Dusit Thani Kyoto celebrated its grand opening on September 1st. The hotel introduced its distinctive brand of gracious Thai-inspired hospitality, featuring a diverse range of dining and wellness experiences, notably its fine-dining restaurant, Ayatana.
Conceived exclusively for the hotel by renowned Thai chefs Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Dylan Jones, who had previously earned global recognition, including a Michelin Star, at their former Bangkok restaurant, Bo.Ian, Ayatana offers a one-of-a-kind sensory journey. Drawing inspiration from the rich cultures of Thailand and Japan, every aspect of the restaurant has a unique narrative. The restaurant’s name, Ayatana, originates from the Sanskrit language and, in Buddhist philosophy, signifies the six senses: sight, sound, scent, taste, touch, and mind.
Ayatana’s extraordinary multisensory culinary adventure seamlessly integrates all these senses to provide dining experiences that captivate and gratify on multiple levels, creating a symphony of sensations from start to finish.
The journey commences the moment guests arrive at the hotel. Upon entering the property, each guest receives a warm welcome and is presented with a traditional Japanese fan infused with essential oils (symbolizing scent). They are then elegantly guided through the hotel’s serene courtyard garden (engaging the body and mind) before participating in a traditional handwashing ritual with water infused with organic Thai herbs (stimulating touch, scent, sound, and mind), which will be featured in the upcoming dining experience.
The gastronomic journey unfolds in the restaurant’s open kitchen with a first bite, paying homage to the abundant Kyoto bounty, specifically the vibrant kyo-yasai aubergines and a pepper relish inspired by a Northeastern Thai specialty.
Guests are then seated, and the Ayatana story continues with the presentation of five amuse-bouches inspired by Shojin Ryori, the traditional dining style of Buddhist monks in Japan. This style emphasizes seasonal vegetables and wild mountain plants, believed to bring balance and alignment to the body, mind, and spirit. The amuse-bouches also pay tribute to the five elements of nature – Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space) – through five cooking techniques (grilled, smoked, steamed, boiled, raw), five distinct flavors (sweet, salty, bitter, sour, umami), and five colors (green, red, black, yellow, white). Ayatana’s skilled chefs create various combinations based on the season and the availability of fresh produce, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving sensory experience.
The dining journey continues with a fine-dining experience reminiscent of a typical Thai-style family dinner, featuring six flavorful Thai dishes, including organic rice, salad, traditional curry, a stir-fry, a steamed dish, a soup, and assorted relishes. In keeping with authenticity, the spiciness of the dishes remains unaltered. However, a non-spicy selection is available for those preferring milder flavors.
Highlights of the current menu include Nashi pear and sweet prawn, Southern-style rice salad, Peneang curry of short ribs, and Coconut soup of Hirame and vermicelli.
In addition to its dishes, Ayatana prides itself on offering more than just beverages. Alongside a special wine pairing menu, the restaurant plans to introduce a range of exclusive food-based mocktails in collaboration with Intangible, a renowned non-alcoholic cocktail bar based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. These “mocktails with soul” promise to celebrate sustainable Thai and local produce, delivering a symphony of vibrant flavors and aromas.
As part of the dining journey, diners will also savor Thai-inspired wagashi (a traditional Japanese confection) served with organic green tea specially created for Ayatana by the Dusit Tea Garden in Wazuka, a collaboration with TeaRoom Inc., a renowned sustainability-focused tea manufacturer. Adding to the sweetness of the experience are delectable small bites from Kati, Dusit Thani Kyoto’s unique dessert atelier, which proudly stands as the city’s first establishment to offer sweet treats crafted using fresh organic coconut cream sourced directly from Thailand.
The entire dinner experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, concluding with an auditory delight – the soothing tones of a singing bowl. This melodic touch is believed not only to be music for the ears but also to enhance digestion and promote a tranquil, rejuvenating slumber.
Situated in Kyoto’s vibrant Hanganji Monzen-machi district, just 850 meters from the major transportation hub of Kyoto Station, Dusit Thani Kyoto is Dusit’s second hotel in Kyoto, following the lifestyle-focused ASAI Kyoto Shijo, which opened in June.
Ayatana is open daily for dinner journeys, except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, with last orders taken at 8 pm. Prices start at JPY 24,800 / USD 170 per person, inclusive of tax and service charges. Wine/mocktail pairing options are also available, and a lunch journey menu will be introduced in November.
Due to limited seating, advance reservations are highly recommended. For more information, please visit dusit.com/dusitthani-kyoto/dining.
