The Kingdom of Thailand, the country known as the “Land of the Thousand Smiles” is one of those places in South East Asia where we, Philippine passport holders, can visit without any Visa requirements and all we need to do is hop on a plane and go. Easy right? But if a four-hour plane ride is not your thing, Dusit Thani Manila Hotel is the closest as you can go to have that experience.
RELATED: Dusit Thani Benjarong 2.0: Bigger, Better, and Bolder Thai Cuisine Coming This October
To know the culture is to know the food and Thai cuisine is probably one of the most well known in the world. Every bite is distinctly Thai and, recently, Dusit Thani Manila Hotel in partnership with the Royal Thai Embassy held a Thai cooking demonstration dubbed as “Thai Culinary Delights” at the Mayuree Ballroom of the distinguished hotel.
Headed by resident Thai chef of Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Watcharapon Yongbanthom, affectionately known as “Chef Ja”, displayed her culinary chops to the guests by cooking her signature dishes that also will be served at the hotel’s revamped Benjarong restaurant.
Consider this a prelude of what’s to come once Benjarong opens. The served appetizers were already a pleasure for the senses; the Yam Som O (Thai pomelo salad) and the Nam Tok Moo Yang (Spicy pork steak salad) were melodies of sweet, spicy, and salty that will make you salivate.
Fun Fact: Bangkok, the capital of Thailand’s, ceremonial name is: “Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit” or “City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra’s behest”.
Yeah, Bangkok is easier.
After the appetizers, the main dish and more pre-prepared dishes by Chef Ja were served. The tom yam spring roll was crunchy and fresh, but the star of the night was the green curry chicken. Tender, juicy, and well balanced that you can taste everything with the right amount of spice. If this is what’s to come from Benjarong this year, count me in!
I’ve been to some good Thai restaurants in and out the Metro, but nothing came close to how good what Chef Ja served. As explained to us by our lovely host, what was served is something that can be had in Thailand and none were tweaked to suit the “Filipino” taste which admittedly could be a problem if you want to taste something authentic as we have a sweet tooth. I’m excited and also looking forward to what the new Benjarong offers once it opens it doors. Who knows, it might be the catalyst for me to finally visit the Kingdom of Thailand? Like I said, knowing the culture is also knowing the food and Dusit Thani Manila Hotel is a good place to start.
Thai Culinary Delights Cooking Demo at Dusit Thani Manila
1223 Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 238 8888
