WHEN Dusit Thani Residences and dusitD2 Davao were still being constructed, we have been told of how they will be bringing Benjarong to Davao City.
Benjarong is Dusit Thani’s Thai bar and restaurant that originated from Bangkok. The restaurant promises authentic and rich Thai flavors.
On October 5, foodies and members of the media had the chance to try the food of the restaurant, which is still on its soft opening. We were told to order anything from the menu for our dinner.
I was quite excited to eat here. Growing up in Thailand, I had my fair share of traditional Thai dishes. I was excited to see if the flavors at Benjarong are similar to those that I grew up with.
I ordered the Phad Kra Pao Kai and Tom Yum Gung. We also ordered the Som Tam, Beef and Chicken Satay, Phad Thai Gung Sod, and Pla Sam Ros.
The Tom Yum was good overall. However, I find it to be too sweet for my liking. I wish it had more of the sourness and spiciness.
The Phad Kra Pao Kai is minced chicken with long bean, capsicum, chili, garlic, and basil. This is my favorite dish of the night. However, I also find it to be on the sweeter side.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the Som Tam, which is Thai Papaya Salad. While I do not normally eat Som Tam, this was a decent papaya salad dish. I just love how spicy it was,
The Beef and Chicken Satay was also great. The beef and chicken were tender and not dry.
I also had the chance to try Gang Khieo Wan Gai, which is green chicken curry. It was pretty good too but also on the sweeter side.
For dessert, we were served a sampler of Khao Niew Ma Muang (Mango sticky rice), Tab Kim Krob (Thai Rubies in sweet coconut milk), Tako (Sago, water chestnuts, and sweet corn), and coconut ice cream.
The Khao Niew Ma Muang was delicious! I was happy with this dessert but I think the coconut milk syrup needed a bit more of salt.
The Tab Kim Krob was a refreshing dessert. I love that it is not too sweet. The Tako was also great. I also enjoyed the coconut ice cream.
Overall, it was a great meal that we had here. However, I do find the savory dishes to be on the sweeter end. I also find that most of the dishes were lacking spiciness. I understand that it is being adjusted to suit the taste of Dabawenyos but I think if you are going to a Thai restaurant, you are definitely looking for the spiciness. I think Benjarong can adjust the flavors and balance things out.
Benjarong Davao operates daily from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the bar and restaurant extend its hours until 1 a.m.