Gong Cha
Last inspected: Mar 20, 2026
58
Score
Going back to 2022, Gong Cha has 11 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Mar 20, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near seven violations each time.
Across the inspection history, “cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
By comparison, the average Allston facility scores 80, putting Gong Cha on the weaker side. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 20, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed eggs stored in ambient temperature (70F) it appears from the day before -Per PIC. PIC voluntarily discarded them. mantain at 41F or below.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Low temp dish machine does not register any sanitizer level. Repair to mantain 50-100ppm chlorine. Three bay sink will be used until dish machine is repaired.
590.004/4-501.114-P
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed some packaged food items on the floor at lower level. Elevate properly
590.003/3-305.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent sticker expired. Provide a current one. Hood Vent with build up uf dust and grease. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Floor under and around cooking line soiled. Clean properly. Floor near stairs going towards lower level soiled. Clean properly.
590.006/6-501.12-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Handsinks at prep area and cooking line without signage. Provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
(a) and (c) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles-storing (c)
Inspector notes: Boxes with take-out containers stored on the floor at both levels. Elevate properly.
590.004/4-903.11-C
58
May 13, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Whole in shell eggs stored on the counter at 68F- Placed back in refrigeration at 38F
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority violations noted on inspection report- Review with all staff
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No sanitizer test strips available for testing the chlorine sanitizer in the low temperature dish machine or the quats sanitizer used in the buckets- Provide proper test strips
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Internal panel of ice machine with black mold like buildup- Clean with proper frequency
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent activity in the lower level storage. Large rodent droppings noted and sticky traps have been placed throughout the lower level. Provide an updated detailed pest control treatment from a licensed pest control company
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple employees at front service counter with no hair restraints- Corrected on site
590.002/2-402.11-C
Warewashing equipment cleaning frequency (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of the low temperature dishwasher with built up soils- Clean unit with proper frequency
590.004/4-501.14-C
Warewashing equipment clean solutions (c)
Inspector notes: Wash water in the low temperature dishwasher with heavy soils- Change wit proper frequency- Corrected on site
590.004/4-501.18-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple area of ceiling in the lower level are heavily damaged and appear to have water damage-Make appropriate repairs Holes noted in multiple areas of lower level- Make repairs
590.006/6-501.11-C
47
Apr 7, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Recent IPM report dated this day states "Please see the attachment to the service report about the ceiling tiles either missing or broken. There is believed to be rat activities in these ceilings. Today's interior inspection resulted in one mouse capture on a monitor in the basement prep area. We will continue to follow up with each visit." Address these issues and consult with pest control. Increase visits as necessary until activity is eliminated.
590.006/6-501.111-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Waste oil containers with visible soils. Clean to remove or contact company for replacement container.
590.005/5-501.116-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Seal any and all entry points for pests including those noted in ceiling in basement on attached pest report. Treat and seal with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Still residual grease on pavement surfaces in rear of business due to previous waste cooking oil spill. Clean and remediate all affected areas.
590.005/5-501.115-C
82
Mar 11, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Basement odorous with what appears to be rat droppings on floors under dry storage equipment. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide IPM pest control report upon reinspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority foundation violations cited. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Other liquid wastes and rainwater (c)
Inspector notes: Waste cooking oil and water puddling in back area behind restaurant from overflowing waste oil container. Clean and remediate dispose of any waste water properly into a direct to waste drain (mop sink)
590.005/5-403.12-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Waste oil containers with visible soils. Clean to remove or contact company for replacement container.
590.005/5-501.116-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Waste oil container is overflowing. Clean to remove. Litter around dumpsters. Remove.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster door open. Maintain closed.
590.005/5-501.113-C
67
Dec 26, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide irreversible thermometer for the high temp dishwasher. Provide
590.004/4-302.13-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of high temp diswasher observed soiled filter on the ice machine observed soiled with dust accumulation exterior of bulk storage bin observed soiled. Clean and sanitize to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker observed expired 12.4.24. Provide updaded sticker after service.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple storage bin containers observed without labels. Provide lables when removed from original container/package.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent observed heavily soiled. Clean to remove
590.004/4-202.18-C
70
Feb 21, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw eggs stored on top of cheese in a lift top refrigerator in the kitchen- Removed Store foods properly
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a) gloves use limitation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed employees leave food prep areas and return wearing the same pairs of gloves- Review proper procedures with staff
590.003/3-304.15-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Employees at the location at the time of the inspection were unable to properly answer questions about the establishment food safety and sanitizing procedures. Owner/CFPM shall properly train staff Employees unable to properly set up sanitizer Enployees unable to properly test dishwasher
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vents with heavy dripping grease- clean with proper frequency
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood stickers expired July 2023 Schedule a hood cleaning and inspection Referral made to Boston Fire
590.006/6-501.14-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Containers of products in refrigeration with no labeling- Provide
590.003/3-302.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Numerous employees in food service areas with no hair restraints- Provide
590.002/2-402.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths on counters with no sanitizer set up Staff unable to properly set up sanitizer
590.003/3-304.14-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Numerous cases of food including beef and chicken are stored on the floor of the walkin freezer- Store properly
590.003/3-305.11-C
50
Apr 25, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at Men's Toilet without soap. Provide.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: The refrigerating unit out of order regidtering 57F. No food at this time. Repair to mantain 41F or below.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
(a) and (c) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles-storing (c)
Inspector notes: Some single use containers stored on the floor. Elevate properly.
