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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Chiya Chai Cafe

79 E Madison St

Last inspected Jun 15, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass

Jun 15, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

9 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(COS)

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (MILK,SAMOSA,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 12:20 P.M.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR OF 2ND FL. STORAGE AREA AND MILK STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE OFF OF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC WEAR LAYING DOWN IN TRAY FOR SELF SERVICE MUST STORE WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR PAPER GOODS STORAGE IN PREP AREA AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS AND CARDBOARD FROM LID OF GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 15, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 9, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 9, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Sep 23, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12: OBSERVED BLACK BUILDUP ON INTERIOR FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED BROWN BUILDUP ON INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SPILLAGE AND BUILDUP ALONG BASES OF WALL AND FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG BASES OF WALL AND FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 23, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 23, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TWO DOOR DISPLAY COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 66.6F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON TWO DOOR DISPLAY COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IN USE UTENSILS STORED IN CONTAINERS OF WATER BETWEEN USES ON COUNTER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED DURING PAUSES IN FOOD PREPARATION OR DISPENSING UTENSILS SHALL BE STORED ON A CLEAN PORTION OF THE FOOD PREPARATION TABLE OR COOKING EQUIPMENT ONLY IF THE IN USE UTENSIL AND THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE FOOD PREPARATION TABLE OR COOKING EQUIPMENT ARE CLEANED AND SANITIZED THROUGHOUT THE DAY AT LEAST EVERY FOUR HOURS.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CASES AND BOXES OF WATER, SINGLE USE NAPKINS AND SPICES STORED ON FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BLACK BUILDUP ON INTERIOR FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED BROWN BUILDUP ON INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DEBRIS AND BUILDUP ALONG BASES OF WALL AND FLOOR UNDERNEATH ONE COMPARTMENT AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED SPILLAGE AND BUILDUP ALONG BASES OF WALL AND FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG BASES OF WALL AND FLOOR UNDERNEATH ONE COMPARTMENT AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 11:44 AM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 11:44 AM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 57.4-63.0F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS CONTAINING MILK, MILK CAKE(57.4-63.0F) AND RASMALAI(59.0-61.9F)HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $120 WEIGHING 5LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 4, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE BOXES AND BOWLS STORED FACING UP ABOVE THE HOT HOLING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICES ITEMS.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE SIDES AND FAUCET OF THE SCOOP RINSE SINK NEXT TO THE HOT DRINK PREPARATION AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA FREE OF FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE BUILD UP.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TWO SOILED FLOOR DRAINS ALONG WESTERN WALL OF FRONT PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS TO BE CLEAR OF HEAVY FOOD DEBRIS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 4, 2024 · Original Source

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