Chennai Cafe

1158 W Washington St, Tempe, AZ 85281

Café / Breakfast

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Jan 14, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Chennai Cafe has been inspected four times since 2025. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 14, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.

When inspectors have written things up, “certified food protection manager” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.

Restaurants in Tempe average 95, so Chennai Cafe trails the local norm. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 14, 2026

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed cooked biryani rice made yesterday in the walk-in cooler with a temperature of 49*F. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling. All TCS foods improperly cooled were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Discussed ensuring lids are not placed on cooling food

3-501.14

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

Oct 23, 2025

Reinspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: No food manager available at time of inspection, please ensure a certified food protection manager is present during all operating hours

2-102.12(A)

Oct 16, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

Hands not washed when required (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed employees precleaning dishes prior to loading them into machine, and then unloading clean wares without washing hands first. Please ensure hands are washed after they become contaminated and prior to handling clean wares

2-301.14

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed raw chicken being stored on shelf above cooked product and raw vegetables in prep top cooler. Raw product was moved to bottom shelf at time. Please ensure all raw animal products are stored safely and in a way that cannot contaminate ready to eat food items

3-302.11(A1-2)

Sanitizer test kit not available

Inspector notes: Establishment uses both QUAT and chlorine sanitizers but does not have test strips for either. Please obtain both QUAT and chlorine sanitizer testing strips, and ensure the appropriate sanitizer testing devices are available at all times

4-302.14

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: No food manager available at time of inspection, please ensure a certified food protection manager is present during all operating hours

2-102.12(A)

Jan 3, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed at the buffet table Tandoori chicken at 115F and Cabbage Porigal at 111F

3-501.16(A)(1)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Chennai Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Chennai Cafe on file is from Jan 14, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Chennai Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Chennai Cafe.

How does Chennai Cafe compare to other restaurants in Tempe?

Chennai Cafe most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Tempe average of 95.

Has Chennai Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chennai Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Chennai 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.

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Starbucks Coffee

871 W University Dr

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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