Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant

3706 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Indian
Last inspected: Oct 28, 2025
70
Score
Medium Risk

The health department has logged nine inspections at Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant, the earliest from 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Oct 28, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near 10 violations per visit across recent inspections.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “in-use utensils between-use storage”, showing up six times.

Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant's latest score of 70 falls below the Jamaica Plain average of 83. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.

9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 28, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: CFPM/ PIC to provide and train staff on managerial control
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple containers of prepped foods stored in 2 door unit observed without date marking. Provide made/discard before storing. Per PIC food was prepped the night before (COS)
590.003/3-501.17-PF
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Food dispensing utensils observed in stagnant water 67F plastic containers observed stored inside prepped foods a foods dispensing utensils. Discontinue to prevent contamination by hands. (COS)
590.003/3-304.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Prepped food store in multiple cold unit observed stored without cover. Provide cover before storing.
590.003/3-302.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting board (raw meat/ prep station) observed heavily scored. Resurface/replace
590.004/4-501.12-C
70
Apr 16, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to provide active managerial controls.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Several containers of food prep from previous night and today observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date to all foods prep before storing.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handsinks observed without paper towels. Provide means to dry hands after washing. (corrected on site)
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Warewashing and prep area hansinks observed blocked by empty gallons of milk and bucket of peeled onion. Discontinue and maintain accessible to prevent contamination by hands. (corrected on site)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main cutting board observed heavily scored . Resurface/ Replace
590.004/4-501.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple bulk food storage bins stored in basement area observed without lables. Provide labels when removed from original containers.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Several containers of foods stored in the 2 door upright refrigerator unit observed without cover . Provide and maintain covered to prevent contaminations
590.003/3-302.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Single use plastic containers being used to dispense sauce/ seasoning out of bulk food bins. Discontinue and use handled scoop to prevent contamination by hand.
590.003/3-304.12-C
55
Oct 16, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 8 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 16 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Bucket of 6lbs of onion sauce 8 gallonsof milk observed stored at inside non operating walking unit temp 86F per PIC walking unit stop working the night before. PIC voluntarily discarded and denature with bleach both products. CFPM to retrain staff to monitor accurate temp. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P
Mechanical warewashing equipment wash solution temperature (pf)
Inspector notes: High temperature dishwasher washing cycle observed at 110F vs 160F per dataplate. Repair
590.004/4-501.110-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen handsink observed without paper towels. Provide proper means to drying hands.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Warewahing are hand sink observed without hand cleanser. Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Warewashing area handsink observed blocked by dishes. Discontinue and maintain accessible all time to prevent contamination by hands. (corrected on site)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior and exterior of all refrigeration units observed soiled from visible food spills and hand prints interior of middle 3 basin observed soiled interior of food prep sink observed soiled interior and exterior of dishwasher observed soiled exterior of all storage bins downstairs in the basement area observed soiled. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide irreversible thermometer for the hight temp dishwasher. Provide
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Numerous containers of food stored in the refrigeration unit observed without date marking. Per PIC foods were prep the night before 10.16.24 Provide date marking with made/discard date.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Person in charge must be properly trained on all managerial controls. Certified Manager must retrain all staff on P's and PF's violations noted.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Both kitchen hand sink and staff restroom observed soiled. Clean and sanitize to remove.
590.006/6-501.18-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed cardboard use to line the floor inside walking unit. Discontinue
590.006/6-201.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting board observed heavily scored and soiled. Resurface/ clean to remove
590.004/4-501.12-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Walking unit observed not operating with temperature 86F. Repair High temperature dishwasher gauge observed not operating .Repair
590.004/4-501.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent observed heavily soiled. Clean to remove. Hood sticker expires: 10.26.24
590.004/4-202.18-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Food dispensing utensils observed stored in stagnant water and single use plastic containers being used to dispense out of bulk food bins. . Discontinue and use handled scoop to prevent contamination by hand.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple containers of food stored in the refrigerator observed without cover. Provide and maintain covered.
590.003/3-302.11-C
27
Jun 18, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention device when required (p)
Inspector notes: Food prep sink observed without proper air gap.Install food prep sink with proper airgap or provide a plumbers report variance request and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.
590.005/5-203.14-P
86
Mar 22, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 7 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food disposition (p)
Inspector notes: Multiple containers of food held for more than 24hours observed without date marking . Provide
590.003/3-501.18-P
Backflow prevention device when required (p)
Inspector notes: Food prep sink observed without proper air gap.Install food prep sink with proper airgap or provide a plumbers report variance request and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.
590.005/5-203.14-P
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed staff wipping dirty hands on his aprons. CFPM to retrain staff when to wash hands. Instructed staff to wash his hands before starting a new task.
590.002/2-301.14-P
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Warewashing handsink observed without hand cleanser. Provide . Correted on site by PIC
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Some evidence of rodent activity in the kitchen area . Provide most recent pest control report from a licensed exterminator.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen hand sink observed blocked with trash can. Discontinue. Maintain clean accessible. Corrected on site by PIC
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior and exterior of prep sink hand sink interior and exterior of microwave all storage bins all condiment holders interior of chest freezer observed with heavy ice build up exterior of rice cooker observed soiled interior and exterior of all refrigeration units observed soiled.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips available on site. Provide. Inspector use her test strip. 100ppm Chlorine .
