sandwich spread
• Classic macaroni salad
• Fresh fruits

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Fiesta ham/Pear-shaped ham/Jamon de bola (1kg) – ₱314 to ₱650
• Pandesal (30 pcs) – ₱165 to ₱180
• Cheese (430g) – ₱138 to ₱219
• Sandwich spread (220g) – ₱68.30 to ₱126
• Elbow macaroni (200g) – ₱23 to ₱43.75
• Mayonnaise (470ml) – ₱96.50 to ₱234.15
• Carrots (250g) – ₱18.75 to ₱66.25
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Carabao mangoes (1.5kg) – ₱435 to ₱448.5

Don't have the time or patience to cook for Noche Buena this Christmas? This simple menu is perfect for you. No need to sweat it out in the kitchen—just assemble the ingredients, and you’ll have complete meals ready to serve in a matter of minutes!

This Noche Buena menu could be cheaper if you have a free Christmas ham to use, courtesy of your employer. Otherwise, consider more affordable alternatives such as meatloaf or luncheon meat. 

Also, make sure to beat impulse buying and choose the more cost-effective variants of common ingredients. Often, you’ll find that you can’t even tell the difference between an expensive brand and a more affordable one. By choosing cheaper alternatives, you can even save up enough to add another meal to your menu!

🍽️ Menu 5 (Total Cost: ₱1,484 to ₱2,164.90)

• Pancit bihon guisado
• Crispy pata
• Bulalo
• Macaroni salad

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Pancit bihon (1kg) – ₱84.90 to ₱97
• Chorizo (2 pcs.) – ₱141.40
• Chicken breast – (500g) ₱120.50 to ₱148.50
• Carrots (250g) – ₱18.75 to ₱66.25
• Cabbage (250g) – ₱47.25 to ₱62.50
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Garlic (250g) – ₱56.50 to ₱87
• Pork pata / leg (1kg) – ₱209 to ₱314
• Cooking oil (900ml to 1L) – ₱124.75 to ₱225
• Beef shanks/beef bulalo (1kg) – ₱330 to ₱490
• Elbow macaroni (400-500g) – ₱39.35 to ₱69.25
• Mayonnaise (470ml) – ₱96.50 to ₱234.15
• All-purpose cream (250ml) – ₱63 to ₱75
• Fruit cocktail (836g) – ₱83.35 to ₱86.10

This Noche Buena menu is a mix of chicken, pork, and beef served in different styles. Pancit guisado, crispy pata, and beef bulalo are three popular Filipino dishes that will perfectly satisfy your palate. You can add corn and other leafy vegetables to your classic bulalo as extenders. But the hot broth and tender meat can already fill and warm up tummies on a cold Christmas Eve. 

🍽️ Menu 6 (Total Cost: ₱1,644.85 to ₱2,453.85)

• Rellenong bangus
• Chicken afritada
• Lechon kawali
• Rice
• Fruit cocktail float

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Bangus (1kg) – ₱250 to ₱295
• Lemon (250g) – ₱34.50 to ₱87.50
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Carrots (250g) – ₱18.75 to ₱66.25
• Green peas (225g) – ₱25.80
• Raisins (100g) – ₱40.75 to ₱53.60
• All-purpose flour (200g) – ₱26.50 to ₱36.40
• 1 whole chicken – ₱180 to ₱390
• Potatoes (500g) – ₱50 to ₱130
• Tomato sauce (two 250g packs) – ₱42 to ₱52
• Cooking oil (900ml to 1L) – ₱124.75 to ₱225
• Pork belly (1kg) – ₱345 to ₱445
• Regular/Well-milled rice (2kg) – ₱103 to ₱215
• Fruit cocktail (836g) – ₱83.35 to ₱86.10
• All-purpose cream (250ml) – ₱63 to ₱75
• Condensed milk (168ml) – ₱33.50 to ₱34.75
• Graham crackers (two 200-210g packs) – ₱67.3 to ₱79.80
• Crushed graham (two 200g packs) – ₱87.90

This affordable Noche Buena menu is for families who prefer to share different meat-based dishes (fish, chicken, and pork) on Christmas Eve. Your budget won’t even exceed ₱2,500 despite the extensive options, especially if you buy cheaper meat products from a wet market instead of a supermarket.

