Tikka Masalaa
Last inspected: Apr 8, 2026
58
Score
Going back to 2022, Tikka Masalaa has 11 inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 8, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around 11 violations per visit lately, up from roughly eight violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “no handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
That's lower than the typical Tampa restaurant, which scores around 79. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 8, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple cutting boards in establishment soiled. Can opener next to tandoori oven soiled. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple cutting boards in establishment with cut marks. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled beneath front line cook. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave at server station and oven in front line cook soiled. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Sides and interior cabinet of deep fryer. Drip trays and sides of front line stove. Hood filters are all soiled. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Establishment no longer provides buffet service. Unused buffet table in dining room. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
33-31-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Multiple walls in back kitchen area soiled. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from pipe. Water leaking from pipe at hand washing sink next to tandoori oven. Operator placed a pan to catch leaking water at time of inspection. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
29-11-4
58
Apr 7, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Waste water backing up from floor drains inside kitchen area when dish machine or sinks are running. 1 drain is located 6 feet from kitchen entrance between handwash sink and dish machine. 1 drain located at front line cook between stove and reach in cooler. 1 drain located next to three compartment sink. Operator will not be able to isolate the waste water as it is throughout the kitchen area. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: Waste water backing up from drain on front line cook when dish machine and all faucets are turned on. No waste water backing up at drain by kitchen entrance or at three compartment sink. Operator voluntarily closed establishment until drains could be cleared from back up. **Admin Complaint**
28-26-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple cutting boards in establishment soiled. Can opener next to tandoori oven soiled. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple cutting boards in establishment with cut marks. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled beneath front line cook. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave at server station and oven in front line cook soiled. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Sides and interior cabinet of deep fryer. Drip trays and sides of front line stove. Hood filters are all soiled. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Establishment no longer provides buffet service. Unused buffet table in dining room. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended**
33-31-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Multiple walls in back kitchen area soiled. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from pipe. Water leaking from pipe at hand washing sink next to tandoori oven. Operator placed a pan to catch leaking water at time of inspection. - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-07: **Time Extended**
29-11-4
50
Apr 6, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Waste water backing up from floor drains inside kitchen area when dish machine or sinks are running. 1 drain is located 6 feet from kitchen entrance between handwash sink and dish machine. 1 drain located at front line cook between stove and reach in cooler. 1 drain located next to three compartment sink. Operator will not be able to isolate the waste water as it is throughout the kitchen area. **Admin Complaint**
28-26-5
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. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple cutting boards in establishment soiled. Can opener next to tandoori oven soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Employee hand washing sink next to tandoori oven bought by table and waste basket. Operator unblocked sink at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Multiple squeeze bottles with sauces on front line not labeled.
02D-01-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Cooked potato and multiple sauces inside walk-in cooler not covered. Operator covered all items at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple cutting boards in establishment with cut marks.
14-09-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled beneath front line cook.
36-73-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave at server station and oven in front line cook soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing hand washing signs at both front line hand washing sinks. Operator posted signs at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Sides and interior cabinet of deep fryer. Drip trays and sides of front line stove. Hood filters are all soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Establishment no longer provides buffet service. Unused buffet table in dining room. **Repeat Violation**
33-31-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Multiple walls in back kitchen area soiled.
36-27-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe. Water leaking from pipe at hand washing sink next to tandoori oven. Operator placed a pan to catch leaking water at time of inspection.
29-11-4
39
Jun 11, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Run 3 times and primed . Recheck 100 ppm chlorine **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
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 - No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled at the bar .
41-17-4
Basic - Interior of oven and microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at cook line
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -soiled shelves at cook line area - soiled interior of nonworking reach in cooler used for storage - soiled shelves in walk in cooler
23-03-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover at cook line
14-20-4
Basic - Stored food ( cooked meats and vegetables ) not covered in walk in cooler
08B-12-5
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment ( non working buffet equipment) on the premises in dining area l
33-31-5
45
Feb 17, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
70
Dec 10, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered the establishment from outside, then handled plated food to served guests without washing hands first. **Warning**
12A-16-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled with old food substance. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken, cooked chickpea and various cooked food in walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Dish machine tested 0ppm chlorine. Sanitizer bucket empty, no ware washing at time of inspection. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Handwash sink at end corner on cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with accumulation of grease. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
47
Mar 4, 2024
Complaint Full
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No proof of training for 2 food employees. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-04: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
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. Cooked goat, cooked chicken and other food in walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-04: **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
82
Feb 28, 2024
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Approximately 35 live flies observed in rice storage area between kitchen and dining room. 4 live flies at buffet line in dining area. 1 live fly at bar area. **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired on 02/01/2024. **Warning**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw shrimps stored over whole carrots and other whole vegetables in walk-in cooler. **Warning**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. Observed multiple cracked raw shell eggs stored and pooled with other raw shell eggs in the same container in walk-in cooler. **Warning**
01B-14-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked goat, cooked chicken and other food in walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple spice containers soiled with old food debris. Can opener soiled with grease. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No proof of training for 2 food employees. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. All 3 handwash sinks in kitchen. Operator post signs. No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink on cook line. No soap provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink on cook line. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Interior of the handwash sinks soiled with food debris and grease. Hood filters soiled with grease. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
35
Nov 8, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs stored over cheese and sauces in walk-in cooler. Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other during preparation based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw shell eggs stored over raw shrimps in walk-in cooler.
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. A container of standing water with cooking utensils stored in handwash sink at cook line. Operator removed. **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. Cooked chicken, cooked chickpea and various cooked food not date marked in walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
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. Provided by email.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Spice containers soiled with old food debris on cook line. Cutting boards stained on cook line.
22-02-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. At cook line. Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. At cook line. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Handwash sinks at cook line and wait station.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Handwash sink soiled with old food debris at cook line.
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Cooked chickpea, cooked chicken and various cooked/prepped food items not covered in walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in Freezer. Light bulbs burned. **Repeat Violation**
38-04-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Reach-in cooler door handles at cook line.
23-24-4
37
May 16, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
25
Dec 20, 2022
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained. Can opener blade soiled. Interior of the reach-in coolers. Ice scoop soiled in ice machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
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. Cooked chicken, cooked chickpea and various cooked/prepped items in walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple reach-in cooler gaskets torn. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of the reach-in cooler doors, microwave and multiple large cooking equipments on cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: Operator cleaned some equipments. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Stored food not covered. Cooked chicken, cooked chickpea and various cooked/prepped items in walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: **Time Extended**
08B-12-5
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tikka Masalaa last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tikka Masalaa on file is from Apr 8, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tikka Masalaa?
Across the inspection record, “no handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Tikka Masalaa.
How does Tikka Masalaa compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Tikka Masalaa most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Tikka Masalaa's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Tikka Masalaa have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Tikka Masalaa 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 Tikka Masalaa inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tikka Masalaa is inspected around three times per year on average.
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