BENJARONG, the Thai bar and restaurant that originated in Bangkok, is now bringing its authentic and rich Thai flavors to Davao.

Named after the royal porcelain of Thailand, Benjarong means “five colors” which represent the five different tastes — sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami or savory — revealed in the simple yet complex flavors of the dishes and drinks available in the bar and restaurant.

“We are very excited to bring the well-loved Benjarong to Davao because it will be the first and only authentic Thai bar and restaurant in the city. We want our guests to be transported to the dynamic country of Thailand as soon as they set foot inside,” Christopher Wichlan, General Manager of dusitD2 Davao, Dusit Thani Residence Davao and The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island, Managed by Dusit, was quoted as saying in a press release.

The kitchen of Benjarong Davao is managed by resident Thai chef Suthin Songmuang and Filipino chef de cuisine Jessa Marie Lacerna. “We are staying true to Benjarong’s roots and keeping all dishes as authentic as possible. The taste would be as close as to how Thai people know it,” Ms. Lacerna was quoted as saying.

Benjarong Davao’s menu was developed around the ingredients available within the region and the restaurant works with local farmers to grow herbs in the highlands of Davao. To remain close to the original Thai flavors, some ingredients also have to be sourced directly from Thailand.

Benjarong Davao’s signature dishes include Som Tam (Thai papaya salad), Tom Yam Gai (tiger prawn soup with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime and chili), Khao Pad Khai (fried rice with egg, carrot, tomato and spring onions), Pla Sam Ros (deep-fried seabass with three-flavor sauce), Gung Sa Moon Prai (wok-fried tiger prawns with lemongrass, lime leaves, capsicum, chili and garlic), and Khao Niew Ma Muang (mango sticky rice with coconut ice cream).

Benjarong Davao also features a full bar with an extensive list of local and international beers, fine wines and bespoke cocktails.

From Wednesdays to Saturdays, a DJ also plays from 9 p.m. onwards.

To celebrate its opening, unlimited rounds of Chang and Singha beers, selected wines and signature Thai cocktails are available during Benjarong Davao’s Happy Hour every night from 5-8 p.m. for P599 nett.

Benjarong Davao is open daily from 5-11 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays, and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 (82) 272-7500 or e-mail davao@dusit.com.

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