Noche Buena Menus Under ₱5,500

If you have a bigger budget and want more options, here are a few other menu samples for you. We also included a few vegetarian and pescatarian suggestions.

🍽️ Menu 1 (Total Cost: ₱1,551.50 to ₱2,705)

• Home samgyupsal
• Grilled shrimp
• Fresh fruits

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Pork samgyupsal (500g), not marinated – ₱150 to ₱375
• Beef samgyupsal (500g), not marinated – ₱260
• Bulgogi sauce marinade (500g) – ₱135 to ₱215
• Samjang Korean Paste (170g) – ₱60 to ₱92.50
• Potato tots (500g) – ₱206 
• Romaine lettuce (500g) – ₱145 to ₱210
• Enoki mushroom (200g) – ₱50 to ₱115
• Shrimp (1kg) – ₱329 to ₱719
• Banana (1kg) – ₱72 to ₱105
• Apples (750g) – ₱75 to ₱337.5
• Kiat kiat (250g) – ₱69.50 to ₱70

Samgyupsal is always a good idea, especially if you want a wonderful indoor grilling experience with your loved ones this Christmas. There’s no need to go out to a restaurant because you can now enjoy this popular Korean dish at home. All you need is a griller and prepped samgyupsal ingredients. In short, you don’t need to do a lot of cooking for this Noche Buena menu. 

You can buy marinated samgyupsal meats at grocery stores and on online marketplaces. However, you can save more by marinating your own meats in bulgogi sauce, which you can also pour onto the meats as they’re grilling.  

🍽️ Menu 2 (Total Cost: ₱1,864.25 to ₱2,536.17)

• Grilled pork liempo
• Kare-kare
• Buko salad

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Pork belly (1kg) – ₱345 to ₱445
• Soy sauce (200ml) – ₱10.65 to ₱10.92
• Oyster sauce (60g) – ₱13.40 to ₱15.75 
• Fish sauce (150ml) – ₱10.50
• Brown sugar (250g) – ₱22.25 to 23.50
• Lemon (250g) – ₱34.50 to ₱87.50
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Garlic (250g) – ₱56.50 to ₱87
• Vinegar (200ml) – ₱7.90 to ₱7.95
• Ketchup (320g) – ₱25.50 to ₱57.85
• Cooking oil (250ml) – ₱36.90 to ₱45.45 
• Regular/Well-milled rice (2kg) – ₱103 to ₱215
• Oxtripe (250g) – ₱59.75 to ₱139
• Banana flower bud (250g) – ₱22 to ₱132
• Pechay or bok choy (250g) – ₱43.75 to ₱53.75
• String beans (250g) – ₱66.25
• Eggplants (250g) – ₱72.50 to ₱80
• Peanuts (50g) – ₱9.15 to ₱13
• Peanut butter (170g) – ₱71.25 to ₱100
• Shrimp paste (250g) – ₱102.30
• Annatto seeds (30g) – ₱32.50
• Shredded young coconut (200g) – ₱265
• Kaong (340g) – ₱52.80 to ₱85.30
• Nata de coco (340g) – ₱52.75 to ₱61.95
• Fruit cocktail (432g) – ₱56 to ₱63.85
• Pineapple chunks (227g) – ₱31.55 to ₱32.65
• Condensed milk (168ml) – ₱33.50 to ₱34.75
• All-purpose cream (250ml) – ₱63 to ₱75
• Cheese (200g) – ₱54.35 to ₱76.20
• Creamed corn (425g) – ₱41 to ₱47.50

Filipino Noche Buena food always has rice as a staple. What goes best with hot, steamed rice? A lot of options, for sure, but kare-kare and grilled pork liempo should be somewhere at the top of that list. You can serve these two dishes without spending more than ₱3,000. Add buko salad for a refreshing dessert, and you’re all set!

