[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on October 23 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
The Philadelphia health department conducted a routine health inspection at Nirvana Indian Bistro on October 23. The inspection report revealed several violations, including debris, dust and grease accumulation in the kitchen area and evidence of rodent activity.
Nirvana Indian Bistro
- When: October 23, 2025
- Where: 8609 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
According to the inspection report, the Nirvana Indian Bistro was cited for multiple violations. They are as follows:
- The person in charge had a ServSafe certificate but lacked a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department.
- There was no handwashing sign at the kitchen sink to remind staff to wash their hands.
- A canned food item was observed stored in direct contact with chicken in the cold prep unit. The can was removed. The report also noted raw whole shell eggs stored above ready-to-eat food in the reach-in refrigerator.
- According to the report, probe thermometers for checking food temperatures were missing or hard to reach.
- Working bulk food ingredient storage containers are not labeled with the common name of the food.
- The report documented mouse droppings in the basement.
- Mouse droppings were observed at the top of the basement steps and beside a storage rack, and flour debris was present on the basement floor.
- The food facility did not have proper quat sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration. Food debris was observed on the bottom surface of the reach-in refrigerator and on the bottom surface of the reach-in freezer.
- Inspectors noted dust accumulation on the ceiling vent in the restroom. Cracked floor tiles were observed in the kitchen area.
- Debris, dust, and grease were observed on ceiling pipes in the kitchen. Food debris was seen under the hot hold and reach-in units. It was also found on the basement floor beneath the storage racks.
- Hood filters had an accumulation of dust and grease, and dust buildup was observed on the front vents of the hood.
A detailed health inspection report is available here.
Follow-Up Inspection
The report mentions that the establishment is not in satisfactory compliance and is required to take corrective actions to address the identified violations. Compliance will be evaluated during a follow-up inspection.
The report stated that the restaurant must complete a Change of Ownership Application and obtain a food safety certificate.
The establishment is required to obtain a City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate. Applications and fees must be submitted within 30 days of this inspection. Failure to do so may result in an Intent to Cease Operations order.
A valid food license was not presented during the inspection. A current food license is mandatory to operate. If the license has recently expired, the establishment must contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) for renewal. After a compliant inspection, the Department of Public Health can issue a License Eligibility Report (LER) if needed.
