Bangkok is answering Manila's call again this October as Dusit Thani Manila brings together two Thai culinary heavyweights for the second edition of "Manila Calls, Bangkok Answers."
Chef Napol "Joe" Jantraget, founder and culinary director of Banana Blossom, will join Benjarong Manila Chef de Cuisine Watcharaphon "Ja" Yongbanthom for two Four Hands dinners on Oct. 15 and 16, 2026. The collaboration takes place at Benjarong Manila, with dinner beginning at 7 PM and seats priced at P10,500 net per person.
Guests are treated to a seven-course menu that plays with Thai flavors, ingredients, and techniques. It opens with bites including Kratong Thong Larb Moo Yang, made with Iberico pork and kaffir lime, alongside Khao Tang Pu(crispy berry rice with coconut crab) and pickled cherry tomato.
From there, guests move through Cured Tuna with coconut vinaigrette, lemongrass, and caviar; a Spicy Tiger Prawn and Tomato Soup; and Fish Sauce-Glazed Octopus with toasted rice, tamarind purée, and Thai herb salad. Several courses come with wine pairings, including German Rieslings and a Spanish Gran Reserva.
The heavier hitters arrive with Duck and Foie Gras in Red Curry, followed by a dual Wagyu course pairing Grilled Striploin with oyster-glazed jus and Braised Beef in Panang Curry. Dessert keeps the Thai theme going with Gluay Buat Chee(banana in coconut milk ice cream, chocolate and pistachio), before petit fours close the meal.
Chef Joe brings a resume spanning some of Bangkok's most notable kitchens. His work includes 80/20 and NAWA. His current portfolio also includes Samlor, KWANN, and Siplor. Chef Ja, meanwhile, has spent more than a decade at Benjarong and has led its kitchen since 2015. Benjarong Manila is part of the MICHELIN Philippines Guide 2026.
For more information and to reserve a table, visit their official website and follow Dusit Thani Manila on Instagram.
Manila Calls, Bangkok Answers: Second Edition
Location: Benjarong Manila, Ground Floor, Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Centre, EDSA, Makati City
Dates: Oct. 15 and 16, 2026
Price: P10,500 net per person