🍽️ Menu 3 (Total Cost: ₱2,215.60 to ₱2,786.97)

• Filipino-style carbonara
• Pork barbecue
• Maja blanca
• Ice cream

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Pasta (900g/1kg) – ₱69 to ₱111
• Bacon (400g) – ₱220.20 to ₱323.20
• Ground beef (250g) – ₱113 to ₱133.75
• Butter (200g) – ₱45.45 to ₱202
• Button mushrooms (198g)  – ₱35.35 to ₱43.85
• Beef broth (6 pcs.) – ₱33.85
• Heavy whipping cream (250g) – ₱252.50
• Parmesan cheese (100g) – ₱185
• Eggs (one dozen) – ₱115.15 to ₱133.35
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Garlic (250g) – ₱56.50 to ₱87
• Pork shoulder (500g) – ₱119.50
• Soy sauce (200ml) – ₱10.65 to ₱10.92
• Lemon (250g) – ₱34.50 to ₱87.50
• Ketchup (320g) – ₱25.50 to ₱57.85
• Brown sugar (250g) – ₱22.25 to 23.50
• Lemon or lime soda (500ml) – ₱31.75
• Coconut milk (400ml) – ₱57.60 to ₱58.15
• Cornstarch (75g) – ₱13.15
• Grated coconut (200g) – ₱265
• Condensed milk (168ml) – ₱33.50 to ₱34.75
• Creamed corn (425g) – ₱41 to ₱47.50
• Fresh milk (1L) – ₱87.30 to ₱109.90
• Ice cream (1.5L) – ₱279.15 to ₱353.25

If you’re a big fan of white-sauce pasta, then this menu is for you. Add bacon bits, ground beef, mushrooms, and lots of cheese to make your carbonara richer and all the more special. Don’t hesitate to go all out, especially if you have the budget for it. 

Prepare pork barbecue on the side to add more protein and flavor to your meal. And for your Noche Buena desserts, how about a classic maja blanca and ice cream?

🍽️ Menu 4 (Total Cost: ₱2,594.05 to ₱3,878.63) 

• Paella
• Crispy lechon belly 
• Chicken cordon bleu
• Fresh lumpia
• Crema de fruita

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Pork belly (1kg) – ₱345 to ₱445
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Garlic (250g) – ₱56.50 to ₱87
• Lemongrass (100g) – ₱16.70
• Chicken breast (500g) – ₱60.25 to ₱148.50
• Breadcrumbs (230g) – ₱35.50 to ₱43.70
• Fiesta ham/Pear-shaped ham/Jamon de bola (1kg) – ₱314 to ₱650
• Eggs (one dozen) – ₱115.15 to ₱133.35
• Butter (200g) – ₱45.45 to ₱202
• Paprika (30g) – ₱25
• Cheddar cheese (160g) – ₱92
• Regular/Well-milled rice (2kg) – ₱103 to ₱215
• Olive oil (250ml) – ₱118.25 to ₱188.30
• Chorizo (2 pcs.) – ₱141.40
• Tomato sauce (250g) – ₱21 to ₱26
• Saffron (400g) – ₱225
• Shrimp (250g) – ₱82.25 to ₱179.75
• Cornstarch (75g) – ₱13.15
• Sugar (250g) – ₱13.75 to ₱28.30
• Ground pork (500g) – ₱145 to ₱175
• String beans (250g) – ₱66.25
• Sweet potato (500g) – ₱52.50 to ₱64.98
• Carrots (250g) – ₱18.75 to ₱66.25
• Tofu (300g) – ₱43.45 to ₱92.50
• Cabbage (250g) – ₱47.25 to ₱62.50
• Fresh lettuce (250g) – ₱72.50 to ₱110
• Peanuts (50g) – ₱9.15 to ₱13
• Cake flour (400g) – ₱56.50 to ₱66
• Vanilla extract (20ml) – ₱43.15 to ₱49.25
• Evaporated milk (140ml) – ₱15.95 to ₱34.75
• All-purpose flour (200g) – ₱26.50 to ₱36.40
• Fruit cocktail (432g) – ₱56 to ₱63.85
• Gelatin/gulaman (95g) – ₱49

