Inspired by Women: A Culinary Collaboration at JW Marriott Khao Lak
- Taweeroj Eawpanich
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Inspired by Women: A Culinary Collaboration at JW Marriott Khao Lak
I had the chance to join Inspired by Women – a truly special 4 Hands Dinner at JW Marriott Khao Lak. What made it stand out wasn’t just the beautifully curated 5-course Thai-inspired menu, but the energy of the event itself.
When I arrived at Drift Beach Bar & Grill, I was a bit surprised to see a colorful Takuapa Po-Tong (local songthaew) and a vibrant tuk-tuk parked right out front. But then I saw the poster and it all made sense — the vehicles are there to represent the chefs’ journeys: one hailing from Phuket, and the other from Bangkok.
Chefs Sa (JW Marriott Khao Lak), originally from Bangkok and a long-time culinary force at JW Marriott, joined hands with Chef Tim (JW Marriott Phuket), a proud Phuket native, to create a special 5-course Thai-inspired menu. The evening was a celebration of heritage and innovation — every dish thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and deeply rooted in local ingredients.
The concept behind today’s culinary experience was to present Thai cuisine through the unique perspectives of both chefs. Chef Sa focused on dishes inspired by Central Thai flavors, while Chef Tim highlighted the bold and distinctive tastes of Phuket. And what made it even more special — the entire restaurant team for the evening was made up of women. I couldn’t help but feel excited!
Today, there were plenty of appetizers served before the main courses. Honestly, I have to admit that some of the dishes were unfamiliar to me — like Hrum, which I had never heard of before. But I was especially impressed by an appetizer called Pad Phong Karee, featuring JW Garden egg custard mousse, baby calamari, and caramelized onion pickle. Its flavor stood out remarkably from the rest.
And this was the moment when both chefs came together in the kitchen — cooking side by side, sharing laughs, and enjoying each other’s company.
Drift Beach Bar & Grill has such an amazing atmosphere, especially just after sunset. The restaurant is located right by the sea, offering the perfect view to watch the sun go down in the evening. I’ve dined here before and absolutely loved it.
I caught a familiar scent of toasted bread that instantly took me back to my childhood. The chef explained that they wanted to reimagine a dish that Thai people know and love. The bread was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a special sauce reminiscent of satay sauce — something many Thais are very familiar with. But as I tasted it, there was a subtle richness and smoothness that made me wonder what secret ingredient the chef had added to elevate it.
snuck over to watch Chef Tim as she prepared her dish. Since she’s originally from Phuket, today she wanted to showcase a traditional local dish — Hou Che Salad. It’s a classic salad I remember eating as a kid. People in Phuket typically enjoy this salad with a distinctive red sauce, offering a unique flavor profile and a delightful crunch from crispy noodles. I think it’s amazing that international guests get to try such a different kind of salad, one that also carries the rich cultural story of Phuket.
Geang Pha Pla – Grouper Roulade in Chinese Galangal Consommé, Green Bean Purée, Green Pepper Corn Pesto & Rice Cracker
Normally, I’ve only had Gaeng Pha Pla in its traditional form, but today the chef gave it a creative twist, incorporating modern cooking techniques that made the dish even more intriguing. The Sustainable Grouper Roulade was also incredibly delicious
Gypsy Curry Beef Cheek – Slow-cooked in Chef Tim’s signature coconut curry, served with Baby Bok Choy and Jasmine Rice
I have to say, this was hands down my favorite dish of the night. Even after I got home, I kept thinking — can Drift please put this on the menu forever? Gypsy Curry Beef Cheek by Chef Tim was absolutely unforgettable. The beef was incredibly tender, and the curry was rich, fragrant, and full of depth. It’s the kind of Thai dish that truly makes foreigners fall in love with Thai cuisine. I even noticed some guests asking Chef Tim for the special recipe so they could try making it back in their own countries!
For dessert, I was truly impressed by the Kanom Krok. It wasn’t presented in the traditional way, but instead reimagined into something beautifully refined. It was delicious and perfectly paired with the Sweet Corn Sorbet
A heartfelt thank you to JW Marriott Khao Lak for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful and inspiring evening. Deep gratitude to Chef Sa, Chef Tim, and the incredible team of women who brought this unforgettable dinner to life with such passion and creativity. We’re already looking forward to the next inspiring experience JW Marriott Khao Lak will bring to life.
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