[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from inspections conducted on August 11 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.]
The Philadelphia Department of Health conducted a routine health inspection at Mallu Cafe on August 11. Following the inspection, the restaurant voluntarily closed while it works to address multiple health code violations, according to the report.
The violations included insufficient hot water at the sinks, evidence of mouse and cockroach activity, and grease accumulation.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Mallu Cafe
When: August 11, 2026
Where: 10181 Verree Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19116, United States
Mallu Cafe is a family-friendly South Indian restaurant. It serves authentic coastal Kerala-style cuisine and Indo-Chinese options. According to the inspection report, the violations included:
- At the beginning of the inspection, the report noted that the hands could not be properly washed at the handwashing sinks and warewashing sinks. The water temperature was measured at 72°F, below the required temperature. The report stated that water at all sinks must reach at least 100°F.
- The handwashing sink in the restroom area had no paper towels in the paper towel dispenser. The person in charge (PIC) was instructed to provide paper towels in the dispenser.
- The report noted a food container lid in the handwashing sink in the food preparation area. The PIC was asked to remove the lid from the handwashing sink.
- The report noted that beef stew stored uncovered on the counter was measured at 120°F, below the required 135°F.
- According to the report, potentially hazardous ready-to-eat foods stored for more than 48 hours were not properly date-marked. The food was stored in the reach-in refrigerator and was not marked with a date. The staff was advised to mark the food items with the proper date.
- The report noted that pre-made beverages were also not labeled properly with the name of the product, ingredient statement, net weight, distributed by statement, and nutritional facts.
- In the dining area of the facility, an insect control device was stored that could possibly contaminate food, equipment, and utensils.
- The report found visible evidence of rodent/fly activity in the food prep area, and old mouse droppings were also found near the rear exit door. A dead cockroach was found inside a bowl of oil near the rear exit door.
- The food employees were observed not wearing or wearing ineffective hair restraints (nets, hats, or beard restraints).
- A moist wiping cloth was found lying on the counter and was not stored in the sanitizing solution.
- Multiple broken equipment items were observed in the facility, including one cold prep unit with under-counter and one under-counter fridge. Two broken hot holding units were observed in the front service area.
- Ice accumulation and food debris were observed inside the reach-in freezer in the kitchen area and fridges throughout the restaurant. The toilet room was also found unclean.
- The garbage area was not emptied frequently. The restaurant staff was instructed to remove and recycle garbage from the facility regularly to prevent odors from developing and harboring insects and rodents.
- The outdoor surface of the restaurant for trash, recyclables, and returnables should be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain properly. The report stated that the surface should be constructed of a nonabsorbent material, such as concrete or asphalt.
- Heavy floor debris was noted throughout the facility. Grease accumulation was observed on the ventilation hoods in the food prep area.
- The brooms were stored directly on the floor surfaces in the facility.
- The basement of the restaurant was not inspected on August 11 due to plumbing work happening during the inspection.
A detailed inspection report of Mallu Cafe is available here.
Follow-Up Inspection
Following the routine inspection, the restaurant voluntarily decided to close its operations. The restaurant is required to correct all the violations and receive approval from the Department of Health before resuming operations. A follow-up inspection will be conducted to verify compliance.
