A Facebook post has captured Filipinos’ attention with its discussion on the rising costs of eating out in Manila.
“Eating out in Manila is more expensive than in Tokyo. We’re following the wrong model (American model as usual) of chef-as-artist and resto-as-theater-of-glam. We should be following the Asian model of cheap good food in grungy environs,” as posted by a Facebook user.
Upon seeing the said post, many took to the comments to share their thoughts about the user’s sentiments.
One user wrote, “Yup. I’ve been saying that for years: mahal ang food sa ‘pinas [food is expensive here in the Philippines] not only compared to our asean neighbors but north asia as well. Tapos post-pandemic lalong nag-mahal [Then on post-pandemic, it got even more expensive].”
“This has more to do with market forces and our weak agricultural base. We are now importing around 65% of our food supplies, so the ingredients are more expensive. Property rentals are also quite expensive, which drives up menu prices. There’s a lot more to this than restaurant models,” a second user wrote.
A third user wrote, “Historically, mas prevalent ang western influences sa Pilipinas, kahit na kayang kaya naman ng klima at resources nating bumuo ng local food scene na abot kaya’t diverse, dahil rin sa colonization at social media [Historically, western influences in the Philippines is more prevalent, even though our climate and resources can build the local food scene that is affordable and diverse, because of colonization and social media].”
“Mahal din ang renta ng mga spaces for resto business [The rent in these spaces are also expensive for resto business], plus hiring chefs who went to culinary schools,” as commented by a fourth user.
There are several factors that contribute to why many people can barely afford to dine out. These include inflation, stagnant wages, and changes in the restaurant industry. Dining out has become increasingly expensive due to rising food and service costs, which significantly impact affordability within household budgets.
Living in a country frequently affected by tropical cyclones, which can disrupt food supply and logistics is also among the many factors. In November 2024, the Philippines’ annual inflation rate rose to 2.5%, up from 2.3% in October. This increase was largely driven by higher food inflation, which climbed to 3.4% from 2.9% the previous month, following a series of tropical cyclones. When the price of supplies goes up, restaurant prices also increase.
Another factor is the nature of wages for Filipinos. The average annual income of Filipino families in 2023 was estimated at Php 353,230. Considering the increasing monthly expenses like electricity, water, rent, tuition fee, fare, food, and groceries for an average family, dining at a fine dining restaurant in the Philippines—where the cost per head often reaches around Php 2,000—can now be considered a luxury. When salaries fail to keep pace with inflation, purchasing power decreases, making dining out less accessible for households.
Additionally, budget-conscious customers may dine out less frequently as restaurants raise prices to offset rising operating costs, such as rent, wages, and ingredients. As these expenses climb, demand often declines.
Times have changed, as it’s clear that prices at restaurants and fast-food chains have significantly increased to sustain their businesses amidst expensive goods.
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