Bangor Loses A Landmark, Taste Of India To Close

For more than three decades, family-owned and operated bistro bar Taste Of India has occupied a special spot not only in the Downtown Bangor area on Main Street, but in the hearts of many Mainers who have a penchant for authentic and interesting food.

Taste Of India in Downtown Bangor, Cori Skall

Sadly, the day has come for the owners to retire and close up shop. The Kant family, who own the establishment, announced it on their Facebook page earlier this week.

"This is not an easy goodbye, as this restaurant has been so much more than a business to our family. It has been a huge part of our lives, and we have been incredibly fortunate to share it with such an amazing community. While we are excited for this new journey, saying goodbye to Taste of India and all of you is certainly bittersweet."

While the Kants said they are excited for the opportunity to retire and spend more time with family, they recognized, with deep gratitude, what an impact the Bangor community has had on them.

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Conversely, once the news was made public, folks took to the comment section and used the opportunity to share what Taste of India has meant to them over the years.

One person shared, "When I was homeless about 10 years ago, y'all gave me a big bag of naan during a snowstorm that fed me for days; I had only bought one. The kindest, most unexpected thing I never forgot; I’ve recommended y'all to anyone who would listen ever since. Thank you for being here and doing all you’ve done; you'll be missed!!"

Another wrote, "I must have tried your food within the first couple of years of you opening. That single meal as a kid sparked my interest in exploring different foods. You will be missed."

Even folks from away shared their sadness at the news that the restaurant was closing.

"This is a message I have feared to read for years. We have been coming to your restaurant since the early 1990s from Halifax, Saint John and Fredericton. Your restaurant introduced us to the wonderful subtleties of Indian Food done right! We are very sad about this but understand...All the best."

Betsy Lundy, Executive Director of the Downtown Bangor Partnership, says the Bangor business will definitely be missed.

"Taste of India has been a Downtown Bangor staple for over 35 years, bringing international flavors and culture to the region. We will miss their warm and friendly faces and wish them the best in their future endeavors."

While there's no official word yet on what will next occupy that legendary spot in Downtown, we do wish the Kant family a relaxing and meaningful retirement spent with friends and family,

We will keep you updated on any announcements to do with that space in the future.