GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Saimai Thai

338 W Armitage Ave

Last inspected Feb 9, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Saimai Thai has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

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

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass

Feb 9, 2026

Pass

10 recorded violations

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED EMPLOYEES OPEN BEVERAGE IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST NOT CONSUME OPEN BEVERAGES IN FOOD PREP AREAS.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

MUST LABEL THE BULK FLOUR CONTAINER IN THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT STORE CLEAN UTENSILS AT THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED IN-USE COOKS LINE UTENSILS BEING STORED IN A CONTAINER OF WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF 64.7F. IF STORED IN WATER, MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR STORE ON/IN A CLEAN SURFACE/CONTAINER AND WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AS NEED OR EVERY 4 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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL STORED ITEMS UNDER THE WOK COOKS LINE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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

METAL SHELVING ABOVE THE STOVE STOVE EXTREMELY DIRTY WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

LEAK ON THE NOZZLE OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

NOTED SOILED MOP HEADS IN DIRTY MOP BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO HANG SOILED MOPS INVERTED AT THE UTILITY MOP SINK WHEN NOT IN USE.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.

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, Feb 9, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 19, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.111--OBSERVED HOLE IN OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MUST REPAIR.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 19, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 8, 2025

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 15Other

Official wording

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CROSS CONTAMINATION WITH RAW CHICKEN STORED DIRECTLY ON TOP OF RAW SHRIMP IN REFRIGERATOR. ALSO OBSERVED RAW PORK STORED DIRECTLY ON TOP OF CHICKEN. BOTH ITEMS WERE STORED TOGETHER IN CONTAINER WITH BLOOD DRIPPING FROM PORK AND CHICKEN. OBSERVED RAW SHRIMP DRIPPING IN CONTAINER WITH THE RAW CHICKEN STORED DIRECTLY ON TOP. MUST SEPARATE RAW ITEMS TO AVOID CROSS CONTAMINATION AND PROPERLY STORE BASED ON COOKING TEPERATURE. CFM VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 40 LBS AT A COST OF $200.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED METAL STEM THERMOMETER NOT WORKING TO TAKE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD. MANAGER HAS DIGITAL METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE WITH A DEAD BATTERY INSIDE OF THERMOMETER AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. MUST HAVE A WORKING METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE THAT IS READILY ACCESSIBLE TO TAKE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HOLE IN OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MUST REPAIR.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 8, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 2, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

NOTED FOOD HANDLER IN KITCHEN WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FULL ICE MACHINE AT FRONT BOBA PREP AREA WITH BUILD UP OF BROWN AND PINK SUBSTANCE ON THE TOP INTERIOR, IN CONTACT WITH ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED

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, Oct 2, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 27, 2023

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

: 3-307.11---: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD AT THE REAR PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK BETWEEN THE SINK AND PREP TABLE.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13---- NO VALID ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES OR TRAINING ON SITE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.

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, Nov 27, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 13, 2023

Fail

12 recorded violations

notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 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

NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR A VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENT AND ALL REQUIRED EQUIPMENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS, INCLUDING THE COOK'S LINE SPICES, MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

TO-GO FOOD CONTAINERS ON THE COOK'S LINE MUST BE STORED INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS FOUND DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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

FOAM WALL BUMPER GUARD BEHIND THE REAR BOX FREEZER DIRTY WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN OR REPLACE.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM 10-25-22 REPORT #2565861 NOT CORRECTED #41- 3-304.14: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKETS BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS-CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. #47- REPLACE BROKEN PLASTIC CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD AT THE REAR PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK BETWEEN THE SINK AND PREP TABLE.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

NOTED EXTREMELY LARGE OVERSIZED POTS IN THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM USED TO MAKE SAUCES, AS THE MANAGER STATED, UNABLE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK TO ENABLE WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. MUST REMOVE THE POTS FROM THE PREMISES AND PROVIDE POTS THAT CAN BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED IN THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK ON SITE OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

NO VALID ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES OR TRAINING ON SITE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.

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, Nov 13, 2023 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby