One of Mombasa's oldest restaurant, singh restaurant will be closing it's doors in July.

Operating since 1962, Singh restaurant has been an iconic spot especially for the lovers of Punjabi cuisine.

According to a statement from the proprietor Darshan Singh Wilkhu the rising cost of running the business has pushed them to shut down the establishment.

"Over the years, we have had the immense joy of serving millions of customers from around the world, including ministers and celebrities who came to enjoy our traditional home-made dishes. We have had the pleasure of serving generations of families in the years since Singh Restaurant started." reads the statement.

Adding "Unfortunately, since the pandemic, we have faced significant increases in costs (licenses, food, drinks, energy bills, rent, and more). I have done everything possible to absorb these expenses so that our customers could continue to enjoy our food at reasonable prices. However, to sustain the business further, we would need to raise prices significantly, which goes against the ethos of Singh Restaurant. My father instilled this core ethos into Singh Restaurant, promoting quality over profit, and that has remained consistent throughout the years."

"At 81 years old, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved with Singh Restaurant. However, due to my age, a desire to spend more time with my children and grandchildren, and to honor my father's legacy, I have made the difficult decision to close Singh Restaurant in Mombasa after 62 years of service. We plan to serve our last customers on July 9, 2024."

Mr Darshan who inherited the business from his late father Dalip Singh Wilkhu remained confident that his sons will maintain the name and legacy of the restaurant.

Darshan "But this is not the end for Singh Restaurant. My sons, who have grown up with Singh Restaurant as an integral part of their lives, are already discussing ways to bring our beloved dishes to you at the same affordable prices. We hope Singh Restaurant will evolve further, and we will keep you informed about our progress.."