Want to spice up your food for Noche Buena 2022? How about a paella dish with crispy lechon belly and cordon bleu? Sounds good enough? Add fresh lumpia on the side, and cap off your Christmas dining experience with a delectable crema de fruta. Let’s see if that doesn’t compel you to rehash this Noche Buena food combo for 2023!

🍽️ Menu 5 (Total Cost: ₱2,598.40 to ₱3,444.70)

• Pasta arrabiata 
• Vellychon
• Spinach artichoke dip
• Apple pie 

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Penne rigati (500g) – ₱64.70 to ₱91.35
• Olive oil (250ml) – ₱118.25 to ₱188.30
• Garlic (250g) – ₱56.50 to ₱87
• Dried chili flakes (50g) – ₱71.15
• Tomatoes (250g) – ₱35 to ₱130
• Fresh parsley (250g) – ₱160
• Vellychon (one order) – ₱595 to ₱695
• Tortilla chips (300g) – ₱104.55
• Spinach leaves (250g) – ₱49.50 to ₱106.25
• Canned artichoke hearts (390g) – ₱375
• All-purpose flour (200g) – ₱26.50 to ₱36.40
• Fresh milk (1L) – ₱87.30 to ₱109.90
• Parmesan cheese (100g) – ₱185
• Pastry dough (1 pack) – ₱336.60
• Butter (200g) – ₱45.45 to ₱202
• Sugar (250g) – ₱13.75 to ₱28.30
• Brown sugar (250g) – ₱22.25 to ₱23.50
• Apples (750g) – ₱75 to ₱337.5
• Ground cinnamon (50g) – ₱38.65
• Nutmeg (37g) – ₱138.25

The traditional Noche Buena Filipino Christmas food typically has limited options for vegetarians—but not this one. This menu features vegetarian options for your relatives, friends, or guests who are on a special diet. 

🍽️ Menu 6 (Total Cost: ₱2,770.35 to ₱3,292.22)

• Baked tilapia parmesan 
• Tofu barbecue
• Fruitcake 

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Tilapia fillet (1kg) – ₱464
• Parmesan cheese (100g) – ₱185
• Butter (200g) – ₱45.45 to ₱202
• Mayonnaise (470ml) – ₱176.25 to ₱234.15
• Calamansi juice (750ml) – ₱270
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Garlic (250g) – ₱56.50 to ₱87
• Parsley (50g) – ₱33
• Tofu (300g) – ₱43.45 to ₱92.50
• Soy sauce (200ml) – ₱10.65 to ₱10.92
• Oyster sauce (60g) – ₱13.40 to ₱15.75 
• Ketchup (320g) – ₱25.50 to ₱57.85
• Chili powder (30g) – ₱19.45 to ₱79.80
• All-purpose flour (200g) – ₱26.50 to ₱36.40
• Baking soda (250g) – ₱33 to ₱37
• Ground cinnamon (50g) – ₱38.65
• Ginger (250g) – ₱37 to ₱61.50
• Vanilla extract (20ml) – ₱43.15 to ₱49.25
• Brown sugar (250g) – ₱22.25 to 23.50
• Applesauce (425g) – ₱149
• Pineapple (1pc) – ₱225
• Orange (1pc) – ₱15 to ₱90
• Cooking oil (250ml) – ₱36.90 to ₱45.45 
• Molasses (600g) – ₱290
• Walnuts (100g) – ₱199
• Raisins (100g) – ₱52.50 to ₱55.75
• Cashew (100g) – ₱191

Need more Noche Buena food ideas? Here’s another one for you: a pescatarian meal consisting of baked tilapia parmesan, tofu barbecue, and fruitcake. It’s a filling meal to share with your loved ones on Christmas Eve. 

