It’s ok if you didn’t know him, but in Thailand, Silpa Bhirasri is quite a big name even he passed away for some time. Silpa Bhirasri, or Corrado Feroci, is a Tuscan artist who came to Thailand to teach Western sculpture at the Fine Arts department of the Ministry of Palace affairs during 1920s. He was the father of Thai modern art, the founder of what is now Silpakorn University, and also the designer of many iconic monuments in Bangkok like the Victory Monument, the Democracy Monument and so on.
I didn’t know where he lived, so it was a surprise when Silpa Bhirasri’s House launched itself many months ago (I thought I must lived somewhere near Silpakorn University but obviously I was wrong). The place is a little bit far from the city center, but very close to luxury hotel The Siam. So if you are in the area, it is worth dropping by.
After the launch, it became famous as the latest photogenic cafe in the city, thanks to the colonial vibes which look great after renovation. It is also the latest gathering place for coffee lovers, since the place is run by Craftsman, one of Bangkok’s leading coffee roaster.
But what attracted me was not coffee, but the food. To match the Italian theme, they decided to serve Italian food! After I had heard so much about pastas here, we got a chance to try one, and it was delicious! The prices of pastas and pizzas are standard, but I think the lamb shanks are too pricey. They have something for breakfast as well, so we would come again for that soon.
Another thing to love is the space upstairs which was turned into a small gallery with alternating exhibitions.
Travel Information
Silp Bhirasri’s House (‘Baan Ajarn Farang’ in Thai)
Address: 153 Ratchawithi Road, Dusit, Bangkok (next to Krung Thonburi bridge)
Opening hours: daily from 7.00 – 19.00 hrs.
