People think that life in the UAE is always luxurious as the country somewhat epitomizes the upper class life.
However, living in a country as glamorous as the UAE is not always about the highs, especially for OFWs who get by on a tight budget, the same people who will do everything just to provide their families with the things they need. Even if it means sparing a few pennies by eating affordable Filipino food products that are also available in the UAE.
Also, from an optimistic view, eating these food does not only help OFWs get through financially challenging times, but also allows them to look back with a grin as they remember a part of home while munching on these food.
Here are some food items that are on the list of OFWs who are on a strict budget.
1- Ang taong gipit, sa de lata kumakapit
Who would think that this well-known can of sardines and mackerel are also available in the UAE? And yes, OFWs eat them when they are trying to save more money. Serve it with a cup of warm rice and viola! You can now enjoy a satisfying meal for just a few dirhams.
Andrei Mapagdalita, who has been working in the Abu Dhabi for 6 years now, says he would even hide his canned goods from his roommate because there are certain days in a month when he would resort to eating such just to get by.
“Dumadating talaga ‘yung ganon, ‘yung mga araw na puro de lata na lang kakainin mo. Sa totoo nga, isa ‘yan sa mga una kong binibili kapag may sweldo na para may stock ako sa flat namin,” he said.
2- Instant busog sa instant noodles
Instant noodles, like Pancit Canton, will always be a life saver because all you need is a pot of boiling water and it is good to go. It is also a good alternative if you can’t spare an extra dirham for ulam.
Patricia Morayta, a waitress at a restaurant in Dubai, said that Pancit Canton has always been present at her table even before coming to Dubai, and she is happy that even in a foreign land, she can still buy her favorite merienda.
“Favorite na namin ‘yan ng barkada ko. Kahit nung nasa Pinas pa ako, parang staple food na namin talaga ‘yan,” she said.
3- Cupcake na lang muna sa umaga
(Photo credits: Rebisco)
This is a good breakfast that can be paired with a warm cup of coffee to jumpstart an OFW’s day. This small bar of cream-filled cake is also a good snack that you can munch on when you get hungry in the middle of the day.
Arwin Portunes, an employee in Abu Dhabi, said that cupcakes are always present inside his bag so that he will have something to eat every time he is running late from work.
“Kasi sa trabaho ko, kailangan palagi on time. Minsan, hindi na maiiwasan na hindi na makakain ng almusal sa bahay pag umaga. Buti na lang may mga gantong pagkain dito. Mura na tapos nakakatawid pa ng gutom,” he said.
4- Magic biskwit, pantawid gutom lang
Photo credits: RedMart, Easy Living
School kids are not the only ones who can enjoy Eggnog and Breadsticks as their baon because these bread-like snacks are some of the favorites of OFWs in the UAE.
