Forbidden City Bistro Closing in Middletown
MIDDLETOWN, CT — After 15 years in business, Forbidden City Bistro in Middletown is closing its doors for good at the end of the month, the owners announced this week.
The popular restaurant at 335 Main St. will close on Jan. 30.
“Having fought a good battle, the time has come to shed the apron from our waists!” owner Eric Leong wrote in a post on Facebook. “From the first day we opened 15 years ago, my friend and I solidified our resolve to become the most outstanding Asian restaurant on the East Coast of the United States, to introduce Asia’s distinguished culinary arts, innovative ideas, and culture of warm hospitality to our friends in America. 15 years have passed, and we can proudly say that we have fulfilled those wishes!
“From receiving unanimous affirmation from countless food critics, to being ranked as having one of the world’s best restaurant wine lists for three consecutive years, in addition to other aspects of good reputation -- the list goes on and on.”
Leong said closing the restaurant was a “difficult decision that we were reluctant to make.”
“At the same time, I believe that many of our loyal customers will feel even more sorrowful and unwilling to part,” he said. “Under this vast sky, there are no banquets that last for an eternity -- inevitably, all good things have their ending, and we ask for your understanding.
“My friend and I would like to thank our customers who have supported us these past 15 years, and to say thank you for all your support during this journey. Thank you again!”
Fans of the restaurant were saddened by the news.
“Forbidden City is more than just an amazing restaurant with great cuisine and drinks,” one person wrote in the comments on Facebook. “Mario, Eric, Jimmy, and Thurein always make you feel welcome and at ease. The other patrons, especially the regulars, quickly become friends and the atmosphere is always warm and inviting. I will surely miss going to my favorite place on Main Street!”
Another person wrote, “This is heartbreaking. It’s the end of an era. I will forever have the best memories at Forbidden City. You are all family to us so I know we will still see you but we will miss the incredible food and the staff.”
Forbidden City features an Asian fusion menu with Malaysian and Nyonya cuisine.
“Colorful, exotic, and full of enticing flavors, Malaysian cuisine is a fascinating blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian food traditions, with Indonesian, Thai, Portuguese and Middle Eastern influences,” according to the restaurant’s website.
Nyonya cuisine is “now acknowledged as one of the earliest examples of FUSION FOOD,” the post states.
Leong told the Middletown Press the coronavirus pandemic and reduced indoor seating was a “big reason” for the closing.
Leong said gift certificates to Forbidden City must be used before Jan. 30. He said the amount will automatically be voided after that date.
Forbidden City’s sister restaurant, Char Koon in South Glastonbury, will remain open, according to Leong.
This article originally appeared on the Middletown Patch
