Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok welcomes Marco Dongi as Bamboo Bar Manager. His international career spans Michelin-starred restaurants in Milan, rooftop bars in Australia, a luxury resort in Mauritius and head bartender roles at Buddha Bar in Bodrum and Dubai, alongside experience in London and Saudi Arabia. He brings to the historic Bangkok bar an approach grounded in classic cocktails and warm, personal hospitality.
In his new role, Dongi will lead the bar team, develop the cocktail programme and guide day-to-day service.
His achievements include top-10 placements in World Class competitions in Italy and Dubai, recognition as the sixth-best Italian bartender under 30 in 2018, and an appointment as a Coca-Cola brand ambassador in 2020.
“Awards and recognition are wonderful, but what really matters to me is creating a place where people feel comfortable, enjoy themselves, and want to come back,” says Dongi.
At The Bamboo Bar, Dongi takes a modern approach rooted in classic cocktails, using local ingredients and flavours to give familiar drinks his own interpretation. He keeps the results balanced and approachable, using techniques that improve the drink rather than simply impress.
“I will continue to explore the balance between classic foundations and modern creativity. I also believe that elegance comes from simplicity,” he says. “You don’t always need many ingredients or complicated techniques to create something memorable.”
The Bamboo Bar’s history was an important part of his decision to join. From its beginnings in a small room in the hotel’s Authors’ Wing, it has grown into a Bangkok institution, known for its live jazz, cocktails and distinctive atmosphere. As Bangkok’s first jazz bar, it holds a particular place in the city’s musical and social life, welcoming generations of guests from Thailand and around the world.
Dongi was drawn to the bar’s strong identity and reputation for genuine hospitality, as well as the opportunity to learn from its team. His first priority is to get to know the bar and his colleagues, while bringing his international experience and a touch of Italian hospitality to the role. He gives as much attention to the music, atmosphere and service as to the drinks themselves.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to respect the legacy of Bamboo Bar while helping it evolve, always keeping the guest experience at the centre of everything we do. For me, the real challenge is to preserve the soul of the place while writing its next chapter,” says Dongi.
Upcoming events at The Bamboo Bar include a masterclass, roundtable and guest shift with Bastien Ciocca of Hope & Sesame on 12 November, followed by a in collaboration with Fenjiu for cocktail-pairing dinner on 13 November. On 1 December, former The Bamboo Bar manager Jamie Rhind returns for a guest shift.
