Michelin-starred Chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget, founder and culinary director of Banana Blossom, will Chef Watcharaphon “Ja” Yongbanthom of Benjarong Manila for “Manila Calls, Bangkok Answers,” a two-night culinary collaboration built around a seven-course menu on Oct. 15–16, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Benjarong, Dusit Thani Manila.

Chef Joe arrives in Manila with a career spanning Michelin-starred kitchens, culinary consultancy and gastronomic research. Classically trained in French culinary arts in Canada, he developed Coalescence Thai Cuisine, a philosophy that pairs classical global techniques with Thailand’s indigenous ingredients, native micro-terroirs and centuries-old flavour traditions.

His culinary journey began at 80/20, the pioneering Bangkok restaurant where he earned his first Michelin Star — the Michelin Guide’s globally recognised mark of high-quality cooking — before he went on to establish a portfolio of distinctive Thai dining concepts. His Bangkok restaurants today include Nawa Thai Cuisine, Kwann, Samlor and Siplor, each offering its own expression of Thai gastronomy. Samlor has been recognised by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand distinction, the guide’s designation for quality food at accessible prices, while Nawa — which he established alongside his wife and pastry partner, Chef Saki Hoshino — earned a Michelin Star within nine months of opening and later received the Michelin Guide Opening of the Year award.

Chef Joe now brings that contemporary Bangkok perspective to Benjarong Manila, where Chef Ja has spent more than a decade shaping the restaurant into a distinguished destination for Thai dining in the Philippines. Drawing on experience in both Thailand and the Philippines, she offers a refined interpretation of Royal Thai cuisine, balancing authenticity, precision and artistry while allowing the cuisine to evolve for the modern diner. Under her leadership, Benjarong has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide and other leading dining institutions, affirming its place as a celebrated showcase of Thai culinary heritage in Manila.

Together, the two chefs bring complementary perspectives to the table: Chef Ja’s Royal Thai tradition meets Chef Joe’s progressive, research-driven approach. The resulting menu draws on techniques developed by both kitchens while incorporating personal nods to the flavours, memories and influences that shaped their early culinary lives. The seven-course structure gives diners a course-by-course reading of that pairing within a single meal.

The collaboration is also a key feature of Dusit Thani Manila’s “Food for Thought” campaign this October, which explores how food and sustainability can go hand in hand. Throughout the month, the campaign highlights the importance of thoughtful culinary practices, responsible sourcing and a deeper appreciation of ingredients.

For two evenings only — Oct. 15–16 — Manila and Bangkok will meet at the table, bringing together heritage, technique, personal stories and a shared vision for the future of Thai gastronomy. The rate is set at Php 10,500 net per person. For reservations, guests may call +63 (2) 7238-8888 or email restaurant.dtmn@dusit.com.

This story was first published in BusinessWorld’s Spotlight section: BusinessWorld Spotlight