[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on November 24 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
In a routine inspection on November 24, China Gourmet was cited for several health code violations. Violations included uncovered containers, improper holding temperatures, and a damaged paper towel dispenser.
China Gourmet
- When: November 24, 2025
- Where: 2842 Saint Vincent St, Philadelphia, PA 19149
China Gourmet, known for its dim sum carts and large aquarium. The restaurant offers more than 50 varieties of dim sum.
According to the health inspection report, the restaurant was found to have several areas of non-compliance. They are as follows:
- A food employee was seen touching egg rolls with bare hands in the bakery area.
- Soap was not available at the handwash sinks in both the bakery and warewashing areas.
- There was food debris, along with colanders and sponges, in the hand-washing sinks.
- The report said containers with raw beef, cauliflower florets, and shrimp were stacked uncovered in the prep area. More uncovered containers were found in reach-in and under-counter refrigerators.
- In the kitchen, vegetables were washed in a sink used for garbage disposal, according to the report.
- An ice scoop was found buried inside the ice machine.
- Black residue and pink slime were seen inside the ice machine bins in the coffee areas.
- Fried chicken was stored at 80°F instead of the required 41°F or below. The sanitarian instructed staff to refrigerate the product until use.
- Food items in walk-in coolers, reach-in refrigerators, and under-counter units were not date-marked, the report said.
- Several bulk ingredient containers were missing labels identifying the common name of the food.
- Visible evidence of rodent activity, including mouse droppings, was found on floors throughout the facility.
- An insect electric control device was located in the food prep area.
- Inspectors also documented house fly activity in the women’s restroom.
- The side door was left open during the inspection, and gaps were noted under the same door near the warewashing area.
- Boxes of food were stored directly on the floor in the rear walk-in freezer and walk-in cooler.
- Moist wiping cloths were left on counters rather than stored in a sanitizing solution.
- Common bowls or containers without handles were stored in direct contact with bulk ingredients.
- Preset tableware in the dining area was not covered or inverted.
- A damaged paper towel dispenser was seen at the two-bay sink. There was also a damaged door gasket on one walk-in cooler and a missing hood filter in the main kitchen.
- Cutting boards had deep scratches and scoring that prevented proper cleaning and sanitizing.
- Plastic crates were being used for food elevation inside walk-in coolers and freezers.
- The report said drying shelves in the warewashing area had grease and dust buildup, and food debris was found inside microwaves.
- Dust and grease accumulation were present on the exhaust filters under the hood system. Dust and debris were observed on equipment gaskets, vent covers, cooler door tracks, and floors. Pools of water and grease were also seen in walk-in cooler areas.
- Grease buildup was seen on the grease trap in the warewashing area.
- Damaged flooring was observed in the kitchen, along with ceiling gaps in the main kitchen area.
A more detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the report, the restaurant was not in compliance. The restaurant is expected to eliminate all the violations observed in the report before the reinspection. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of its health license.
