Happy Buffet
Last inspected: Feb 27, 2026
35
Score
Inspectors have visited Happy Buffet nine times, with records going back to 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 27, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near 12 violations per visit.
“Floor area(s) covered with standing water” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average sits at 76, which Happy Buffet's 35 doesn't quite reach. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
9
Inspections
6
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 27, 2026
Complaint Full
6 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed advil pills on top of dish machine. Employee removed pills. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed Can with Chocolate pudding dented.
01B-01-4
High Priority - Metal stem-type thermometer soiled. Operator cleaned thermometer before calibration. **Corrected On-Site**
22-12-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed plastic containers used to store food no food grade , dry storage and inside walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
14-15-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on buffet line Observed at buffet bean sprouts (50F - Cold Holding); according to operator placed 45 minutes ago., operator placed ice bag under sprouts to cool dawn.., 20 minutes ago after, bean sprouts (40F - Cold Holding **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at steam table chicken nuggets (110F - Hot Holding), Operator discarded chicken nuggets. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
03B-01-6
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at kitchen area and ware washing area. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee water bottle on top of preparation table. Manager discarded water bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
35
Dec 11, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed seafood salad according to manager placed last night inside reach in cooler seafood salad (51F - Cold Holding).
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed seafood salad according to manager placed last night inside reach in cooler seafood salad (51F - Cold Holding),hibachi area placed 30 minutes prior cut ham (49F - Cold Holding), operator added ice to cut ham Salad was discarded. seafood salad (51F - Cold Holding) **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken container inside walk in cooler stored over sacks with potatoes. Operator moved potatoes away from raw chicken on a pallet six inches above the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed carton of shell eggs stored above soy and sweet and sour sauce inside reach in cooler. Operator placed shell eggs on shelf under sauces containers. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed grinder mixer under prep table across from walk in cooler soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed cleaning sponges inside hand washing sink, also sink used as dump sink. **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed inside reach in cooler for pizza.
14-05-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cleaning sponges at kitchen grooved white cutting board, operator discarded and replaced cutting board. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee wearing a big wrist watch while cooking. Employee removed wrist watch. **Corrected On-Site**
13-07-4
Basic - Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. Observed grease on ground grease receptacle on parking area rear of restaurant.
33-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle touching flour inside container, operator stored scoop with handle upwards. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in a metal container water at 85F. Operator discarded water and stored utensils on top of flat grill, water at 140 F. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-07-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in coolers at kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at dining area and kitchen soiled ceiling tiles. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
30
Apr 9, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed inside walk in cooler cooked chicken stored under raw fish and raw chicken. Employee arranged food properly, raw chicken bottom shelf, raw fish above raw chicken and cooked chicken on top shelf above raw animal foods. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed front of hibachi station bean sprouts (48F - Cold Holding). According to to employee placed 30 minutes ago, Employee placed an ice bag under bean sprouts for rapid chill. 10 minutes after, bean sprouts (40F - Cold Holding) **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. Employee cleaned can opener at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Soap dispenser broken at men bathroom.
31B-06-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing chlorine sanitizer at ware washing area not labeled. Manager labeled spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed personal drink on top of table next to rice warmer at kitchen. Manager discarded employee beverage. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed at dipper well at ice cream station handle missing. **Repeat Violation**
29-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed inside walk in cooler, boxes with raw chicken gizzards on the floor and plant food stored on the floor at walk in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed sugar scoop handle touching the sugar inside bin at kitchen. Manager stored scoop with handle upwards. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at prep area. **Repeat Violation**
21-04-4
43
Oct 11, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed non food grade plastic containers used to stored pork belly and raw fish at walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
14-15-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp stored above onions at walk in cooler. Operator moved the shrimp to another shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler at kitchen, cooked pork (55F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (51F - Cold Holding); according to manager placed 90 minutes prior, employee put food items inside reach in freezer for rapid chill. Observed bean sprouts (45F - Cold Holding)at hibachi station. Operator put ice on bean sprouts container for rapid chill. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand wash sink at drink station area used as a dump sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed walk in cooler and walk in freezer handles soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed between kitchen and walk in coolers ceiling soiled.
36-34-5
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed at dipper well at ice cream station. **Repeat Violation**
29-09-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water at kitchen area and dishwashing area.
36-22-4
Basic - In-use utensil used with moist food stored in running water with insufficient velocity to flush food particles away. Observed ice cream scoop inside dipper well at ice cream station at buffet area.
10-03-4
Basic - No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray. Observed no container to catch grease at hoods kitchen area.
14-73-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelf under prep table soiled. Observed fans at walk in cooler soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet cloth not stored in sanitizing solution at preparation area sushi station.
21-12-4
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 0ppm). Operator prepared a bucket with water and sanitizing solution Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 100ppm). **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
37
May 29, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed inside walk in cooler plastic containers used to store pork belly, and black containers used to store flour, no food grade.
14-15-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw ch stored over box of unwashed broccoli inside reach in cooler.. Employee stored raw chicken on bottom shelf under broccoli box. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee washing towels in the hand wash sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed on walk in freezer and cooler. **Repeat Violation**
23-24-4
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed at dipper well at ice cream area. **Repeat Violation**
29-09-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed inside walk in cooler. Employee mop and dried floo. **Corrected On-Site**
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic containers with pork belly stored on the floor inside walk in cooler. Employee stored food containers six Inc above the floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handles buried inside flour. **Repeat Violation**
10-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour containers no labeled.
