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| A refined evening of Royal Thai Cuisine: Benjarong Davao welcomes Chef Ja for an Exclusive Chef’s Table |
Sawasdee khrap! To sit at Chef Ja’s exclusive table to feast on her truly flavorful execution of Thai cuisine was an honor.
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| Chef Watcharaphon “Ja” Yongbanthom, chef de cuisine of Benjarong Manila |
Recently, Benjarong Davao at Dusit Thani Davao Hotels hosted an intimate and exclusive dining experience, which featured visiting chef Watcharaphon “Ja” Yongbanthom, chef de cuisine of Benjarong Manila, a restaurant recognized in the Michelin Guide 2025. It was an affair designed to celebrate culinary heritage and contemporary expression.
Chef Ja brought her signature approach of "time-honored Thai flavors meet modern finesse" to this Southern city for diners to bask in. The chef presented a specially curated five-course menu, with each dish thoughtfully composed to highlight the depth, balance, and artistry of Royal Thai gastronomy, complemented by select wine pairings.
The culinary journey began with the appetizer of Pla Samun Prai (fresh salmon, spicy mayo, lime, chili, kaffir lime, lemongrass, galangal, and rice wrapper), which was paired with the Castillo De Almansa Sauvignon Blanc.
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| Pla Samun Prai |
A warming soup dish of Tom Yum Goong (prawn, hot and sour soup) followed, which was paired with the Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks Chardonnay.
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| Tom Yum Goong |
For the pre-main dish, the chef served the Northern Thailand curry-style dish of Khao Soy Pu (crab, caviar, homemade noodles, black cardamom, and shallot pickles) paired with the Green Hill Riesling by Thorle.
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| Khao Soy Pu |
Then for the main dish, Chef Ja conceived the Geang Khiew Waan Gam Nuea (three-hour braised US beef, green curry, eggplant, and basil) served with Coconut Rice (Jasmine rice and coconut). The rich dish was paired with the Robert Mondavi Twin Oak Cabernet Sauvignon.
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| Geang Khiew Waan Gam Nuea |
Ending the meal with an exclamation point was the chef’s version of the Khao Niew Mamuang (mango sticky rice, pandan crepe, and mango ice cream), a lighter version of the traditional Thai dessert. It was paired with the Moscato Fidora.
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| Khao Niew Mamuang |
This affair marked another milestone for Benjarong Davao as it continues to introduce elevated dining concepts and world-class culinary collaborations to the local scene.
Khop khun maak krap, Chef Ja. It was a delicious meal indeed.
