IT'S a sunny Sunday when I arrive at the row of shoplots in Section 17, Petaling Jaya. It's not unfamiliar territory for me, being just around the corner from Happy Mansion — the apartment blocks famed for housing several cafes and restaurants — which I've frequented before. But all this while, I've been missing the sign to this cafe.
A food truck selling cendol is parked right in front of it, obscuring the handwritten signage, which indicates the location of the cafe on the first floor of the shoplot. A small collection of nursery plants decking the first floor doesn't help either, partially covering the plain white sign bearing the name "Belly and the Chef".
The first thing that strikes me the moment I enter is just how modern, vibrant and inviting the interior is. A "windowed" section in the middle allows for natural sunlight to light up the whole place and, in turn, makes you feel like you're in an open space.
Happily ensconced inside, I turn to the menu to see what delights await the diner. According to various online blogs, which I had perused before coming here to see for myself, it's the breakfast platters that shouldn't be missed. The Aussie Break and the Hearty Breakfast come highly recommended.
Unfortunately, I'm still on my "modest eating" drive and somehow, the platters look a little too hearty for comfort.
Anyway, I'm keen to sample some of the dishes, which are not easily found or replicated in the usual cafes that I've been to. Ordering a breakfast platter may not help my mission though.
A BIT OF EVERYTHING
As usual, my eyes zoom in on the salad offerings listed on the hand-held menu. I like the fact that I can still order my food the traditional way, that is, by perusing the menu and talking to the waiters instead of using a phone app to place an order or lining up to pay first, and then wait forever for the food to come.
I eventually opt for the "Daily Salad", which certainly looks light enough to be eaten daily! Comprising quinoa, spinach, cashew nuts, orange slices and one hard-boiled egg that has been quartered, the salad looks devoid of protein, so I decide to order some sausages and ham.
I am not too sure about having slices of orange in a vegetable salad, but I'm pleasantly surprised by the unexpected zing it produces. It does change the overall taste, helping to turn a bland dish of garden greens to something that's more tangy in flavour. The meaty add-ons are a great idea too, lending to a nice texture and flavour to the salad.
For mains, I opt for the Italian Arancini. This Sicilian dish comprises stuffed rice balls coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy. The stuffing may be made of minced meat (known as ragu), mozarella and peas.
The Arancini in this particular dish is served on a plate with Bolognese sauce, lightly sprinkled with mozzarella and parsley on top.
Nice and piping hot, it's a comforting and familiar dish. However, I have to say that the rich and flavourful Bolognese sauce has certainly helped to whet my appetite for the Arancini, which was a tad on the dry side. No matter. I still enjoyed it anyway.
With a full tummy, I set my sights on the beverage section to search for my favourite hot latte. The cuppa, brewed to perfection with a nutty aftertaste, serves as a great end to my visit to the Belly and the Chef. I may come again to sample the rest of the dishes on its expansive menu.
BELLY AND THE CHEF
Where: 625, 1st floor, Jalan 17/8, Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya
Operating hours: 8.30am–6pm (daily)