Growing up in America as a Thai immigrant, my life has been a vibrant blend of two cultures. From the fast-paced energy of my American hometown to the lively night markets of Thailand, one thing has always anchored me: my passion for food. Over the years, countless friends, family members, and even strangers have savored my cooking, urging me to open a restaurant. “Your food is too good to keep to yourself,” they’d say. But the idea of starting a restaurant in the U.S. never felt right—the economics were tough, and the market was crowded. It wasn’t until I reconnected deeply with my homeland, Thailand, that the vision for Epic Pizza and Pasta took shape. This spring, I planted my roots here with a restaurant that’s not just a business but a love letter to my heritage, my passion, and the people of my country.

My journey back to Thailand began 14 years ago, driven by a heartfelt purpose: to care for my sick and dying mother. As I traveled between the U.S. and Thailand over those years, something unexpected happened—I fell deeply in love with my homeland. The warmth of the people, the rhythm of daily life, the vibrant energy of the streets—it all stirred a sense of belonging I hadn’t fully embraced before. Thailand wasn’t just the place of my birth; it was where I wanted to build something meaningful. Those years of visiting, of reconnecting with my roots, sparked the idea for Epic Pizza and Pasta—a way to combine my lifelong love for food with a desire to contribute to the country I now call home.

Why Italian food in Thailand? It’s a question I hear often, and the answer lies in the Thai palate and a gap I noticed in the market. Thai people adore pizza and Italian cuisine—visit any shopping mall in Bangkok, and you’ll see pizzerias buzzing with families and friends. Yet, the options are often limited to fast-food chains or upscale restaurants with prices that feel out of reach for many. I saw an opportunity to offer something unique: gourmet-quality Italian food in a welcoming, market-casual environment that’s accessible to everyone, from students to families. Epic Pizza and Pasta was born from this vision—to bring the soul of Italian cuisine to Thailand in a way that feels inclusive, approachable, and extraordinary.

What makes Epic Pizza and Pasta special is our dedication to craftsmanship. Every dish is a labor of love, crafted from scratch with the finest ingredients. Our pizza dough, which customers describe as unlike anything in Thailand, is made daily, achieving a perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness that elevates every bite. We roll and cut our fresh pasta each morning, ensuring a texture and flavor that’s unmatched. Our breads are baked in-house, filling the restaurant with an irresistible aroma. We even make many of our own cheeses and all of our salad dressings, guaranteeing that every component is fresh and bursting with flavor. This isn’t just cooking—it’s a way of pouring my heart into every plate, sharing my passion with every guest who walks through our doors.

The decision to focus on handmade, high-quality ingredients was about creating an experience that feels special yet accessible. In Thailand, where culinary innovation is celebrated, I wanted to introduce flavors that were both familiar and new. Our menu reflects this balance—classic Margherita pizzas share space with creations that incorporate local ingredients, like a drizzle of Thai chili oil or herbs from nearby farms. Our pastas range from traditional carbonara to inventive dishes that nod to Thailand’s vibrant food culture in subtle, respectful ways. It’s Italian at its core, but infused with the spirit of my homeland.

Opening Epic Pizza and Pasta this spring was both thrilling and daunting. Launching a business in a new country, even one that feels like home, comes with challenges—navigating local regulations, building a team, and introducing a fresh concept to a competitive market. But the reception has been overwhelmingly warm. From day one, customers have embraced our food with enthusiasm, sharing photos of their meals online, bringing friends and family, and leaving reviews that fill me with gratitude. One guest called our pizza “a game-changer,” while another said our handmade pasta “feels like a hug.” These words are my fuel, reminding me why I took this leap.

For me, Epic Pizza and Pasta is more than a restaurant—it’s a homecoming. It’s a way to honor my Thai roots while sharing the culinary skills I’ve honed over a lifetime. It’s a tribute to my mother, who inspired my connection to this land, and to the countless people who believed in my cooking long before I did. Above all, it’s a gift to my countrymen and women—an invitation to gather, share a meal, and experience flavors that tell a story of love, heritage, and creativity.

As we grow, my hope is that Epic Pizza and Pasta becomes a cherished part of the community—a place where families celebrate milestones, friends reconnect over pizza and wine, and locals and tourists alike discover something new. We’re just beginning, but the generosity of our customers gives me confidence that we’re building something special. If you’re in Thailand, I invite you to visit, taste our food, and join this journey. At Epic Pizza and Pasta, every plate carries a piece of my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you.