Chau Chow
Last inspected: Apr 1, 2026
74
Score
Inspectors have visited Chau Chow 11 times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent report on file is from Apr 1, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
Across the inspection history, “nonfood-contact surfaces” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
By comparison, the average Dorchester facility scores 86, putting Chau Chow on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 1, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple handsinks missing soap. Provide at all times
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Preventing contamination from hands (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed staff preparing foods with bare hands. Utilize gloves at all times. Retrain staff
590.003(C)/3-301.11-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food soils on top of the dishmachine. Clean to remove Observed rodent droppings and debris behind shelving units in the basement and upper level. Clean to remove Observed rodent droppings on the floor behind the cook line and in the basement. Clean to remove Observed food spills on the wall at beverage station in dining room. Clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Rodent activity observed in numerous areas. Provide the last 2 pest control reports via email prior to the reinspectio date.
590.006/6-501.111-C
74
Aug 21, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Salted fish in oil - 73F / Provide 41F or below PIC moved to refrigeration to cool down
590.003/3-501.16-P
Food contact with equipment utensils and linens (p)
Inspector notes: Meat slicer with dried on debris / Disassemble clean and sanitize Interior of ice machine with visible soils / Clean to remove
590.003/3-304.11-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink near 3 bay sink with strainer in basin / remove and ensure hand sinks are kept free and clear
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Eggs shells and other debris noted on ground around dumpster area / Clean to remove Ensure dumpster lids are able to close properly
590.005/5-501.115-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Floors walls and cookline equipment are in need of a deep clean throughout the esablishment upstairs and downstairs / Provide
590.006/6-501.12-C
61
Mar 24, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic in oil mixture sitting out at 58F / Moved to refrigeration to cool down after being out for an hour / Provide 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Meat slicer with dried food debris / Disassemble clean and sanitize
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Floor tiles in basement broken/cracked/ Repair
590.006/6-101.11-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Floors behind the cookline heavily soiled with grease and food debris / Clean to remove Floors near steam cookline with visible soils especially at base of walls Walls behind cookline lines with visible soils / Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.12-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Ceiling leaking in 3 areas / find source and repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
67
Aug 20, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic in oil mixture - 70F Shrimp paste in oil 65F / Out on counter near grill / Moved to refrigeration after being out for less than an hour / Provide 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Food contact with equipment utensils and linens (p)
Inspector notes: Interior of ice machine with visible soils / Clean to remove
590.003/3-304.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Several small flies noted in the dish area / PIC states that exterminator is not currently treating for small flies / Contact exterminator to begin fly treatment. Provide at least 1 IPM report before compliance date
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Walls in multiple areas of the kitchen with soils / Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.12-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Rice scoop and other utensils in stagnant water ./ Discontinue and store as discussed below
590.003/3-304.12-C
61
Mar 25, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic in oil mixture out at cookline - 60F / Moved to refrigeration to cool down after being out for an hour / Provide 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Meat slicer with visible soils and food debris / Disassemble clean and sanitize
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: 2 hand sinks with items in the basin / Remove and ensure hand sinks remain free and clear at all times
590.005/5-205.11-PF
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Rice scoops stored in stagnant water / Discontinue and store as described below
590.003/3-304.12-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Walls in ware wash room are beginning to rust / Clean and repaint Equipment on cookline visibly soiled / Clean to remove Floors especially under cookline visibly soiled / Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.12-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster lids open / Keep closed
590.005/5-501.113-C
61
Sep 27, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence found of roachs in kitchen. Found a few dead ones. PIC has pest control inspecting every two weeks. Please do a deep cleaning and have them come back out to inspect. Provide past reports to me via email.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floor under and behind cooking equipment shelves prep tables dishwasher. Visible soiled. Clean walls in warewashing kitchen stains to basement. Visibly soiled.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean all shelves in kitchen and walk ins. Clean exterior of cooking equipment and dishwasher. Replace molding caulking at hand sinks and warewashing room. Clean exterior of ice machine as discussed. Remove any ice build uo in walk ins.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean and sanitize any equipment attached to the walls. Paper towel holder soap etc.
590.006/6-201.17-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store product on the floor in walk in under shelves. Most containers did not have covers.
590.003/3-305.11-C
74
Sep 19, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: At the time of the re-inspection there was a small leak coming from the ceiling tiles located in the maiin kitchen area possibly due to the recent heavy rain fall. Address and make any necessary repairs. The leak was not near any food preparation/storage.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Second fan in the walk-in cooler missing. Address and make any necessary repairs. Unit was functioning properly at the time of the inspection. FAn has been ordered as of 8/10/2023 and upon delivery will be installed. At the time of the re-inspection there was a steady stream of water coming from the compressor of the walk-in freezer on to the ground. Address and make any necessary repairs. Service call has been placed for repairs to be made. Walk-in freezer was functioning properly at the time of the re-inspeciton.
590.004/4-202.16-C
90
Aug 10, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of live roach activity noted near the mop sink. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection. Evidence of fruit fly activity noted in the basement preparation area. Address. Evidence of insects in the moisture around the basement water heater. Address.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Soap dispensor next to the 3 bay sink not functioninig properly. Address and replace if necessary.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: At the time of inspection there were no covers for the trash receptacles. Provide.
