MICHELIN-starred Chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget, founder and culinary director of Banana Blossom, is set to join Benjarong Manila’s Chef Watcharaphon “Ja” Yongbanthom for “Manila Calls, Bangkok Answers,” a two-night culinary collaboration featuring 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 brings classical global techniques together with Thailand’s indigenous ingredients, native micro-terroirs and centuries-old flavour traditions.
MICHELIN-starred Chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget, founder and culinary director of Banana Blossom
His culinary journey began with 80/20, the pioneering Bangkok restaurant where he earned his first MICHELIN Star, before going on to establish a portfolio of distinctive Thai dining concepts. Today, his Bangkok restaurants include Nawa Thai Cuisine, Kwann, Samlor and Siplor, each offering a unique expression of Thai gastronomy. Among them, Samlor has been recognised by the MICHELIN Guide with a Bib Gourmand distinction, while Nawa, which he established alongside his wife and pastry partner, Chef Saki Hoshino, earned a MICHELIN Star within nine months of opening and went on to receive the MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year award.
He now brings that contemporary Bangkok perspective to Benjarong Manila, where Chef Ja has spent years shaping the restaurant into a distinguished destination for Thai dining in the Philippines.
Benjarong Manila’s Chef Watcharaphon “Ja” Yongbanthom
With more than a decade at the helm, Chef Ja has become a defining figure in the restaurant’s culinary journey. Drawing from her experience in both Thailand and the Philippines, she brings 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, Chef Ja and Chef Joe bring two complementary perspectives to the table. Chef Ja’s Royal Thai tradition meets Chef Joe’s progressive and research-driven approach, with the resulting menu drawing from techniques developed by both chefs while incorporating personal nods to the flavours, memories and influences that shaped their early culinary lives.
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.
Benjarong Manila
For two evenings, Manila and Bangkok meet at the table — bringing together heritage, technique, personal stories and a shared vision for the future of Thai gastronomy. 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.
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