590.004/4-903.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Some bulk food containers without labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood Vent sticker expired. Provide a current one
590.006/6-501.14-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Some food items stored on the floor inside walk-in unit. Elevate properly.
590.003/3-305.11-C
67
Dec 19, 2022
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towel for handsink at the serving line. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No soap for handwashing sink at the serving line. Provide.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: Only one handsink at the end of the cooking line/prep area. No handsink for the warewashing area on the other side. Provide.
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips on the site for low temp dish machine. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Some food products stored on the floor at both levels and inside walk-in unit. Elevate properly.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Bottom of walk-in freezer at lower level soiled. Top of ice machine (scoop is stored) soiled. Clean properly.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths stored soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent sticker expired and hood vent very soiled. Clean properly and provide a current sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
55
Jul 18, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Trash barrell put out overflowing and at the wrong location. PIC will remove it. Ensure that a trash is stored and disposed properly
590.005/5-501.113-C
95
May 11, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Three Bay Sink leaking at the bottom. Repair. Handsink leaking at the bottom pipe . Repair.
590.005/5-205.15-P
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No food thermometer on site. Provide.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Ensure that DBA name on Health Permit is the same with the displayed one. Retrain staff with regard to proper warewashing.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed large amount of droppings on top of dish machine. Provide n IPM report from a licensed exterminator.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Several ceiling tiles damages/missing at lower level storage area. Replace.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several bulk food containers without proper labeling. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
(a) and (c) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles-storing (c)
Inspector notes: Several boxes with take-out containers stored on the floor. Elevate properly
590.004/4-903.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed in use utensils stored in stagnant water. Store properly in sanitizer solution
590.003/3-304.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths stored soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Several boxes with food products stored on the floor near the stairs and lower level. Elevate properly.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood Vent Sticker expired. Provide current one.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Floors at lower level soiled and wet from broken water heater. Clean properly.
590.006/6-501.13-C
43
May 4, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 15 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Three Bay Sink leaking at the bottom. Repair. Handsink leaking at the bottom pipe . Repair.
590.005/5-205.15-P
Uspension of permit / emergency closure without a prior hearing (p)
Inspector notes: Establishment without hot water at this time due to broken boiler. Plumber on site repairing but it will take 3 hours-Per plumber. Repair properly
590.014/SummaryS-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed large amount of droppings on top of dish machine. Provide n IPM report from a licensed exterminator.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Capacity-quantity and availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No hot water (water temp 55F) on site . Provide 100F+ hot water.
590.005/5-103.11-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No food thermometer on site. Provide.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Ensure that DBA name on Health Permit is the same with the displayed one. Retrain staff with regard to proper warewashing.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Low Temp Dish machine has not detergent and does not register any sanitizer solution. Repair to mantain 50-100ppm chlorine. Observed employees washing equipment with hands withou setting three bay sink. Set three bay sink properly and perform proper warewashing (wash rinse sanitize).
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood Vent Sticker expired. Provide current one.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Floors at lower level soiled and wet from broken water heater. Clean properly.
590.006/6-501.13-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Several ceiling tiles damages/missing at lower level storage area. Replace.
590.006/6-201.11-C
(a) and (c) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles-storing (c)
Inspector notes: Several boxes with take-out containers stored on the floor. Elevate properly
590.004/4-903.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Several boxes with food products stored on the floor near the stairs and lower level. Elevate properly.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths stored soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed in use utensils stored in stagnant water. Store properly in sanitizer solution
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several bulk food containers without proper labeling. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
30
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gong Cha last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Gong Cha on file is from Mar 20, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Gong Cha?
Across the inspection record, “cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Gong Cha.
How does Gong Cha compare to other restaurants in Allston?
Gong Cha most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Allston average of 80.
Has Gong Cha's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Gong Cha have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Gong Cha 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 Gong Cha inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Gong Cha is inspected around three times per year on average.
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