"Belly has the kind of exciting buzz that can be picked up from your peripheral vision. Whether you’re driving, cycling, or in the front seat at the top of a double decker bus going the other way, the glow of tea lights and the sound of people having fun at this Filipino bistro will pull you in. And you should let it. video credit: Rianne Shlebak photo credit: Rianne Shlebak Pause Unmute Everything on the menu sounds more tempting than the thing before it, but what you need to know is that these are the non-negotiables: tempura cod pandesal (one per person), ‘bicol express’ scallops (swimming in coconut cream), and the ube tiramisu (no notes). We’ve witnessed groups have such a good time that we’ve almost pulled up a chair to join them, sung happy birthday to strangers across the room, and wondered how we could ask the server to be our friend without being weird. Everyone is cool and every flavour is dialled up to 100. RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Cured Scallops ‘Bicol Express’ This melting scallop comes in a creamy, sweet coconut sauce and you should absolutely order it. PlayMute video credit: Rianne Shlebak Tempura Cod Pandesal Filet-O-Fish move over, this fancier, meatier McD’s-inspired snack is perfect. You may very well burn the roof of your mouth if you’re impatient, but the tangy tartare sauce makes it all so worth it. Under no circumstance should you agree to share one of these. PlayMute video credit: Rianne Shlebak Wagyu Picanha While this steak is nicely cooked, it’s the least interesting thing we ate. PlayMute video credit: Rianne Shlebak Beef Fat Fries Perfectly crispy, get these. PlayMute video credit: Rianne Shlebak Ube Tiramisu A biscuity, sweet tiramisu, surrounded by a moat of tangy blueberry compote, and tres leche poured around it. It’s got an excellent balance of sweet and tart. PlayMute video credit: Rianne Shlebak" - Rianne Shlebak