At the tip of Punta Engaño in Mactan Island, the newly opened Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu is home to one of the best sunsets in Cebu. But it’s their Thai restaurant, Benjarong, that locals bear the long drive for.

BENJARONG, A THAI WORD that literally means five colors — black, yellow, red, green, and white— refers to a traditional kind of ceramic or porcelain that is hand-painted in five (sometimes more) colors. It epitomises the Thai dimensions of flavors which are sweet, spicy, sour, salty, and a hint of umami. After the pandemic lockdown, the restaurant opened again last July.

Featuring authentic Thai dishes enhanced by modern culinary techniques, Benjarong prepares its dishes in an open kitchen. Staying true to its Thai provenance, they serve excellent Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai Goong, Kai Pad Med Mamuang, and for dessert, sticky rice with sweet mango called Khao Niew Mamuang.

For those craving the flavors of Thailand, head out early in the afternoon for cocktails with a sunset view at the adjacent Sky Garden lounge before dinner at this gastronomic Thai spot. In-house guests have it good as they just need to go to the second level of the hotel’s Mactan wing for their Thai food-fix.