Michelin-Starred Thai Chef Joe Jantraget Comes to Benjarong Manila for Two-Night Collaboration
Last Updated on September 29, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
Michelin-starred Thai chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget is coming to Makati for two special dinners at Benjarong Manila on October 15 and 16, 2026. He will cook with Benjarong Chef de Cuisine Watcharaphon “Ja” Yongbanthom for a seven-course Thai menu at Dusit Thani Manila. Dinner starts at 7 p.m., with seats priced at ₱10,500 net per person.
The event is called “Manila Calls, Bangkok Answers: Chef Ja x Chef Joe.” It brings together two chefs with different approaches to Thai cooking for only two nights. Reservations are required, and Dusit Thani Manila says seats are limited.
Chef Joe and Chef Ja team up in Makati
Chef Joe is known for his work in Bangkok’s restaurant scene. His past work includes 80/20 and NAWA, both of which earned a Michelin Star during his time in their kitchens. NAWA also received the Michelin Guide Opening of the Year award after joining the Thailand guide.
His current Bangkok portfolio includes Samlor, KWANN, and Siplor. He also works through Banana Blossom, his culinary research and development company. Dusit Thani Manila describes his cooking as a mix of French culinary training, Thai ingredients, regional flavors, and traditional methods.
Local ingredients have long played a major role in his cooking. In an earlier interview with the Michelin Guide, Chef Joe said,
“We try to play with new techniques in order to bring out the utmost flavour of lesser-known local ingredients.”
Joining him is Chef Ja, who has worked with Benjarong for more than a decade. She has led its kitchen since 2015. Her cooking stays close to Thai food traditions while also using newer methods and presentation.
Benjarong itself is included in the Michelin Guide Philippines 2026. This means the restaurant is Michelin-selected, but the official listing does not state that Benjarong holds a Michelin Star. It has also received the Thai Select Seal of Approval and recognition from Tatler Philippines.
What is on the seven-course menu
The two-night dinner centers on Thai flavors presented through a set menu. According to details reported by The Beat Asia, the meal starts with several small bites before moving into seafood, duck, Wagyu beef, and dessert.
Some of the dishes listed for the dinner include:
- Kratong Thong Larb Moo Yang, with Iberico pork and kaffir lime
- Khao Tang Pu, made with crispy berry rice and coconut crab
- Cured Tuna, served with coconut vinaigrette, lemongrass, and caviar
- Spicy Tiger Prawn and Tomato Soup
- Fish Sauce-Glazed Octopus, with toasted rice, tamarind purée, and Thai herb salad
- Duck and Foie Gras in Red Curry
- A Wagyu course with Grilled Striploin and Braised Beef in Panang Curry
- Gluay Buat Chee, made with banana, coconut milk ice cream, chocolate, and pistachio
- Petit fours to finish the meal
The menu brings in dishes and ingredients tied to Thai cooking while also using methods linked to Chef Joe’s restaurant background.
The dinner follows the wider idea behind “Manila Calls, Bangkok Answers,” which puts chefs from Bangkok and Manila in the same kitchen. For this run, Chef Joe’s approach meets Chef Ja’s work at Benjarong.
Booking details for the Benjarong Manila dinner
Guests planning to attend should book ahead. Dusit Thani Manila asks for a 50% pre-payment to secure a reservation. Its restaurant reservations team will arrange payment after the booking form has been submitted.
Here are the confirmed event details:
- Dates: October 15 and 16, 2026
- Venue: Benjarong Manila, Ground Floor, Dusit Thani Manila
- Address: Ayala Centre, Makati City, Metro Manila
- Doors open: 6 p.m.
- Dinner starts: 7 p.m.
- Price: ₱10,500 net per person
- Reservations: Required
- Pre-payment: 50%
- Member offer: Dusit Gold and Dusit Lifestyle members can get 15% off
Benjarong normally follows a smart casual dress code, according to its current restaurant page.
The October dinners give Metro Manila diners a short window to try a menu made by Chef Joe and Chef Ja together. As of September 29, Dusit Thani Manila continues to list both October 15 and 16 on its official booking page and notes that seating is limited.
For booking details and the latest availability, readers can check Dusit Thani Manila’s official event page.
