A Wilmington restaurant that has been serving authentic Indian flavors is preparing to close after seven years in business. Norah Hsiung said that Little Asia Bistro at 1051 College Road will close after Oct. 18.
Fans of Indian cuisine won't have to wait long, though. Another well-known local restaurateur is planning to open something new in the space.
Hsiung has been using time-tested recipes and house-ground spices at Little Asia Bistro after opening the restaurant with her brother, Lin Kan Ju in 2019. They are a part of a Chinese-Indian family that has an extensive restaurant background.
Hsiung said she has felt the pressures facing many of those in the restaurant industry, including higher costs and staffing difficulties. She said stepping
back will give her more time to spend with her family and friends, and she's exploring the idea of catering for private events.
Fans of the restaurant have said they'll miss her signature dishes – and some customers are placing bulk orders to stock their freezers before the restaurant closes. That incudes the Chicken Tikka Masala, Malai Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani.
As soon as Little Asia Bistro closes, though, something new will be stepping in. Sunny Singh is hoping to open his newest restaurant in early November.
Singh closed another popular Wilmington Indian restaurant, Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine, in early 2025 and went on to open India Mahal restaurant in Havelock. In August, that restaurant had to close due to a fire.
"Essentially, we are relocating the restaurant," he said.
He said he plans to do some updates to the dining area, but hopes it will be a quick turnaround. He plans for the Wilmington India Mahal to be open six days a week and serve a buffet lunch. Also look for a mimosa buffet on Sundays and a weekly vegan buffet.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews.You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington Indian restaurant to close; something new in the works
