Burmese Kitchen To Close At The End Of November

Sad news from the Little Saigon corner of the Tenderloin: Five years after transforming from the Larkin Express deli into celebrated family operation Burmese Kitchen, the restaurant will shutter at the end of next month. According to chef-owner Dennis Lin, the all-too-familiar "landlord troubles" are the reason for the closure.

In a note posted to the restaurant's website, Lin broke the news:

The story of the Burmese people is full of unforeseen setbacks, challenges and triumphs. It's these events and the people we've met along the way that give life it's vibrant color and flavor.

Due to the changing nature of San Francisco we are not being allowed to renew our lease at our current location. Even though we're looking for a new location we know that our home is where our hearts are, and that's whit all of YOU who've supported the Burmese Kitchen.

Lin tells Eater that he had hoped to find a new kitchen in the neighborhood, but hasn't had much luck finding a suitable space given the current market. Although the restaurant has a strong following in the neighborhood, where lines for lunch plates occasionally stretch out the door, Lin explained he would also be open to taking his celebrated Tea Leaf Salad (a steal at $5.95) to another neighborhood if the right location opened up.

The restaurant's last day at 452 Larkin Street (at Turk) will be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, November 26th. With no other spaces in sight, Lin hopes to do some pop-up nights or cook from another temporary space to keep the food coming. Back in 2012, Lin did a pop-up night with Eastern Addition on Divisadero, but there are no firm plans yet. Fans of Burmese Food who want to keep abreast of Lin's movements can sign up for updates here.