Chiya Chai Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 8, 2026
78
Score
Public records show 21 inspections at Chiya Chai Cafe stretching back to 2016. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 8, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around six violations per visit versus roughly one violation earlier in the record.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 12 times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Chiya Chai Cafe on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 8, 2026
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED YOGURT COOLER AND 2 DOOR COOLER WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED, WITHOUT THERMOMETER INSIDE UNIT TO MONITOR TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER OPERATING WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS (RETAURANT MATERIALS, BOXES, STORAGE BINS, MIXERS STORED ON BASEMENT FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL SAID ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN THE PREMISES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASMENT PREP/STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE.
56
78
Jan 6, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS COOKED CHICKEN, 15 LBS CAULIFLOWER, 4 LBS SAMOSA, 10 LBS MASALA SAUCE. ALL SAID FOOD ITEMS RANGED BETWEEN 50-58F AND STORED INSIDE UPRIGHT COOLER AS WELL AS 2 DOOR COOLER WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE COLD TCS FOODS AT 41F AND BELOW AND MAINTAIN. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD ITEMS AT THIS TIME. TOTAL COST $1070. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 HANDSINKS LOCATED IN (IN USE)REAR PREP AREA WITHOUT HOT OR COLD RUNNING WATER DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH A VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING MILK, SAMOSAS, CHICKEN, AND CHOPPED TOMATOES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERNAL LID OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT PREP/STORAGE AREA WITH PINK AND BLACK SLIME BUILDUP ON INTERNAL LID DRIPPING ONTO ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED YOGURT COOLER AND 2 DOOR COOLER WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED, WITHOUT THERMOMETER INSIDE UNIT TO MONITOR TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER OPERATING WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL KITCHENWARE (BOWLS, PANS, POTS, WORKING KITCHENWARE) STORED IMPROPERLY THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREA AND STORAGE IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS (RETAURANT MATERIALS, BOXES, STORAGE BINS, MIXERS STORED ON BASEMENT FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL SAID ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN THE PREMISES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASMENT PREP/STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS SHALL OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE FOR REVIEW.
58
43
Apr 21, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. FOUND 20 POUNDS OF CHICKEN CURRY AT 64.3F AND 5 POUNDS OF SOUR CREAM AT 63.2F.PRIORITY VIOLATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.DISPOSED OF 25 POUNDS TCS FOODS.
22
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: FOODHANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT.MUST PROVIDE.
40
82
Nov 14, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOPS NEED TO BE HUNG AFTER USE TO PREVENT SMALL FLIES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT NEEDS TO BE ORGANIZED AND STORED UP OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS FOR PEST MONITORING AND CLEANING.
55
90
Dec 4, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 13, 2023
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: PREP COOLER REMAINS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME.
33
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO THE DISH WASHING AREA AND HALF WALL. CLEAN THE FOOD SPLASH ON THE CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
55
90
Sep 5, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED PORK AT 55F, LAMB AT 60F, PANEER CHEESE AT 59F, COOKED LENTILS AT 55F, AND COOKED RICE AT 57F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE AIR TEMPERATURE AT 55F INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER. THE PREP COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS MEATS AND CHEESE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE PREP COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS (FRIED EGGS). MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMIDER STATEMENT:"THESE FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO QAC SANITIZER TEST STRIPS ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2563914 ON 9/19/22 NOT CORRECTED: 55 - REMOVE THE EXCESSIVE CLUTTER FROM THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM (CARDBOARD BOXES, EMPTY OIL CONTAINERS, ETC). 57 - OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST VALID SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE KITCHEN WHILE PREPARING FOOD. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP COOLER AND CUTTING BOARDS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
50
Sep 19, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS PRESENT WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE AT 206F) WAS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REMOVE THE EXCESSIVE CLUTTER FROM THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM (CARDBOARD BOXES, EMPTY OIL CONTAINERS, ETC).
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
78
Aug 27, 2021
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD/GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED ON ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLES IN WALLS AT BOTH MENS AND WOMENS WASHSROOMS DUE TO DOOR HANDLES. MUST SEAL HOLES IN BOTH WASHROOM WALLS.
55
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK RIGHT SIDE COMPARTMENT STOPPER NOT WORKING. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING STOPPER FOR SAID LOCATION AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
51
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP AREA 1-DOOR STAND UP REACH IN COOLER AND BAR (RIGHT SIDE 3-DOOR COOLER) COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
47
74
Jun 15, 2020
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 8, 2020
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations.
View 5 violations
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE ADULT MOTHS AND LARVAE AND AN UNIDENTIFIED SMALL CRAWLING INSECT ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF OPEN BAGS OF CORN MEAL AND FLOUR IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD THE AFFECTED FOODS IMMEDIATELY. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
13
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 57.9F INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10# OF FOOD WORTH $70. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
22
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE SMALL FLIES AND MOTHS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED 10 SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS AND BOXES OF STOCK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. ALSO OBSERVED 10 LIVE MOTHS ON THE WALL AND AROUND OPEN BAGS OF FLOUR IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR ON THE PREMISES TO TEST THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER AT THE FINAL RINSE OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
55
Nov 7, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PROCEDURES FOR CLEANING UP VOMIT AND DIARRHEA, BUT IS MISSING SOME NECESSARY ITEMS AND A DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING VENT OVER THE MOP SINK DUSTY/NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN REMOVE THE DUST.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT FLOOR DRAIN COVER MISSING, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER.
