Survival of the Fullest: 7 baon-friendly food deals at SM to power you through this semester

Going back to school brings a whole mix of emotions. You’ve got the excitement of seeing your school barkada again, the dread of 7 AM classes, and of course, the constant struggle of making your daily allowance last until Friday (and get a chunk of it to save). When the midday hunger strikes and your brain is fried from back-to-back quizzes and classes, a sad soggy sandwich from home just won’t cut it.

Luckily, you don’t have to survive on pure willpower and an iced water. Heading to SM with your school buddies is the ultimate budget-saving hack this semester. 

We’ve rounded up the absolute best student-friendly dining deals on SM Malls Online available right now, so you can enjoy a feast while keeping your budget perfectly intact.

Unlimited Hotpot Happy Hour at Dookki

If you and your friends just survived a brutal long exam and need a feast to reward yourselves, this is your sign to head straight to Dookki. For just ₱549, you can dive into an unlimited Korean hotpot and buffet where you customize your own hotpot with various rice cakes, fish cakes, ramen, and vegetables. The fun doesn’t stop there either; once you’re done with the main hotpot, you can use the remaining rich, savory sauce to whip up some legendary Kimchi fried rice.

Available Mondays to Thursdays when you present a valid school ID, registration card, or proof of enrollment.

Group study snack from Shakey’s

Got a group project to plan, or just want to hang out with the whole squad after dismissal? Shakey's has your back with a Back To School Bundle that screams “A+” for savings and sharing. For ₱1,999, you get a big spread: one All-Time Favorite or Classic large Thin Crust Pizza, 5 pieces of their iconic Chicken n’ Mojos, 6 pieces of gooey Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, and the new loaded Mojos.

To wash all that savory goodness down, it also comes with a pitcher of House Blend Iced Tea or Coke, plus a Supercard Classic that includes a welcome treat (your choice of a Classic Pizza, or a Skilletti/Carbonara Supreme Family size). This massive ₱755 discount is up for grabs at all Shakey’s stores. Split up the bill with the group and eat up.

Slump energy boost from But First, Coffee

We all know that brutal mid-afternoon slump where your eyelids start feeling incredibly heavy during a lecture. When you need a serious energy boost, But First, Coffee is giving you the perfect excuse to “go green” with a double dose of antioxidants and caffeine. For only ₱245, you can grab two 16 oz Iced Matcha Drinks, perfect for sharing with your study buddy. This daily Buy 1, Take 1 promo runs from 2 to 5 PM and allows you to mix and match available flavors in a single-receipt transaction. Make sure to drop by and get your afternoon reset!

Crispy, steaming lifesaver at Dimsum Break

When you’re down to your last blue bill but still want a hot, satisfying meal that hits the spot, Dimsum Break comes to the rescue. They are giving a generous treat to students this school year by offering their fan-favorite Oriental Value Meal 1 just for a crisp ₱100 bill! This heavy meal packs their famous, savory Steamed Fried Rice, a sweet Buchi, crunchy Wanton chips and a refreshing drink which make for an ultimate value-for-money lunch or heavy merienda between classes. All you have to do is present any valid proof of being a student to avail this promo.

Creamy cheesy Comfort food from Everything But Cheese

Sometimes, a rough day at school requires some serious, indulgent comfort food therapy to make everything feel right again. Look no further than Everything But Cheese, where their 4-Cheese Bacon Cheesy Pasta is waiting to rescue your mood for just ₱185. This dish features an incredibly rich, creamy blend of premium cheeses and topped with a generous sprinkle of crispy, smoky bacon bits. It’s a satisfying meal for any certified cheese lover, serving as the perfect midday treat to fuel your brainpower.

Quick, worthy Korean snack at Eat Pizza

If you’re craving a fusion that combines your love for K-drama food with the convenience of a quick snack, Eat Pizza at SM Mall of Asia has exactly what you need. Their unique 10-inch Bulgogi features a distinct, elongated crust that’s perfect for eating on the go without making a total mess.  It’s loaded with savory, thinly sliced marinated beef bulgogi, a rich sauce blend, and a thick, bubbly layer of melted cheese that creates a beautiful harmony of sweet, smoky, and savory in every single bite. You can grab this unique Korean culinary experience for just ₱189 ala carte, or upgrade it to pair with a refreshing cup of Iced Tea for only ₱214.

Midnight study companion from Domino’s Pizza

Fair warning: this brand-new addition to Domino’s Pizza’s menu might just become your absolute new obsession during late-night group studies. Domino’s Pizza has just dropped a deliciously rich and gooey Mac & Cheese that is perfect for sharing with your favorite classmate for only ₱249. It’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection, offering that ultimate comforting cheese pull that makes studying for your exams just a little bit more bearable. Give in to the craving and grab a forkful before the workload hits!

At the end of the day, crushing your academic goals shouldn’t mean starving your wallet or sacrificing good food. You work hard in the classroom, and definitely deserve a delicious break that won’t leave you broke. So the next time the school stress starts piling up and your stomach starts rumbling, gather your barkada and swipe these coupons on SM Malls Online and redeem in-store! Download now!