Thank God It’s Friday! Wohooo! It’s the most awaiting day for almost every employee working on a regular weekdays schedule. At last one more day to go and it’s weekend.
To give some relief on the stressful days, some of us are planning activities this coming weekend. Some are planning to travel while some are just staying at home to spend quality time with their family.
Some are planning a short vacation to escape the ‘reality‘ and some are planning to eat out. If you have plans of eating out but looking for ways to save money, this article might help you.
Today, I will share 8 practical tips on how you can save money when eating out.
We should go out sometimes with our family or friends. Eat out, breath some air and relax. But of course that shouldn’t hurt our budget. We can spend quality time with our family or friends when eating out without spending too much.
Here’s 8 practical tips to save money when eating out.
Saving tip#1 Share-share
One way you can save money when eating out with your friends and colleagues is to share the expenses. ‘Patak-patak‘ ika nga. By doing this, everyone can save money when eating out and enjoy the company of each other.
We usually do this when we’re eating out before with my old friends and office mates. And I can tell you that this helped me save money. I’m pretty sure that everyone wants to enjoy without spending too much and this will be a great idea for everyone.
Going out with friends no need to cost much.
Saving tip#2 Order family or barkada meal
Most of the restaurants or even fast food chains here in the Philippines offer family or barkada meal. This consists of food and beverages for a group or number of people.
This is one of the best way we can save money when eating out with our family and friends. Check the menu or ask the waiter if barkada or family meal is available.
You can save money by availing this while enjoying the company of each other.
Saving tip#3 Weekly Specials
Many restaurants here in the Philippines are offering weekly specials that can help you save money when eating out.
One thing that many people may not realize or utilize are weekly specials that almost all restaurants are implementing these days.
Pay attention to the restaurants that you frequent most often and check if they offer discounts or ‘specials‘ on weekend.
By doing this, you can save money when eating out without hurting your budget.
Saving tip#4 Check group buying sites
Another way to save money when eating out is to avail discounts from group buying sites. There are many group buying sites or discount sites available in the Philippines today.
They offer ‘big discounts‘ in most of the well known restaurants and recreational places here in the Philippines. You can save a lot of money when eating out if you can avail their promo.
Some of the well-known group buying sites in the Philippines are the following:
- Metrodeal.com
- Cashcashpinoy.com
- Ensogo.com
These are just few examples. I know that there’s a lot. If you want to add and recommend a good group buying site, please share it on the comment section below.
Just a safety reminder for everyone, many of the group buying sites offer discounts with very strict terms and conditions. There are some cases that the discount is only available on a specific branch.
Time and date is also a must-check when using group buying sites. Make sure you check them all!
Saving tip#5 Pick the right time
Some restaurants especially those buffet have some distinction on their prices on the time of the day. For example, if you’re planning to eat on Vikings, it is much cheaper on lunch than on dinner.
The same thing with Kamayan Dad’s Saisaki. These are example of buffet restaurants here in Manila where the food is great. Although the price is a little bit high compared to others.
Make sure you pick the right time to save money when eating out on these restaurants.
Saving tip#6 Get social
Follow the Facebook page or Twitter feed of your favorite restaurants and eateries. Many post exclusive deals and coupons & some even post code words. If you tell your server the code word, you’ll get a discount or a freebie.
Give these social media outlets a quick glance before heading out the door.
Saving tip#7 Go casual
Try finding unique restaurants or even food trucks in your area that serve delicious dishes for less. Many small, casual establishments – especially locally owned serve quality food at affordable prices.
Me and my wife have a favorite simple restaurant where ‘lomi‘ and ‘pansit’ is great. We’re not only saving money when eating out, we are also eating one of the delicious pansit available in the metro.
Saving tip#8 Research first
Research first when you’re planning to eat out with the family or friends to know where you can spend your quality time without sacrificing your budget.
Many Filipinos share their experiences online on most of the well known and great restaurants here in the Philippines. Following Filipino food bloggers can help when researching for reviews and feedback of eateries and restaurants here in the Philippines.
Check the comment area and see what previous customers tell about the place. Not only that, price, customer service and other experience are also being shared by our netizens. You can save money when eating out bu researching first your destination.
Conclusion
We should definitely go out sometimes with our friends and especially with our family. This can help us relax and release stress.
This will also help release negative vibes in our life so we can focus on our smart goals. Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive. We can really enjoy and spend quality time with our friends or family without sacrificing our budget.
The 8 practical tips mentioned above can really help you save money when eating out. Always remember that it’s not all about the food or the place, it’s all about the people we are with and the quality time we spend with them.
Life is all about being happy. Enjoy!
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