Mum and son’s sourdough fare will leave your Belly in bliss

Fadlan Arif and Rosenajehah opened Belly to share their love of sourdough bread and cooking with others. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

KUALA LUMPUR: The first thing you’ll notice when you step into Belly, a new restaurant along Jalan Dang Wangi here, is how inviting and homey it feels.

With its high ceiling, exposed brick walls, and sunlight streaming through a sunroof in the back enclave, Belly welcomes you like a warm embrace.

Even from the outside, its mint-green exterior and wide glass panels – through which you can spot an array of pastries on display – are enough to stop you in your tracks. Step inside, and the friendly staff, all smiles, will make you want to stay.

It’s easy to see where that warmth comes from. Belly’s owners, a mother-and-son duo, radiate the same energy.

While Fadlan Arif, 25, cooks up a storm in the kitchen (he also designed the menu), his mother, Rosenajehah, 52, keeps a watchful eye on both staff and guests, ensuring everyone is cared for.

The Dragon Pancake is fluffy, slightly dense, and bursting with flavour. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

“I don’t like to stress when working. I like to joke around. I just tell him to chill, don’t get overstressed about what is happening in the kitchen. Once your emotion is stable, everything can come out fast,” Rosenajehah shared with FMT Lifestyle.

Feigning shock, Arif – who inherited his love for cooking from his mother – laughed: “The good thing I like about working together is that we’re both very honest to each other. Sometimes to a fault. But I think I’d rather have that over not trying to walk on eggshells around each other.”

With such a close bond behind the counter, it’s no surprise Belly, which opened in September, offers a killer menu – with sourdough as the star of the show.

Everything from the crepes and pancakes to the brioche burger buns and kaya toast is made with sourdough starter.

The ‘roti John’ here is served with sourdough rolls. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

“I love sourdough because it’s kind of difficult. I find it very rewarding when it comes out so nice,” said Arif, who used to cook for family and friends when they lived abroad.

That passion even inspired the restaurant’s name: Belly, after the part of a sourdough loaf that rises from the slit. But don’t worry if sourdough isn’t your thing – there’s plenty more on the menu.

Abah’s Corner, inspired by Arif’s father’s love for local cuisine, features Malaysian classics like fried rice, mee goreng mamak, and other local favourites.

For something light and shareable, try the Dragon Pancakes – fluffy sourdough dragon fruit pancakes topped with gula melaka syrup, coconut whipped cream, and freshly cut dragon fruit.

These pancakes are airy yet slightly dense, perfect for soaking up the syrup and cream. The coconut whipped cream, in particular, is so good you might just eat it by itself.

The burger’s fried chicken is crispy, while the brioche bun is soft and buttery. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

If you prefer something savoury, go for the Roti John – four slider-sized sourdough rolls filled with seasoned eggs, sautéed ground chicken, and onions. This is not your typical pasar malam version; the bread rolls are crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and the filling is rich and satisfying.

For something heartier, the BBQ Fried Chicken Sandwich is a must. The chicken patty is juicy, crispy, and packed with flavour – but the true star is the sourdough brioche bun: glossy, buttery, and soft with a subtle crunch.

The softness of the tofu perfectly complements the crusty sourdough baguette. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Another highlight is the Tofu Banh Mi, Belly’s take on the Vietnamese classic. Served on a sourdough baguette, the cilantro-lime tofu is deliciously savoury, and its tenderness contrasts beautifully with the crusty bread.

All in all, Belly reflects the love and care of a mother-and-son team who refuse to compromise on flavour – or warmth. It’s the kind of place where food feels like home.

Belly
32, Jalan Dang Wangi
City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur

Business hours:
10am-4pm (Monday-Friday)
8am-5pm (Saturday)
Closed on Sunday

Contact: 019-317 3913

For location, click here.

Follow Belly on Instagram.