CHONG'S CHINESE REST
1164 W FLAGLER ST, Miami FL 33130 · 5456625
Last inspected Jun 29, 2026 · 11 visits since January 2024
FEB 24
OCT 24
MAR 25
NOV 25
JUN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed mushrooms at reach in cooler at cook line moldy and unwholesom.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2017034443 | Jul 17, 2017 | Aug 16, 2017 | $400 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Jun 29, 2026□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed surface rust on shelves inside the walk in cooler.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed throughout the kitchen area.
Jun 26, 2026■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 8 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Inadequate number/capacity of cold holding units to maintain time/temperature control for safety food at proper temperatures. Observed both reach in coolers at the cook line and the walk in cooler are not working properly. Temperature was at 62F.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed surface rust on shelves inside the walk in cooler.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic containers used as scoop inside the sugar containers stored at the dining area.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed both reach in coolers at the cook line and the walk in cooler are not working properly. All food are out of temperature.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at both reach in coolers at the cooked line and at the walk in cooler.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed throughout the kitchen area.
Jun 24, 2026■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 12 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Inadequate number/capacity of cold holding units to maintain time/temperature control for safety food at proper temperatures. Observed both reach in coolers at the cook line and the walk in cooler are not working properly. Temperature was at 62F.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed surface rust on shelves inside the walk in cooler.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic containers used as scoop inside the sugar containers stored at the dining area.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed both reach in coolers at the cook line and the walk in cooler are not working properly. All food are out of temperature.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with food debris and grease throughout the kitchen area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at the front counter.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at both reach in coolers at the cooked line and at the walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled at the cook line. Observed fan covers with accumulated dust inside the walk in cooler and by the rear exit.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed throughout the kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with accumulated grease throughout the kitchen area.
Jun 23, 2026■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 25 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority2 Intermediate20 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork inside supermarket bag on preparation table.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed dumplings (44 F - Cold Holding); sprouts (58 F - Cold Holding) shrimp (73 F - Cold Holding); sprouts (68 F - Cold Holding); shell eggs (72 F - Cold Holding); chicken (57 F - Cold Holding); beef (63 F - Cold Holding); pork (58 F - Cold Holding); noodles (55 F - Cold Holding); shrimp (55 F - Cold Holding); cabbage (62 F - Cold Holding) pasta (56 F - Cold Holding); shrimp (57 F - Cold Holding); sprouts (59 F - Cold Holding); ham (46 F - Cold Holding). All foods were stored inside reach in coolers at the cook line and inside the walk in cooler. As per employee foods have been out of temperature for more than 4 hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed dumplings (44 F - Cold Holding); sprouts (58 F - Cold Holding) shrimp (73 F - Cold Holding); sprouts (68 F - Cold Holding); shell eggs (72 F - Cold Holding); chicken (57 F - Cold Holding); beef (63 F - Cold Holding); pork (58 F - Cold Holding); noodles (55 F - Cold Holding); shrimp (55 F - Cold Holding); cabbage (62 F - Cold Holding) pasta (56 F - Cold Holding); shrimp (57 F - Cold Holding); sprouts (59 F - Cold Holding); ham (46 F - Cold Holding). All foods were stored inside reach in coolers at the cook line and inside the walk in cooler. As per employee foods have been out of temperature for more than 4 hours.
Inadequate number/capacity of cold holding units to maintain time/temperature control for safety food at proper temperatures. Observed both reach in coolers at the cook line and the walk in cooler are not working properly. Temperature was at 62°F.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed surface rust on shelves inside the walk in cooler.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic containers used as scoop inside the sugar containers stored at the dining area.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed both reach in coolers at the cook line and the walk in cooler are not working properly. All food are out of temperature.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 3 dead roaches. One in the floor of the kitchen and 2 inside storage cabinets by the bathroom area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed a cell phone stored on table at the front counter where they were preparing wontons.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with food debris and grease throughout the kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Observed sugar bags and oil containers stored in the floor by the bathroom area.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed a hole in the wall behind the ice machine at the front counter
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at the front counter.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.observed knives stored between the wall and preparation table in the kitchen area.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water at 85°F next to the rice cooker.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board in the kitchen area..
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at both reach in coolers at the cooked line and at the walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled at the cook line. Observed fan covers with accumulated dust inside the walk in cooler and by the rear exit.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed pork inside standing on preparation table in the kitchen area.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed throughout the kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with accumulated grease throughout the kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar containers not identified at the dining area.
Nov 25, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed surface rust on shelves at walk in cooler.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed throughout kitchen and warewashing area.
Nov 24, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed COOKED SHRIMP (47F - Cooling); COOKED EGGS (47F - Cooling) at reach in cooler at server area.
