POST-EVENT RELEASE: PARK HYATT BANGKOK CELEBRATES THE 4TH ANNUAL YUZU SAFARI WITH MASON FLORENCE & FRIENDS
An unforgettable culinary journey blending Japanese artistry and global flavors
Bangkok, Thailand – 1 December 2025 – Park Hyatt Bangkok successfully hosted the 4th edition of Yuzu Safari on 22 November 2025, from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM, marking its first collaboration with Park Hyatt’s Masters of Food & Wine global series. This year’s event elevated the experience beyond dining, offering guests an immersive journey into Japanese culinary traditions with yuzu, Japan’s iconic citrus, as the star ingredient.
The day began with interactive workshops at The Apartment, where guests immersed themselves in the art of soba-making, the butchery of a 55-kilogram bluefin tuna, Japanese pastry techniques, matcha tea preparation, and natural wine tasting. Highlights included Chef Taku Ashino demonstrating Edomae-style sushi craftsmanship, Chef Wasan Janshimuang from Mitsumori of Tokyo showcasing his mastery of handmade soba, Chef Rekha from Copine serving up warm Shio pans, Sorawit “Jev” Phankasem from MTCH showcasing the art of matcha craftsmanship, and Namika Inoshita of Natan Winery presenting her acclaimed additive-free Japanese wines.
Following the workshops, guests enjoyed a vibrant cocktail hour at The Living Room Pantry featuring sashimi stations, yuzu-inspired canapés, and curated beverages. The evening culminated in a six-course collaboration dinner at Embassy Room La Marina, a world tour of flavors where chefs paid homage to their culinary heritage while incorporating yuzu in creative and unexpected ways. Chefs joining the six-course dinner included Chef Taku Ashino from Ashino Singapore, Chef Alessio Banchero from Embassy Room La Marina, Chef Alonso Zárate from Ojo, Chef Marco Chávez Jaime from Penthouse Bar + Grill, Chef Andrew Martin from Fatboy Izakaya, Chef Wasan Janshimuang from Mitsumori of Tokyo, Chef Tim Butler from Eat Me, Chef Honey Rae Zenang from Namsu, Chef Rekha “Ja” Limpichart from Copine, along with Park Hyatt Bangkok’s own culinary team; Chef Daniel Masters, Chef Kittikun “Dome” Kaewvilai, Chef Fabrizio Zarate, and Chef Orawan “Bella” Sookkhong.
General Manager Mark de Leeuwerk shared “my journey between these two special countries, Thailand and Japan, began 15 years ago. Throughout this journey, one thing has always stood out to me: the passion, almost sacred love, that both Thai and Japanese cultures share for food.
That shared passion is what brings us together today. Yuzu Safari began a 4 years ago as a collaboration with my good friend Mason Florence, who owns a beautiful yuzu orchard in Kochi Prefecture. What started as a celebration of this remarkable citrus fruit has grown into a meaningful gathering where masters of their craft come together to share their knowledge, their artistry, and their flavors.
This year is especially meaningful. Yuzu Safari has been embraced as part of the Park Hyatt Masters of Food & Wine Global Series, our brand’s signature collection of intimate culinary experiences hosted around the world. That means tonight isn’t just about tasting extraordinary dishes; it’s also about learning, connecting, and discovering the stories behind them.”
Park Hyatt Bangkok extends heartfelt thanks to all participating chefs, partners, and guests for making this year’s Yuzu Safari an extraordinary success.