🍽️ Menu 7 (Total Cost: ₱4,254.70 to 5,335.32)

• Fettuccine alfredo with mushrooms
• Pineapple-glazed tofu ham
• Vegetarian bean tacos 
• Chocolate-covered strawberries

Noche Buena Food List and Cost Breakdown:

• Olive oil (250ml) – ₱118.25 to ₱188.30
• Butter (200g) – ₱45.45 to ₱202
• Portobello mushrooms (500g) – ₱172.50 to ₱555
• Button mushrooms (198g)  – ₱35.35 to ₱43.85
• Shiitake mushrooms (284g) – ₱49
• Heavy cream (250ml) – ₱63 to ₱75
• Rosemary (500g) – ₱587.50
• White truffle oil (250ml) – ₱691
• Fettuccine (500g) – ₱82.65
• Parmesan cheese (100g) – ₱185
• Parsley (50g) – ₱52
• Tofu (300g) – ₱43.45 to ₱92.50
• Pineapple slices (822g) – ₱102.40
• Soy sauce (200ml) – ₱10.65 to ₱10.92
• Maple syrup (355ml) – ₱113.70
• Cooking oil (250ml) – ₱36.90 to ₱45.45 
• Brown sugar (250g) – ₱22.25 to ₱23.50
• Ginger (250g) – ₱37 to ₱61.50
• Orange marmalade (320g) – ₱116.75
• Pineapple juice (1L) – ₱97.60 to ₱117.50
• Jalapeno pepper (9oz) – ₱209.50
• Onion (250g) – ₱68.75
• Garlic (250g) – ₱56.50 to ₱87
• Chili powder (30g) – ₱19.45 to ₱79.80
• Ground cumin (30g) – ₱18.15 to ₱71
• Ground coriander (45g) – ₱220
• Black beans (180g) – ₱26.15 to ₱34.70
• Tomatoes (250g) – ₱35 to ₱130
• Tortillas (300g) – ₱104.55
• Fresh lettuce (250g) – ₱72.50 to ₱110
• Cheddar cheese (160g) – ₱92
• Avocado (500g) – ₱245
• Strawberries (250g) – ₱174.75 to ₱237.50
• Chocolate (175oz) – ₱250

Christmas is one of those holidays in the Philippines that inevitably bring together families and friends. You can imagine how big that gathering can get—and in that collection of people, there is bound to be someone who is on a special diet. 

This menu for Noche Buena is vegetarian-friendly, so you don’t need to worry about excluding anyone from the dinner table. The fettuccine alfredo, pineapple-glazed tofu ham, vegetarian bean tacos, and chocolate-covered strawberries are all meals everyone can enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Inflation is a reality that all of us have to deal with this Christmas—and, unfortunately, even beyond. For many of us, the only option is to be more conscious about setting a budget for our Noche Buena food and sticking to it religiously.

There’s a lot you can do with a few thousand bucks. The list is leaner than before, no doubt—but you can still prepare hearty meals for your loved ones if you budget your 13th-month pay correctly. Don’t let inflation deflate your spirit this holiday season. Remember—Noche Buena is not just about the food but the people you share it with.

Sources:

• ^[1] Philippines: Inflation surges to 7.7% as storm damage forces up food prices (ING, 2022)
• ^[2] No respite from inflation as typhoons affect prices (The Philippine Star, 2022)
• ^[3] Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities SRP Bulletin (DTI, 2022)
• ^[4] Noche Buena SRP Bulletin (DTI, 2022)
• ^[5] ‘Social distancing’ from salty, fatty foods urged (Business Mirror, 2021)