WE ARE ONA connects art and gastronomy through a dialogue between Thai and Qatari traditions
WE ARE ONA and Qatar Lounge celebrated their collaboration with a special edition of DALAD’S in Paris, bringing together contemporary art, Thai cuisine, and Qatari hospitality ahead of Art Basel Qatar 2027. The event took place during Art Basel Paris 2026, with chefs Dalad Kambhu and Noof Al Marri creating a collaborative dining experience inside a temporary restaurant designed by Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija. Organized by WE ARE ONA founder Luca Pronzato, the dinner connected the culinary traditions of Thailand and Qatar while introducing the upcoming edition of Art Basel Qatar, scheduled for January 28–30, 2027, in Doha.
The event formed part of DALAD’S, a temporary restaurant developed by Dalad Kambhu and Luca Pronzato in collaboration with Rirkrit Tiravanija. Operating from October 18 to 25 near Place de l’Étoile, the project occupied a previously undisclosed location in Paris. Tiravanija created two modular stainless-steel structures inspired by traditional Thai fishing boats. Positioned along the centre of the space, the elongated forms incorporated communal seating and integrated steam pots, allowing food preparation and dining to take place within the same installation. The arrangement accommodated up to 100 guests around shared tables.
For the special evening, Kambhu joined Qatari chef Noof Al Marri, whose work focuses on preserving and interpreting her country’s culinary heritage. Their collaboration introduced a dialogue between Thai and Qatari gastronomy through an approach centred on cultural exchange. Kambhu’s cooking combines traditional Thai recipes with contemporary techniques and locally sourced ingredients, while Al Marri draws on regional culinary traditions and their connection to everyday life. Together, the chefs presented a menu reflecting their individual backgrounds within the communal environment established by Tiravanija’s installation.
The restaurant’s architecture played an active role throughout the dining experience. Preparation, service, and conversation occurred around the same stainless-steel structures, removing the conventional separation between kitchen and dining room. This relationship connects directly to Tiravanija’s artistic practice, which frequently incorporates cooking and everyday activities as opportunities for social interaction. His installation referenced Thailand’s maritime heritage through the familiar forms of fishing boats, extending those references into the restaurant’s furniture, tableware, and culinary presentation. Food became part of the artwork’s changing composition as guests gathered around the tables.
The collaboration also introduced Qatar Lounge, an initiative presented by Qatar Sports Investments and QC+ as partners of Art Basel Qatar. Designed by inspiration from Al Khous, the traditional Qatari craft of palm-frond weaving, the lounge incorporates a natural palette of sand, straw, pale gold, and bone, alongside mineral finishes and filtered lighting. Its culinary programme is developed by Noof Al Marri, whose interpretation of traditional Qatari dishes offers international visitors an introduction to the country’s food culture. The initiative accompanies Art Basel Qatar’s growing programme of artistic and cultural exchange.
Founded in 2019 by Luca Pronzato, WE ARE ONA develops temporary culinary experiences in collaboration with artists, architects, designers, and chefs. DALAD’S marks Kambhu’s third collaboration with the studio, continuing their shared interest in hospitality as a cultural practice. The Paris dinner also established a connection with Art Basel Qatar, whose inaugural edition took place in February 2026. The next edition will be held in Doha from January 28 to 30, 2027, with preview days on January 26 and 27, extending the dialogue between contemporary art, regional traditions, and international audiences.
All images courtesy of WE ARE ONA
