Cover Hoi Yaang (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
Hoi Yaang (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
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Benjarong took diners on a culinary expedition across Thailand for the finale of its three-part degustation experience at Dusit Thani Manila
For the Benjarong Experience Menu Vol III, the thrilling multi-course conclusion to a series of bespoke gastronomy experiences at the Dusit Thani Manila outlet, its culinary maestro and in-house chef Watcharaphon “Ja” Yongbanthom was joined by chefs Bo Songvisava and Dylan Jones of the Michelin-starred Bo.lan in Bangkok as they delivered an unprecedented encounter of the cuisine’s magnificent complexities.
Following the success of the first two iterations, the exquisite tasting menu in its third and final volume continued to spotlight masterful creations, prepared both authentically and with innovative local twists. It was an elaborate callback to the recent culinary trip embarked on by chef Ja to her homeland, where she sought fresh perspectives from the power couple at the helm of Bo.lan.
See also: Why Bangkok is Asia’s most exciting food city right now
Above Chef Ja and her culinary team (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
Chef Ja and her culinary team (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
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Having first met while working together in London, chefs Bo and Dylan opened their first restaurant in Bangkok in 2008. Bo.lan has since made it to the list of Asia’s 50 Best and received its Michelin star. In 2012, the wife-and-husband tandem opened their second restaurant Err, which has also coveted recognition from Bangkok Top Tables, 50 Best Discovery, and Michelin Plate.
Chefs Bo and Dylan avowedly like to draw inspiration from an extensive collection of rare and antique Thai cookbooks and recipes, as well as their travels around the country spent in the company of local farmers and artisans. Together with chef Ja, they have brought all these to the Benjarong Experience Menu Vol III, offering up new discoveries to entice the adventurous palate.
Above Chefs Bo and Dylan of Bo.lan (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
Chefs Bo and Dylan of Bo.lan (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
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Above Chefs Dylan, Bo and Ja with friends from the media (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
Chefs Dylan, Bo and Ja with friends from the media (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
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Showcasing their deeply shared respect for Thai culture, some of the dishes they presented were saeng waa (oyster cured with calamansi limes and chili), yum tua plu mu yang (grilled Iberico pork rib, chili tamarind glaze, winged bean salad), tom yam ped pha-lo ha ros (hot and sour soup of five-spiced braised duck), and lhon pu (local Filipino mud crab simmered in coconut cream and fern shoots) among many others.
From the first bite to the last, they were wholly captivating to the senses with their intricate flavours and artful presentation. Sealing this unforgettable gastronomic memory, the eight-course menu was paired to perfection with high-quality wines from Benjarong.
Above Saeng Waa, Khao Yum, Nahm Prik Kanoon Onn (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
Above Pla Grim Kai Tao (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
Saeng Waa, Khao Yum, Nahm Prik Kanoon Onn (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
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Above Left to right: Guests Chris Quimbo, Alodia Gosengiao and Atty Philip Yeung with Dusit Thani Manila general manager Stanley Lo (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
Left to right: Guests Chris Quimbo, Alodia Gosengiao and Atty Philip Yeung with Dusit Thani Manila general manager Stanley Lo (Photo: Courtesy of Benjarong)
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It was, by all accounts, a rich and welcome treat to experience. Chefs Ja, Bo and Dylan’s unwavering dedication to showcasing the true essence of Thai cuisine was evident in every dish, leaving diners with a sense of anticipation for what they have in store for the future. While this epic culinary journey at Dusit Thani Manila bids adieu, we remain eager for the next chapter in their culinary exploration and the opportunity to savour all their upcoming creations.
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