55
82
Aug 26, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE PREP HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING ICE BIN COVERS AT ICE BINS IN PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ICE BIN COVERS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK FROM COLD HOLD UNIT BUILT INTO FRONT SERVICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
67
Apr 2, 2019
Complaint
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE ON CELL PHONE IN REAR PREP AREA ,THEN HE PUT IT DOWN AND THEN CONTINUED TO CUT ONIONS ON CUTTING BOARD.ANOTHER MALE EMPLOYEE HAD JUST CAME BACK IN TO FOOD PREP AREA AND PUT RAW CHICKEN INTO A LARGE PLASTIC CONTAINER,A MALE EMPLOYEE IN FRONT PREP AREA RETURNED TO PREP AREA AND WIPIED HIS FACE WITH HIS HANDS THEN TOUCHED COFFEE CUPS NEITHER ONE WASHED HANDS.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.COS(PRIORITY 7-38-010)
8
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION - NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN -UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INCOMPLETE DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24HOURS INSIDE OF COOLER.MUST COMPLETE DATE MARKINGS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
23
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE WAS NOT ON DUTY.MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (RICE,SOMAS,CHICKEN,ETC).MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 11:35 A.M..(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
2
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL REPACKAGED DESSERTS WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3- FLY STRIPS HANGING FROM CEILING IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE IN AREA.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX"1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR.MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON DISH AND OVERHEAD SHELVES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN FREEZER 1ST FL. PREP AREA.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT PEELING WOOD SURFACE UNDER DISH MACHINE IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA AND THE WOOD SURFACE COUNTER TOP IN WOMEN TOILET ROOM IN POOR REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STEAM TABLE,PREP TABLES,FRYER CABINET.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA AND BASEMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL HOLE IN WALL BEHIND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM DOOR.MUST REPAIR DAMAGED CEILING IN EMPLOYEES LOCKER ROOM.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTFICATE POSTED TO VIEW FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
27
May 10, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 4, 2018
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: Observed food not protected: found exposed waste water pipes above the front prep counter. Instructed facility to encase said pipes and maintain. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A
16
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed a waste water pipe above the rear dining room tables. Instructed facility to encase and maintain.
35
90
Mar 27, 2018
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: Observed food not protected: found exposed waste water pipes above the front prep counter. Instructed facility to encase said pipes and maintain. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A
16
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Observed prepackaged food for customer grab and go not labeled. Instructed facility to label properly and maintain. Observed bulk food containers not labeled. Instructed facility to label and maintain.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed torn refrigeration gaskets on the tall freezer and cooler in the kitchen. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed dirt and debris on the floor around the kitchen dish machine. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed the front counter walls underneath the counter tops and the walls around the mop sink to be dirty. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed a waste water pipe above the rear dining room tables. Instructed facility to encase and maintain.
35
78
Mar 20, 2018
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Observed potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures: on a cold, not operating flattop grill found 3lbs of cooked samosas at 75.1f, above an oven on a shelf found 2lbs of cooked chicken wings at 73.2f, in a steam table that was off and cold found 5lbs of cooked chicken masala at 86.1f and 10lbs of creamy masala sauce at 90.2f. Operator discarded and denatured said food valued at a total of $100. Instructed facility to maintain all potentially hazardous foods at 40f or below or 140f or above. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed the kitchen hand sink near the dish area to be blocked with a container of leafy greens. Instructed facility to maintain all hand sinks accessible and clear at all times. Facility removed at time of inspection. Observed the basement exposed hand sink in the newly added prep area blocked by utensils and other items. Instructed facility to maintain all hand sinks accessible and clear at all times. Facility removed at time of inspection. Critical violation 7-38-030.
11
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: Observed food not protected: found exposed waste water pipes above the basement prep/bottling area and above the front counter. Instructed facility to encase said pipes and maintain. Observed food not protected: found facility manually capping tea bottles for retail sale to customers in basement prep area without approval from CDPH. Instructed facility to cease manual capping, tagged capped bottles held for inspection by CDPH. Serious violation 7-38-005(a).
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: Observed no pest control log book on site. Instructed facility to maintain service from a licensed pest control company with a complete log book (service receipts, IDPH license, and a map or list of bait stations). Serious violation 7-38-020.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Observed prepackaged food for customer grab and go not labeled. Instructed facility to label properly and maintain. Observed bulk food containers not labeled. Instructed facility to label and maintain.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed torn refrigeration gaskets on the tall freezer and cooler in the kitchen. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed dirt and debris on the floor around the kitchen dish machine. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed the front counter walls underneath the counter tops and the walls around the mop sink to be dirty. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed a waste water pipe above the rear dining room tables. Instructed facility to encase and maintain. Observed the basement ceiling above the bottling area to be exposed and rough. Instructed to make smooth, easily cleanable, and protected above the prep area.
35
67
Oct 3, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Above violation still remaining( Bsmt storage shelving that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/replaced).
32
95
Sep 26, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: Found observed rear entrance door not rodent proofed, door had 1/4 inch gap on left side corner of door citation issued 7-38-020, serious violation.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: Found/observed no certified food manager with a city of Chicago food sanitation certificate while preparing, handling, serving potentially hazardous foods(chicken curry, creamy masala chicken, cooked vegetables, etc..)at time of inspection, citation issued 7-38-012, serious violation.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cutting boards that had deep cuts in kitchen prep area, shall be replaced. Bsmt storage shelving that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of ice machine(exterior)not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning. Prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor in walk in cooler under shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in bsmt storage areas under shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors behind dish machine area not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners). Floors under cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
78
May 12, 2016
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE CLUTTER AT THE BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
41
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chiya Chai Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chiya Chai Cafe on file is from Jan 8, 2026. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chiya Chai Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 12 times, more than any other issue at Chiya Chai Cafe.
Has Chiya Chai Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Chiya Chai Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Chiya Chai Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Chiya Chai Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chiya Chai Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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