Bella Poarch tries Filipino food at Naks in New York City’s East Village while opening up about her debut album, Picnic at the Cemetery. From crispy lumpia to a full-on Filipino breakfast (tocino, garlic fried rice and egg) and ube dessert, Bella breaks down why Filipino cuisine is her ultimate comfort food and how it connects to her memories, family and creativity. In this episode of Takes Us Out, Bella talks about cooking sinigang for friends, growing up around farm life and animals, and the family tradition that inspired the title Picnic at the Cemetery. She also gets into her DIY journey as a producer for “YouTube University,” how recording real-life sounds on her phone helped inspire “Hideaway,” building characters and visuals for each song and the push-and-pull in the studio that made “Stay Gone” come together.
Bella Poarch: A fun memor- a, a fun memory. Sorry, I think I’m dr- I’m drunk. [Laughs]
Delisa Shannon: They did say that the liqueur was high in ABV.
Bella Poarch: I’m a little lightweight, sorry.
Delisa Shannon: Well, hello.
Bella Poarch: Hi.
Delisa Shannon: How are you?
Bella Poarch: I’m doing good.
Delisa Shannon: It’s good to meet you. You ready to eat?
Bella Poarch: I’m so excited, yes.
Delisa Shannon: OK, let’s go.
Bella Poarch: OK. [upbeat music]
Delisa Shannon: Hey, Bella, we are here at Naks in the East Village. You were saying that you haven’t been here before, but this has been one of the places that you’ve been wanting to go.
Bella Poarch: Yes.
Delisa Shannon: Why has this been on your list?
Bella Poarch: I first found it on Google when I was looking for Filipino restaurants around the area last time I was here. I just never had the time to stop by, and so this trip I’m gonna try it.
Delisa Shannon: We found the perfect timing.
Bella Poarch: Yeah. [Laughs]
Delisa Shannon: When you travel, how do you like to pick where you eat? Like, what, what are your requirements when you’re on the road?
Bella Poarch: Honestly, just try to see if there’s a Jollibee in the area.
Watch the full video above!