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Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

Gong Cha

270 Newbury St

Last inspected Apr 13, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

10 inspections

Inspection

Apr 13, 2026

Passed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food handlers handling foods without effective hair restraints; provide effective hair restraints for food handlers.

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
majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No vomit and diarrhea clean-up procedures were able to be presented during the inspection; provide.

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
majorCode 590.002(A)/2-101.11-PFPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The assigned person in charge was not able to answer questions about food temperature safety illness policy and sanitization and was not able to set up the three compartment sink; provide a person in charge who is knowlegable about food safety illness policy and sanitization.

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
majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The posted certified food protection manager and allergy awareness certificates expired in 2025; provide update certificates upon the reinspection.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a metal container with prepared tapioca pearls that per the person in charge had been prepared in the morning at 83F; hold TCS foods at 135F and above or 41F and below. The staff voluntarily discarded the tapioca pearls.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s notes

The interiors of the cabinets below the side-by-side sinks in the food prep area are heavily encrusted in soils the wall above the white wire rack above the induction cooktops is heavily soiled; clean and sanitize of soils.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

At the hand sink directly next to the entrance to the back of house and at the hand sink in the bathroom there were no approved hand drying devices at the hand sinks; provide hand drying devices at all times at the hand sinks.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide signage visible to customers stating "A copy of the most recent health inspection is available to view upon request." Provide allergen awareness posters in back of house for staff

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 13, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 6, 2026

Failed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food handlers handling foods without effective hair restraints; provide effective hair restraints for food handlers.

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
majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No vomit and diarrhea clean-up procedures were able to be presented during the inspection; provide.

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
majorCode 590.002(A)/2-101.11-PFPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The assigned person in charge was not able to answer questions about food temperature safety illness policy and sanitization and was not able to set up the three compartment sink; provide a person in charge who is knowlegable about food safety illness policy and sanitization.

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
majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The posted certified food protection manager and allergy awareness certificates expired in 2025; provide update certificates upon the reinspection.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a metal container with prepared tapioca pearls that per the person in charge had been prepared in the morning at 83F; hold TCS foods at 135F and above or 41F and below. The staff voluntarily discarded the tapioca pearls.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s notes

The interiors of the cabinets below the side-by-side sinks in the food prep area are heavily encrusted in soils the wall above the white wire rack above the induction cooktops is heavily soiled; clean and sanitize of soils.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

At the hand sink directly next to the entrance to the back of house and at the hand sink in the bathroom there were no approved hand drying devices at the hand sinks; provide hand drying devices at all times at the hand sinks.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide signage visible to customers stating "A copy of the most recent health inspection is available to view upon request." Provide allergen awareness posters in back of house for staff

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 6, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 25, 2025

Passed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

CFPM expires next week. Allergen certification expired last month. Provide current certifications.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Spills in back hallway and in trash cabinet next to counter. Water and soils in cabinet under shaker bar. Clean and sanitize all areas. Maintain areas clean and dry.

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 Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 25, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 18, 2025

Failed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

CFPM expires next week. Allergen certification expired last month. Provide current certifications.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Spills in back hallway and in trash cabinet next to counter. Water and soils in cabinet under shaker bar. Clean and sanitize all areas. Maintain areas clean and dry.

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 Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 18, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 28, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food handlers observed without hair restraints. Provide hats or hairnets.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-101.19-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Cardboard lining shelves. Discard and discontinue using cardboard to line shelves. Use materials that are durable cleanable and non-absorbent.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils and water under service line sink station. Clean and dry area. Monitor for possible leaks.

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
criticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s notes

Quats sanitizer testing over 500ppm Diluted to 200ppm. Review with staff for correct dilution.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 28, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 21, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food handlers observed without hair restraints. Provide hats or hairnets.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-101.19-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Cardboard lining shelves. Discard and discontinue using cardboard to line shelves. Use materials that are durable cleanable and non-absorbent.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils and water under service line sink station. Clean and dry area. Monitor for possible leaks.

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
criticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s notes

Quats sanitizer testing over 500ppm Diluted to 200ppm. Review with staff for correct dilution.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 21, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 27, 2024

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 27, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 29, 2024

Passed

9 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No frozen dessert manufacture permit for soft serve machine. Apply to isdhealth@boston.gov to add permit.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

3 compartment sink with soils and tea stains. Clean 3 compartment sink and discontinue dumping tea in sinks.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils and debris under 3 compartment sink behind grease trap and under back prep table. 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
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink at service line with towels and soap bottle. Keep hand sinks clear and avialable at all times for hand washing only.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wash bay of 3 compartment sink leaks. Repair as needed.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Sun light visible under back door. Install sweep to prevent pests from entering premises.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled wiping cloths used for wiping counter. Store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution 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
criticalCode 590.003(A)/3-201.11-POther

Official wording

Compliance with Food Law (P)

Inspector’s notes

Whole milk from Trader Joe's. Purchase milk from licensed whole sale company not from retail stores.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

3 compartment sink not set up for wash/rinse/sanitize while store is open and operating. Retrain staff to have 3 compartment sink set up while operating.

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 Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 29, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 22, 2024

Failed

9 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003(A)/3-201.11-POther

Official wording

Compliance with Food Law (P)

Inspector’s notes

Whole milk from Trader Joe's. Purchase milk from licensed whole sale company not from retail stores.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

3 compartment sink not set up for wash/rinse/sanitize while store is open and operating. Retrain staff to have 3 compartment sink set up while operating.

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
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink at service line with towels and soap bottle. Keep hand sinks clear and avialable at all times for hand washing only.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wash bay of 3 compartment sink leaks. Repair as needed.

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
majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No frozen dessert manufacture permit for soft serve machine. Apply to isdhealth@boston.gov to add permit.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled wiping cloths used for wiping counter. Store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution 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
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

3 compartment sink with soils and tea stains. Clean 3 compartment sink and discontinue dumping tea in sinks.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils and debris under 3 compartment sink behind grease trap and under back prep table. 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
minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Sun light visible under back door. Install sweep to prevent pests from entering premises.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 22, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 23, 2023

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Areas of floor around equipment with encrusted soils- Clean properly

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 Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 23, 2023 · Original Source

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