That well-known Chinese restaurant in Makati has run into serious trouble and has been shut down by the city government. When we dropped by Paseo Center on September 14, Jiangnan Hotpot was locked up tight. Hanging on the door was a closure notice from the Makati City government, alongside a sign saying business was suspended. The closure order, issued by the Business Permit and Licensing Office on September 2, states that the restaurant violated local ordinances and related laws, and ordered it to close immediately.
The whole mess started back in late August. Several customers went to the restaurant for a meal, only to start vomiting and suffering from severe diarrhea, headaches, and chills once they got home, forcing them to rush to the hospital ER. Some customers reported that multiple people at their table fell seriously ill and were diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis at the hospital. They tried to get answers and compensation from the restaurant. While management initially agreed to cover their medical bills, things quickly stalled, and repeated attempts to settle the matter went nowhere.
Under local health regulations, restaurants are subject to random inspections. Those that fail to meet standards face fines, and in severe cases, their sanitary permits can be suspended. For now, the restaurant remains closed, while authorities investigate whether the customers' illnesses were directly linked to the food. It’s a stark reminder that when you are dining out around here, food safety is one thing you can never afford to take lightly.
