The Word on Belly
Welcome to The Word on Belly — where we gather the latest press features, reviews, and write-ups about our Filipino-French bistro in Kentish Town. From bold ube desserts to wood-fired bistek and scallops in coconut cream, see why Belly is turning heads in London’s modern dining scene.
Kentish Town’s Best New Bistro? We’ll Take It
(In response to Kentishtowner)
When Kentishtowner called Belly one of Kentish Town’s best new restaurants, we honestly couldn’t stop smiling. They described our cooking as “brave,” our flavours as “bold,” and our little Filipino‑French bistro as a “triumph of modern cooking.” That’s everything we hoped Belly would stand for — a space where traditional Filipino recipes are reimagined with new energy and wood‑fire heat.
They shouted out some of our favourite dishes: our frozen custard profiterole with fish sauce caramel (yep, it’s wild but it works), the seafood caldereta with calamansi and prawn‑head aioli, and our cult‑favourite cod‑tempura slider in toasted pandesal — a cheeky nod to our roots at BINTANG. Even our bistek‑glazed Wagyu Picanha got a moment, with that rich, nostalgic sauce stealing the show.
We created Belly to honour the complexity of Filipino food — its layers, its history, and how it deserves to sit proudly on London’s modern dining stage.
Where Wood‑Fire Cooking Meets Filipino Soul
(In respone to Secret LDN)
When Secret LDN called us “one of London’s most exciting new dining experiences,” it felt like a real turning point. They captured the essence of what we’re building: a Filipino‑French bistro where wood‑fire cooking meets soul food, and Filipino ingredients are given room to glow.
From the ube TIRAMISU to our bicol‑express scallops cooked in coconut cream, they felt the warmth and care behind every dish. Our steak tartare with cured yolk and nori crisps was a highlight — a dish that’s French at heart but deeply Filipino in its soul. And of course, the “McFillet of Dreams” (our cod-tempura slider) made an appearance, because what’s a Belly menu without a wink?
We want to show that Filipino food doesn’t have to stay in the comfort zone. It can be sharp, clean, playful — and totally at home in London.
Ube Tiramisu & Saturday Buzz
(In response to DesignMyNight)
What started as a viral TikTok moment ended in a full feature from DesignMyNight, and we couldn’t be more grateful. They came for the ube tiramisu — that dreamy, tres‑leche‑soaked sponge, layered with UBE cream — and stayed for the wood‑smoke, the wine, and the weekend buzz.
They noticed everything we hoped they would. From the minimal interiors and buzzing open kitchen, to the attention in our dishes: crispy prawns tossed in calamansi hot honey, arroz caldo with mushroom and soy‑cured yolk, and our oak‑smoked tinola chicken finished with gingery beurre blanc.
The review captured what we hope Belly feels like: a modern Filipino restaurant with real heart, unexpected flavour combinations, and a warm welcome from the team.
Book Your Table at Belly Bistro
Ready to try the dishes everyone’s talking about?
Reserve your spot at Belly — a modern Filipino‑French bistro in Kentish Town — and discover bold flavours, warm hospitality, and food that’s proudly rooted and completely fresh.