A restaurant could not pass the health inspection round conducted by Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health on March 26. This was a reinspection by the department in which Mallu Cafe demonstrated multiple ‘repeat’ and ‘new’ violations.
Inspectors of the Department of Public Health undertake the stringent process to make sure that all Philadelphian restaurants comply with the health regulations at eateries across the city.
Please note that the result mentioned here is from a particular inspection conducted on March 26 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishment.
Highlights
- Mallu Cafe could not demonstrate satisfactory health compliance in an inspection by Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health.
- In the reinspection round on March 26, several issues like food debris, unclean hands while cooking, and an inoperable garbage grinder came to light.
- The Indian restaurant based in Philadelphia has been ordered to take corrective measures to avoid stricter actions by the department.
Mallu Cafe
Unhygienic cooking space and poor state of physical facilities led to Mallu Cafe’s poor performance (Source: Google Reviews)
- Where: 10181 Verree Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19116
- Date: March 26, 2025
With its menu having Kerala parotta, beans thoran, and Kappa mutton biryani, Mallu Cafe has been bringing authentic South Indian flavor to the Philadelphian crowd. However, in a health inspection process conducted by the Department of Public Health this Wednesday, the Philadelphian restaurant could not perform well.
Inspectors went to the Indian restaurant for reinspection but found that while some issues were resolved, others remained along with new ones. This is why Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health listed out the ‘repeat’ and ‘new’ violations and asked the food facility to be ready for another reassessment.
Inspection Findings at Mallu Cafe
The Department of Public Health listed its final observations and corrective actions for the Verre Road-based restaurant as per violations under two categories. While assessing the category of ‘Foodborne Illness Risk Factors and Public Health Interventions,’ inspectors found that Mallu Cafe’s employees did not wash their hands properly.
The health department officials noted the presence of uncovered, pre-prepared food at the facility. Potentially hazardous foods, such as goat and cheese, were stored for more than 48 hours. Food debris was also found in the prep area at Mallu Cafe.
While checking for the second ‘Good Retail Practices,’ Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health found that there was a gap in Mallu Cafe’s rear exit door. The cover light was also missing in the Indian food facility’s kitchen area. Other than these, its garbage grinder, exhaust hood system, and food prep sink were not operable. The full report of Mallu Cafe’s inspection is available here.
In the reinspection conducted on March 26, officials of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health saw that corrective measures had been taken for many points stated earlier. However, based on the new and repeat violations, Mallu Cafe has been asked to work on multiple areas. The Department of Public Health will assess the Indian restaurant’s compliance again on reinspection.
