The 2025 Dilemma — To Eat Out or Tap to Order?
It’s lunchtime, you’re hungry, but the question remains: Should you head to a restaurant or order in? With rising living costs and service fees, the decision isn’t as easy as it used to be.

As food prices continue to climb, we’re all more conscious of our spending. But surprisingly, eating out might actually be cheaper than ordering in. In this quick comparison, we’ll break down the costs and reveal a surprising truth about dining in 2025. Stay tuned!

Hidden Costs of Ordering In

When it comes to ordering food from delivery apps, the price you see on the menu is rarely the total amount you’ll pay. Here’s a breakdown of the real delivery expenses that often get hidden in the fine print:

 Delivery Fee

 Delivery fees in the Philippines typically range from ₱40 to ₱150, depending on your location and the delivery platform (e.g., GrabFood, Foodpanda). These fees can be higher in areas farther from the restaurant or during peak hours.

 Platform Service Charge

Food delivery apps in the Philippines also charge a service fee of around 10% to 15% of your total order. This fee is added to the final price and is a standard across many platforms like GrabFood and Foodpanda.

 Marked-Up Menu Prices

Restaurants partnering with delivery platforms often increase their prices for online orders. You might find that the cost of your meal is 10%-20% higher than if you were dining in at the restaurant. This markup helps cover the costs of delivery and platform commissions.

 Tips (if applicable in local market)

While tipping isn’t mandatory in the Philippines, it’s customary to tip the delivery driver, especially for larger orders. A typical tip could range from ₱20 to ₱50, depending on the size of the order and the distance traveled.

Examples

A ₱280 meal can quickly cost ₱400 when ordered online due to delivery fees, service charges, menu markups, and tips. What seems like an affordable meal ends up being much pricier with all the hidden costs added.

 “Convenience comes with a price you don’t always see upfront.”

The Case for Eating Out — If You Time It Right

Flip the narrative: Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when you time it right. Thanks to Eatigo’s time-based deals, dining out can actually be the more budget-friendly choice compared to ordering in.

1. No Delivery Charges
   When you eat out, you skip all the extra costs like delivery fees, service charges, and the unpredictable price hikes for online orders. With Eatigo, you can enjoy a discounted meal without worrying about extra charges.
2. Get the Real Dine-In Portions
   Say goodbye to soggy fries or cold meals that often come with delivery. Eating out gives you the full experience: bigger, fresher portions, exactly as the chef intended. The quality and portion size are always the same, so you get the value you deserve.
3. More Ambiance, Less Guilt
   Enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant, the social experience, and the satisfaction of supporting local businesses—all while paying less. With Eatigo’s deals, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also treating yourself to a better dining experience, making you feel good about your meal.

With Eatigo’s time-based deals, eating out becomes the budget-friendlier choice. No extra fees, better portions, and a richer experience—all at a lower cost. 

Let’s Compare: Ordering In vs. Eating Out via Eatigo (Philippines)

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the typical costs when ordering in compared to eating out using Eatigo in the Philippines.

Explanation & Localized Example:

• Meal Price: The base meal price is the same in both cases at ₱500, but the additional costs differ.
• Delivery Fee: Ordering in typically adds ₱100–₱150 for the delivery charge, while eating out via Eatigo incurs no delivery fee.
• Service Fee: Delivery apps usually charge a service fee of around ₱50–₱100 for processing your order. On the other hand, Eatigo doesn’t charge a service fee for dining in, making it a cheaper option.
• Portion Size: Delivery meals are often smaller in size and can be less fresh, whereas dining in gives you full-size portions, freshly prepared and served.
• Discount: Delivery orders may offer limited promo codes, but Eatigo offers up to 50% off daily, providing a bigger discount and a much better value.
• Final Cost:
  • Ordering In: With delivery fees and service charges, your meal could end up costing you ₱650–₱750.
  • Eating Out via Eatigo: After applying the discount, your total could drop to ₱250–₱350—a significant savings compared to ordering in.

warm or soggy. Restaurant portions are also larger and perfectly plated, giving you the best experience. Plus, if you’re having something like sushi, ramen, or a Hotpot, you get the authentic experience that’s hard to recreate at home or through a delivery service.

Discover New Restaurants & Neighborhoods

Eating out gives you the chance to explore new restaurants and neighborhoods that you might not discover if you’re relying on delivery. Whether you’re trying a new sushi spot or a local hotpot joint, dining out lets you explore the diverse flavors your city has to offer and encourages you to step outside your usual food choices.

Optional Hook: Eatigo Points or Loyalty Rewards

Many restaurant reservation apps, like Eatigo, offer loyalty rewards or Eatigo Points for each reservation you make. These points can be redeemed for future discounts, special offers, or even free meals. It’s a great way to save even more on your dining adventures while enjoying extra perks you wouldn’t get from ordering in.

Order In Less, Eat Out Smarter

In today’s fast-paced world, ordering in might seem like the easier option. You can relax at home, tap a few buttons, and have food delivered to your door. But when you take a closer look, the hidden costs and lack of dining experience can add up quickly.

Eating out, on the other hand, not only lets you enjoy a fresh, well-prepared meal but also offers the opportunity to socialize, explore new restaurants, and experience a much richer dining atmosphere. And with apps like Eatigo, you can make eating out more affordable than ever with time-based deals that offer up to 50% off your bill!

Final Takeaway

“Ordering in might be easy — but eating out with Eatigo is the real win for your wallet and your taste buds.” You’ll save money, enjoy fresher food, and get a whole lot more out of your dining experience. So, why not make smarter choices? Order in less, and eat out with Eatigo to savor great meals at unbeatable prices.