590.005/5-501.17-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Excess debris and equipment observed in the back alley. Remove all unecessary equipment and debris to avoid any type of harborage.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Second fan in the walk-in cooler missing. Address and make any necessary repairs. Unit was functioning properly at the time of the inspection. FAn has been ordered as of 8/10/2023 and upon delivery will be installed. At the time of the re-inspection there was a steady stream of water coming from the compressor of the walk-in freezer on to the ground. Address and make any necessary repairs. Service call has been placed for repairs to be made. Walk-in freezer was functioning properly at the time of the re-inspeciton.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: At the time of the re-inspection there was a small leak coming from the ceiling tiles located in the maiin kitchen area possibly due to the recent heavy rain fall. Address and make any necessary repairs. The leak was not near any food preparation/storage.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of the empty fish tanks with debris. Clean to remove. Interior of the sliding glass cooler near the lobster tanks visibly soiled. Clean to remove. 6 Top burner with excess carbon build-up. Ceal to remove. Drying rack above the 3 bay sink loctaed in the basement area visibly soiled. Clean to remove. Excess moisture observed around the basement water heater. Address and clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink located directly next to the mop sink not functioning properly. Address and make any necessary repairs. Additional hand sinks to be used until repairs have been made.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: No signage at hand sink loctaed next to the Dim Sum station. Provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
58
Aug 1, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of live roach activity noted neat the mop sink. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection. Evidence of fruit fly activity noted in the basement preparation area. Address. Evidence of insects in the moisture around the baement water heater. Address.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Soap dispensor next to the 3 bay sink not functioninig properly. Address and replace if necessary.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: No signage at hand sink loctaed next to the Dim Sum station. Provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Second fan in the walk-in cooler missing. Address and make any necessary repairs. Unit was functioning properly at the time of the inspection.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of the empty fish tanks with debris. Clean to remove. Interior of the sliding glass cooler near the lobster tanks visibly soiled. Clean to remove. 6 Top burner with excess carbon build-up. Ceal to remove. Drying rack above the 3 bay sink loctaed in the basement area visibly soield. Clean to remove. Excess moisture observed around the basement water heater. Address and clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink located directly next to the mop sink not functioning properly. Address and make any necessary repairs. Additional hand sinks to be used until repairs have been made.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: At the time of inspection there were no covers for the trash receptacles. Provide.
590.005/5-501.17-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Excess debris and equipment observed in the back alley. Remove all unecessary equipment and debris to avoid any type of harborage.
590.006/6-501.114-C
61
Jan 3, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Open container of raw eggs observed being stored directly over ready to eat cooked lobster. Dioscontinue and store all foods properly to ensure no cross contamination from raw eggs.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Small metal bowl being used to dispense out of the bulk food container filled with sauce. Discontinue and use a handled scoop in order to prevent contamination from hands.
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Card board being used to line shelf where oil is being stored. Discontinue and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth. Seal around the base of the toilet bowl in teh main kitchen appears to be leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs. Portion of the stainless steel ceiling tile loctaed in the basement walk-in freezer is damaged and separating from the actual ceiling. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Portion of ceiling near the main entrance to the kitchen sagging and with water damage. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Containers of meats and other food products observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in coolers and freezers. Discontinue and esnure all foods remain 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Portion of flooring in the main kitchen restroom appears to be damaged and sagging. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.006/6-101.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Small sump pump located in the basement preparation area does not appear to be functioning properly. Address and either repair or replace. Grease trap located near the filtration tanks is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs. Replacement grease trapis on site wating to be installed.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Eating drinking or using tobacco (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of smoking inside of the establishment. Discontinue all smoking inside of the building and provide a designated location.
590.002/2-401.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of the front sliding glass door cooler visibly soiled and with food dberis. Clean to remove. Floor under the dumpling steam table visibly soiled adn with food debris. Clean to remove. Floor in rear storage room near the filtration tanks with what appears to be a grease like substance. Clean to remove. Ceiling in teh side room located directly under the main kitchen restroom with peeling paint and possible water damage. Address and resurface. Hevy ice/frost build-up observed around the basement freezer door not allowing it to properly close. Address defrost and clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
55
Jun 27, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Open container of raw eggs observed being stored directly above ready to eat onions. Discontinue and ensure all food products are being stored properly to ensure no cross contamination from raw eggs.
590.003/3-302.11-P
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink near the first floor walk-in cooler not draining properly. Address and make any necessary repairs. Second toilet in the mens room was not functioning properly at the time of the inspection. Address and make any necessary repairs. All other facilities in the restroom were functioning properly. Service call has been placed and management is waiting for a plumber to arrive to address.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Card board being used to line shleves for the oil containers. Remove and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth. Exces ice build up observed on the basement walk-in cooler. Defrost and clean to remove. Walk-in cooler was functioning properly at the time of the inspection.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Containers of frozen meats observed being stored on the ground of the first floor walk-in freezer. Discontinue and ensure all food products are being stored elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Light bulbs protective shielding (c)
Inspector notes: Several lights ut above the dumpling station stove top. Replace.
590.006/6-202.11-C
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chau Chow last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chau Chow on file is from Apr 1, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chau Chow?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surfaces” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Chau Chow.
How does Chau Chow compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?
Chau Chow most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Dorchester average of 86.
Has Chau Chow's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chau Chow have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Chau Chow means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Chau Chow inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chau Chow is inspected around three times per year on average.
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