Some serious combined credentials with this one
Dubai’s Thai dining scene is about to get a serious glow-up. For one night only, Bangkok’s trailblazing restaurant POTONG is heading to Jumeirah 1 for an exclusive collaboration with MANĀO.
Taking place on February 24, this one-off dinner promises a 13-course tasting menu shaped by heritage, precision and storytelling — including non-alcoholic pairings. There will be two seatings only, at 7pm and 9pm, so expect reservations to move fast.
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Leading the charge is Chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij of POTONG, recently crowned The World’s Best Female Chef 2025 and Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024. She joins MANĀO’s Abhiraj Khatwani and Mohamad Orfali for an evening that brings together distinct interpretations of Thai cuisine — from bold regional flavours to refined, contemporary techniques.
Chef Pam is no stranger to accolades. She’s the first Asian and Thai female chef to receive The World’s Best Female Chef title, earned a Michelin star and ‘Opening of the Year’ from the MICHELIN Guide in the same year, and remains the only Thai female chef to secure three knives from The World’s Best Chef Awards. Beyond the pass, she’s also a familiar face on shows including Top Chef Thailand and Iron Chef, cementing her status as one of Asia’s most recognised culinary figures.
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The collaboration is set to explore Thai ingredients and dishes through a lens of cultural depth and modern finesse. If POTONG’s reputation is anything to go by, diners can expect layered flavours, technical precision and plates that nod to family heritage while pushing boundaries.
MANĀO, known for its nuanced approach to Thai cooking in Dubai, provides the perfect stage. Located in Wasl Vita, Jumeirah 1, the restaurant has built a following for its bold flavours and contemporary take on tradition — making this meeting of kitchens one for serious food fans.
One night. Two kitchens. A shared language of Thai cuisine. If you love a chef’s table moment with global credentials, this is the reservation to make.
Image credit: @jbtastehunter on Instagram
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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