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Person in charge must be properly trained to monitor hand washing understand proper procedures for manual ware washing of equipment ensure proper cleaning methods and frequency for clean in place of food and non food contact surfaces and review responsibilities for company illness procedures. Certified Manager must retrain all staff.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events on site. Provide
590.002/2-501.11-PF
When a haccp plan is required (c)
Inspector notes: Per PIC yogurt is made on site. Discontinue and contact ISD Health for possible HACCP
590.008/8-201.13-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting board observed heavily scored. Resurface or replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple buckets of food observed stored on the floor inside the walkin unit. Discontinue
590.003/3-305.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed plastic containers stored inside bulk items as dispensing utensils. Discontinue .
590.003/3-304.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple containers of food observed stored in the refrigerator without cover. Provide and maintain
590.003/3-302.11-C
25
Oct 19, 2023
Routine
3 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Visible rodent activity in the rear alleyway / trash area - address
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Preventing contamination from hands (pf)
Inspector notes: Soap and paper towels are located across the room far away from the hand sink - relocate as discussed
590.003(C)/3-301.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: No disclosure for the lamb kabobs - address
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Keep elevated off the floors after use
590.006/6-501.16-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the entire kitchen floor especially under all cooking equipment from food spills
590.006/6-101.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all loose trash and debris around trash barrels and dumpster
590.005/5-501.15-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all receptacles have proper fitting covers
590.005/5-501.113-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Clean obnoxious odors and soils
590.005/5-402.12-C
Preclearing (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all foods burn on the inside of the large pots before attempting to clean
590.004/4-603.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean interior / exterior of all freezers and refrigeration units
590.004/4-602.13-C
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure to have an ample area to properly air dry large pots and pans
590.004/4-204.119-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean where needed
590.004/4-202.18-C
Wood use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Discartd wooden spoons with visible burn marks and splintered ends
590.004/4-101.17-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Elevate all foods off the floors a minimum of six inches during storage
590.003/3-305.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up as discussed
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Replace cups with scoops that have handles when dispensing condiments
590.003/3-304.12-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post PIC copy of food safety on site
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all food handlers are wearing proper hair restraints when working with foods
590.002/2-402.11-C
35
Mar 29, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace missing test strips
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside / outside of all refrigeration / freezer units - clean exteror of all cooking equipment and bulk food storage bins from visible food spills stains and soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Replace compromised door sweep in the rear delivery door
590.006/6-501.111-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floors thoughout the restaurant from visible food spills
590.006/6-101.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure the lid for the dumpster is closed after use
590.005/5-501.15-C
Wiping cloths air drying location (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue leaving soiled im use wiping cloths on top of counters and table tips - store in a segragated bin and location as discussed [ not on the floor or near any exterior openings that may attract potential rodent activity
590.004/4-901.12-C
Storage of soiled linens (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue keeping soiled aprons and rags stored on the floors as it can cause rodent activity - address immediately
590.004/4-803.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean vents in the hood wehere needed - schedule hood cleaning as discussed
590.004/4-202.18-C
Wood use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all splintered wooden cutting boards where needed
590.004/4-101.17-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all foods are being elevated off the floors during storage
590.003/3-305.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set upmas discussed - one for raw foods and raw foods prep areas and a second for all ready to eat foods including fresh produce
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all utensuils used to dispense condiments shall have a proper handle on them to reduce bare hand contact
590.003/3-304.12-C
52
Oct 12, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Non-continuous cooking of raw animal foods (p)
Inspector notes: Partially cooking halal lamb - either fully cook to order or fully cook and hot hold at 135F or cool within the proper perimeter and re-heat as discussed
590.003/3-401.14-P
Temperature measuring devices food-accuracy (pf)
Inspector notes: No properly working food thermometeron site - address
590.004/4-203.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: New menus do not have the proper consu er advisory or allergen awareness verbiage - address as discussed during inspection
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue the use of sponges to clean and food contact surfaces and / or pots pand and utensils - o.k to use to clean all " non-food contact surfaces such as floors walls and ceilings ]
590.004/4-101.16-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all visible soils and char burns
590.004/4-202.18-C
Washing fruits and vegetables (c)
Inspector notes: Properly and clearly identify the prep sink in the kitchen
590.003/3-302.15-C
61
Apr 14, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Hot holding for chicken curry out at 125F mainrain at 135F and / or above as discussed
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace broken food thermometer
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Drain boards (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure slotted shelving units are placed above the three bay sink in order for water to dispense from large pots and pans to properly air dry
590.004/4-301.13-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean all kitchen surfaces as discussed from visible food spoills stains and soils
590.006/6-201.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post food safety certificate as diuscussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all personal belongings scattered gthroughout the food prep area
590.006/6-501.114-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all rusted areas and visible soils
590.005/5-402.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean exterior of all cooking equjipment - exterior of all refrigeration and freezer units from all visible soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the vents in the hood as discussed where needed from a collection of carbon build up
590.004/4-202.18-C
58

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant on file is from Oct 28, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant?

Across the inspection record, “in-use utensils between-use storage” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant.

How does Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Jamaica Plain?

Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Jamaica Plain average of 83.

Has Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant have averaged around 10 violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant 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 Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Tikki Masala Indian Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.