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed mushrooms at reach in cooler at cook line moldy and unwholesom.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed COOKED SHRIMP (47F - Cooling); COOKED EGGS (47F - Cooling) at reach in cooler at server area.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at handwashing sink a kitchen area. Employee replenished during inspection.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed surface rust on shelves at walk in cooler.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed two dead roaches by kitchen exit. Employee discarded them. Observed one dead roach in reach in cooler next to cook line where food was stored.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor behind and between fryer and stove heavily soiled with grease.
Food stored on floor. Observed multiple cases of fry oil stored on the floor of dry storage closet. Observed a case of broccoli stored on the floor at walk in cooler.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave at kitchen area soiled with food debris.
No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray. Observed no drip tray at hood system.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing signs at both restrooms.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed rear exit door not self closing.
Standing water in bottom of walk-in-cooler/reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water at walk in cooler.
Stored food not covered. Observed at walk in freezer diced ham, cooked pork fried shrimp not covered.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed throughout kitchen and warewashing area.
Mar 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority6 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Provided to operator via email.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed scrub inside hws at kitchen, employee removed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator replaced.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Operator replaced.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed white rice inside reach in cooler no date marked, as per operator for more than 24 prior.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at cook line.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed throughout cook line.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed tiles in disrepair throughout kitchen.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled at cook line.
Dec 2, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed produce stored inside thank you bag inside reach in cooler at front counter.
Expired chlorine chemical test kit on 10-01-2014 provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed white rice inside reach in cooler by kitchen entrance no date marked, as per person in charge for more than 24 hours prior. Observed soup inside walk in cooler no date marked, as per person in charge for more than 24 hours prior.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors with heavy grease accumulation by fryers and cook line.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed several floor tiles in disrepair at kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer at front counter.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on ovens doors at kitchen area.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer at cook line reach in coolers.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
Stored food not covered. Observed raw beef stored inside reach in freezer at front counter not covered.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on top of reach in cooler by cook line.
Oct 3, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 24 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority9 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed produce stored inside thank you bag inside reach in cooler at front counter.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over diced ham inside reach in cooler at cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beans sprouts (80F - Cold Holding); white rice (62F - Cold Holding) on top of reach in cooler at cook line, as per cook for approximately 1 hour prior. Coached operator on correct procedures.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed cooked washing hands inside 3 compartment sink.
Expired chlorine chemical test kit on 10-01-2014 provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed scrub inside handwashing sink, operator removed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator replaced.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Operator replaced.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed white rice inside reach in cooler by kitchen entrance no date marked, as per person in charge for more than 24 hours prior. Observed soup inside walk in cooler no date marked, as per person in charge for more than 24 hours prior.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed all employee training provided by FRALA expired on 09-01-2024.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors with heavy grease accumulation by fryers and cook line.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed several floor tiles in disrepair at kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer at front counter.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on ovens doors at kitchen area.
Light not functioning. Observed light at cook line blinking.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer at cook line reach in coolers.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
Stored food not covered. Observed raw beef stored inside reach in freezer at front counter not covered.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on top of reach in cooler by cook line.
Feb 8, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employees handled soiled exterior of food coolers then engaged in food prep activity without washing hands or changing gloves. Manager intervened.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Container of cooked pork cubes on floor with walk in cooler curtain touch food. About 1 pound of pork.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sprouts at 70°. Per Person In Charge. Items was placed about noon. Moved by manager to ice container.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ About 5 food service employees with no certified food Manger onsite
No soap provided at handwash sink. Missing soap at rear Hand wash sink. Replaced by manager.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Minor Soiled deflector plate in ice machine located: frontline.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Customer restroom with no self closing mechanism.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Floors in poor condition at cookline.
Food stored on floor. Multiple prepped foods uncovered and on floor in walk in cooler.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Soiled interior of kitchen oven.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Loose insulation to cooler. Frontline.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Soiled interior of Reach in cooler. Kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Multiple uncovered foods in walk in cooler. Cut vegetables. Raw seafoods.
Jan 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority4 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed to operator at time of inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic water pitcher stored in handwash sink, behind front counter. Employee removed item stored in sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink located next to back kitchen exit door.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed white rice, cooked from the pervious morning, not dated marked, stored in reach in cooler near kitchen entrance.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors at restrooms used by food employees.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves located inside walk in cooler.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed porous ceiling tiles, not smooth, above front counter area and near kitchen door entrance.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair located above kitchen entrance doorway.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license dated October 1, 2023 on bulletin board located behind front counter.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris located inside walk in cooler.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair located throughout kitchen area.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed plastic containers of soy sauce stored on floor behind front counter. Observed plastic/box containers of oil stored on floor at small storage closet near restroom area.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit located throughout kitchen area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees located at restrooms used by food employees.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed heavily soiled and rusted fan cover inside walk in cooler.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust pitted shelves at beverage coolers near front counter.
Stored food not covered. Observed multiple containers of cooked white rice stored in reach in cooler, not kept covered, located near kitchen entrance doorway. Observed various containers of food inside walk in cooler, not kept covered.
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.