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CHIYA CHAI CAFE

79 E MADISON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60602 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CHIYA CHAI CAFE has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 12, 2021. The most recent inspection, on June 15, 2026, recorded 9 infractions.

2 of 9 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 9 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 15, 2026. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 4, 2024. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 23, 2025. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 20, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 15, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

9 inspections

  1. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(COS)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 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)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 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.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED PLASTIC WEAR LAYING DOWN IN TRAY FOR SELF SERVICE MUST STORE WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 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.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 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.
  4. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • 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.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 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.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • 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.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • 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
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • 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.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 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.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 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.
  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 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.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE BOXES AND BOWLS STORED FACING UP ABOVE THE HOT HOLING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICES ITEMS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 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.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 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.
  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • Inaccurate probe thermometer, Instructed to obtain accurate one.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • Packaged pudding not labeled in display cooler, instructed to label packaged food according to health code. i,e.
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FACILITY
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED RICE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN BULB CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF ICE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LARGE DRAIN HOLE IN FLOOR BY THE FRONT PREP AREA WHERE THE CUSTOMERS SIT. MUST FILL GAPS/ GROUT TO PREVENT DEBRIS AND LIQUID FROM ACCUMULATING IN THESE AREAS OF FLOORS. ALL FLOORS MUST BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  8. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS CHICKEN. MILK). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FACILITY
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED RICE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN BULB CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK FOR 2022. MANAGER HAD THE CONTRACT THAT WAS SIGNED FROM 9/24/21 AND HAS NOT HAD AN INSPECTION YET SINCE HE CAN NOT GET HOLD OF THEM. MUST PROVIDE LOGBOOK AND RECENT PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF ICE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LARGE DRAIN HOLE IN FLOOR BY THE FRONT PREP AREA WHERE THE CUSTOMERS SIT. MUST FILL GAPS/ GROUT TO PREVENT DEBRIS AND LIQUID FROM ACCUMULATING IN THESE AREAS OF FLOORS. ALL FLOORS MUST BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  9. License

    0 infractions

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