02D-01-5
50
Nov 8, 2023
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed salmon and raw tuna containers stored above cooked broccoli container at reach in cooler. Employee stored raw items on bottom shelf under ready to eat food and vegetables. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on hibachi station cooked noodles (49F - Cold Holding); bean sprouts (49F - Cold Holding); according to manager placed on table 45 minutes ago. Employee took items and placed them in walk in cooler for rapid chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/01/2023
50-17-3
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed meta sponge inside hand wash sink. Employee removed metal sponge from in hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed inside reach in cooler containers with cooked pork, cooked chicken , cut ham and breaded fried chicken, according to cook from the day before around 11:00 am, no date labeled. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard inside reach in cooler used to store cheese pizzas. Employee removed card boards. **Corrected On-Site**
14-05-4
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed on dipper well next to ice cream freezer.
29-09-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at storage and ware washing areas standing water on the floor. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed in front of walk in cooler and freezer missing tiles. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed soy sauce buckets and box wit melons stored on the floor inside walk in cooler. Employee stored food buckets and box with melons six inches above the floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed shelves rusted inside reach in coolers at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking faucet at utility sink at Sushi preparation area.
29-11-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet Mops on the floor, Employee stored the mops properly. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed towels on top of counters and prep areas.
21-12-4
33
Sep 6, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Cooler two door kitchen ; containers with cooked pork, cooked chicken , cut ham and breaded fried chicken, according to cook from the day before no date labeled. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-06: Observed Cooler two door kitchen ; containers with cooked pork, cooked chicken , cut ham and breaded fried chicken, according to cook from the day before no date labeled. **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed on metal containers At drying rack by ware washing area. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-06: Observed Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed on metal containers At drying rack by ware washing area. **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at storage and ware washing areas. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-06: Observed Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at storage and ware washing areas. **Time Extended**
36-22-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in coolers at kitchen. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-06: Observed inside reach in coolers at kitchen. **Time Extended**
14-33-4
78
Jul 7, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw ch container stored above a box of broccoli inside walk in cooler. Manager stored raw chicken in a different shelf away from vegetables. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed for MIN HUA XIAO 02/25/2018 expired **Warning**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Observed no available for any employees. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Cooler two door kitchen ; containers with cooked pork, cooked chicken , cut ham and breaded fried chicken, according to cook from the day before no date labeled. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed at ware washing area. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed on metal containers At drying rack by ware washing area. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at storage and ware washing areas. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed tilapia boxes stored on the floor inside walk in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil used with moist food stored in running water with insufficient velocity to flush food particles away. Observed at ice cream station. Manager open faucet for dipper well more. **Corrected On-Site**
10-03-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed an open soda container in reach in cooler at kitchen. Manager discarded soda container. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed inside reach in cooler at kitchen across from wok. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in coolers at kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
37
Nov 7, 2022
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 5 major violations. 20 minor violations.
View 31 violations
High Priority - Food preparation sink has soil/old food residue.
22-35-5
High Priority - Metal stem-type thermometer soiled.
22-12-5
High Priority - Raw animal food not separated from ready-to-eat food during preparation. Observed raw salmon stored above cooked pork inside walk in cooler. Employee rearranged properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-14-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken stored above cut veggies in shelves inside walk in cooler. Employee rearranged properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at 12:00 pm raw chicken 48 ( - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (46F - Cold Holding); at 12:44pm raw chicken (43F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (42F - Cold Holding)
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked steak (126F - Hot Holding); cooked potatoes (131F - Hot Holding); fried rice (130F - Hot Holding); cooked steak (168F - Reheating); cooked potatoes (168F - Reheating); fried rice (169F - Reheating).
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge failed to notify the division of employee diagnosed with Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Shigella spp., Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Typhoid fever (caused by Salmonella Typhi) or Salmonella (nontyphoidal).
11-01-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. Also cutting boards throughout kitchen.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed prepared food on containers over 24 hours not date marked.
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sponges inside hand wash sink next to preparation table.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rusted shelves in all reach in cooler units throughout kitchen.
22-31-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt and sugar container not labeled with common name in kitchen area.
02D-01-5
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed in kitchen area.
36-01-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at the back of the kitchen.
36-22-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris in three-compartment sink.
16-07-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed inside sugar container. Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed throughout kitchen.
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed in dishwasher area.
36-32-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment and/or utensils in chilled room not cleaned at the frequency required based on the temperature of the room.
22-14-5
Basic - Food storage container for time/temperature control for safety food not cleaned after being emptied prior to refilling. Observed soiled containers inside reach in cooler throughout kitchen.
22-09-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed inside walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Observed in cook line.
10-02-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Soiled wet wiping cloth placed in use with fresh solution. Observed throughout kitchen.
21-13-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed trays with desserts not covered inside walk in cooler. Employee cover food during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed throughout kitchen.
21-12-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed in preparation table.
21-09-4
9
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Happy Buffet last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Happy Buffet on file is from Feb 27, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Happy Buffet?
Across the inspection record, “floor area(s) covered with standing water” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Happy Buffet.
How does Happy Buffet compare to other restaurants in Hialeah?
Happy Buffet most recently scored 35 out of 100, which is lower than the Hialeah average of 76.
Has Happy Buffet's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Happy Buffet have averaged around 12 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Happy Buffet means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Happy Buffet inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Happy Buffet is inspected around three times per year on average.
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